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Match Report: The best away win yet - and we deserved it!


Olé

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In my lifetime I don't recall a season with so many convincing away wins at tough places, today might be the best of the lot. With ten games to go, easily our hardest fixture left delivered a stunning 3 points and you couldn't say we didn't deserve it.

Besides a dubious Blades opener waved on by pantomime anti-City ref Linnington, only a mid second half purple patch from the hosts made it a contest, otherwise it was all City, back from international break with a clear gameplan and lots of energy.

City deserved both of their equalisers but given the visitors poor run its unlikely that anyone at Bramall Lane anticipated that we had a winner in us, and yet after finally fading 55 minutes in, City somehow round a decisive second wind led by their subs.

As in the home fixture against the Blades, Johnson radically changed the team to a rare 3-5-2 to counter their shape, giving an extraordinary return to long term injury victim Korey Smith. Bar a rusty touch or two, Smith and Pack took over midfield.

In the third minute a well worked spell of City passing gave Brownhill a sighter from 20 yards, his low shot flashing beyond the far post with Diedhiou closing in to turn home. And yet with just about their only first half attack the hosts went in front.

Wright chopped down McGoldrick way out on the left and from Fleck's free kick Billy Sharp crashed in at the far post to bundle a header home. Diedhiou, so often a first ball star at set pieces, was shoved to the ground but ref Linnington saw nothing.

Despite that, City dominated possession, only to give the ball away cheaply every time we got players forward, due to poor final passes. It would be a feature of City all day, the win may have been by more if we had been less profligate in attack. 

And yet we still dominated chances. On 13 Brownhill's shimmy made room for a tame low shot at keeper. 4 minutes later Korey pushed forward, shaped to shoot, then rolled it to Fam who turned a marker and saw a shot blocked at close range 

Albeit 1-0 down, it was all City, and just a minute later Pack took his time in midfield before picking out Brownhill making a run across the edge of the box, City's young midfielder hitting a first time curling shot, tipped wide of the angle of post and bar 

On 21 we broke dangerously via Weimann, and then Diedhiou on the left, the ball was spread out right to full back Hunt who lost it at the first attempt, but Korey recovered and returned it to Hunt. His cross found Weimann at the near post to head wide.

Inside 30 minutes City produced the move of the half, patiently probing wing to wing led by Pack. Hunt's deep cross was cut out, but a second found Weimann coming short to glance a looping backwards header over the keeper into the far corner. 

The equaliser was no more than City had deserved and minutes later the visitors had their tails up, rallying, Weimann twice got in behind their backline, the second time laying it back to the onrushing Pack whose low curling shot was easy to save.

The half fizzled out with City comfortably on top, indeed in injury time Brownhill's free kick from the left wing was straight into the grateful keepers hands - the City midfielder would go much closer in the second half with a sensational set piece.

After the break it was still all City. On 47 a deep ball found Diedhiou right of the box and a smart first touch took him inside his marker and squared it across the six yard box to Weimann, who made the mistake of taking an extra touch, the ball cut out.

Two minutes later a brilliant move led by Korey worked down the right channel, the ball then fed inside to Pack centre of goal who made room but a loose unnecessary extra touch yet again squandered the ball cheaply when the shot was opening up.

On 51 City intercepted the ball on the left, switching it inside to Korey breaking fast down the middle, his low shot easy for the keeper. On 53 we broke again, Brownhill's ambitious shot from the right deflected to Weimann who tested the keeper down low.

And suddenly that was it. City had bossed well over a half of football and yet all of a sudden Sheff Utd were hitting back. City couldn't clear their lines, as poor touches around our own box allowed the hosts to put the visitors under sustained pressure. 

A brief respite at the midway point in the half saw City break, feed Weimann, who was cut down as he shot. Now Brownhill's central free kick - after a long build up - would crash unerringly off the inside of the post with keeper rooted to his spot.

Yet it was all Blades and with 20 left they took a lead their belated purpose scarcely deserved. Breaking down the left they cut inside and spread it to their open man on the other side, Baldock beat Dasilva to the byline and cut back for Hogan to head in.

Given that City had all but disappeared as a force from about 53 minutes, you sensed this was the start of the quiet capitulation. But LJ threw on Palmer and Paterson and almost immediately the away side found a new spark that their endeavour deserved.

Quarter of an hour left Kasey Palmer ran in from the left to dink a well weighted ball over the top to Diedhiou who did brilliantly to turn and hold it up at the near post and spot Weimann's run - unselfishly flicking it to the far post for the Austrian to hook in.

And just over 5 minutes on and City raced into a first lead their performance deserved. The energetic Weimann strode out of midfield, exchanged passes with Diedhiou, collected the return, skipped clear of the last man and lashed past the keeper.

By a the packed away end it was the cue for delirium as City's players mobbed the hat trick hero in front their jubilant massed ranks. And the energetic visitors saw out the last ten minutes with little incident as the Blades wasted chance after chance. 

And so it was another remarkable stop off on City's amazing run of improbable away wins - this one against the highest ranked team LJ's men have conquered on the road. And it was exactly what we deserved after dominating at Bramall Lane.

Besides being on a typically poor run, City has a reputation for coming out of international breaks flat but you could not say that today as Johnson had his team playing the better football and in Korey proved that this squad has much more to give.

 

 

O'Leary 6 Still a suspect position, some flapping and parrying earlier but kicking was good and handling finished strong when we were under attack, which was crucial

Wright 6 Threw himself into everything, gave away a few silly fouls and passes but streetwise to the end

Kalas 6 Got stronger as the game went on

Webster 6 Important part of our build out of defence but one or two loose passes

Hunt 6 Great cross for our opener - he is always a threat going forward, but positioning suspect at the back several times, albeit he was streetwise at the end

Dasilva 8 One of our best players, besides not cutting out the cross for their second, to my eyes he was brilliant in and out of possession, an absolute terrier

Smith 7 A couple of horror rusty touches to give it away - we wasted the ball when in advanced positions so often it could've been much more comfortable if we hadn't - but for the most part his energy and his drive from in front of our back four was a long missed asset, at times he seemed to have engaged Man Utd mode to run on in forward positions he has no right to be in 

Pack 7 Bar a couple of loose passes he was calm, composed and ran the midfield

Brownhill 6 Besides a brilliant free kick I thought he was the weakest of the midfield and didn't really get his foot on the ball enough   

Weimann 9 A sensational performance that was headlined not by the goals but by the energy - he never stopped running for balls from start to finish. An absolute bundle of energy. He's done is all season without reward so this was all well earned.

Diedhiou 7 Horribly isolated at times and largely anonymous first half but his critics will probably choose to ignore his vital role second half - his strength and quick thinking for our second were the highlight of the game 

 

Palmer 8 Has been hit and miss as a sub if late, today his impetus was absolutely integral to our second lease of life

Paterson 6 Another part of the spark we needed albeit his own forward touches or passes weren't significant 

Baker 6 Didn't have to do much but such a positive to see LJ sending on a centre back to see out a game, the sort of sub I want to see the manager making more of

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One of my few games I have got to this year.

After watching us on stream v Ipswich, was not really expecting anything other than a defeat. 1-0 down early I thought might be a heavy one! Completely unexpected performance over the 90 for me and totally deserved our win. 

In some ways reminded me more of last season than this. We seemed to me much sharper at closing down and created a lot more, sometimes at the risk of giving away more chances ourselves. Sheff Utd really had both their best spells when level the first two times, and seemed to go in to their shell more when leading. If we had drawn 2-2 would still have come away happy from a good performance.

Lots of big games to go, but amazing what a good win does for the mood. Convinced the end the season was just going to drift in to nothingness, and suddenly there is that hope thing again! 

Dreaming, but would not mind them over two legs in the play offs!

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47 minutes ago, Olé said:

In my lifetime I don't recall a season with so many convincing away wins at tough places, today might be the best of the lot. With ten games to go, easily our hardest fixture left delivered a stunning 3 points and you couldn't say we didn't deserve it.

Besides a dubious Blades opener waved on by pantomime anti-City ref Linnington, only a mid second half purple patch from the hosts made it a contest, otherwise it was all City, back from international break with a clear gameplan and lots of energy.

City deserved both of their equalisers but given the visitors poor run its unlikely that anyone at Bramall Lane anticipated that we had a winner in us, and yet after finally fading 55 minutes in, City somehow round a decisive second wind led by their subs.

As in the home fixture against the Blades, Johnson radically changed the team to a rare 3-5-2 to counter their shape, giving an extraordinary return to long term injury victim Korey Smith. Bar a rusty touch or two, Smith and Pack took over midfield.

In the third minute a well worked spell of City passing gave Brownhill a sighter from 20 yards, his low shot flashing beyond the far post with Diedhiou closing in to turn home. And yet with just about their only first half attack the hosts went in front.

Wright chopped down McGoldrick way out on the left and from Fleck's free kick Billy Sharp crashed in at the far post to bundle a header home. Diedhiou, so often a first ball star at set pieces, was shoved to the ground but ref Linnington saw nothing.

Despite that, City dominated possession, only to give the ball away cheaply every time we got players forward, due to poor final passes. It would be a feature of City all day, the win may have been by more if we had been less profligate in attack. 

And yet we still dominated chances. On 13 Brownhill's shimmy made room for a tame low shot at keeper. 4 minutes later Korey pushed forward, shaped to shoot, then rolled it to Fam who turned a marker and saw a shot blocked at close range 

Albeit 1-0 down, it was all City, and just a minute later Pack took his time in midfield before picking out Brownhill making a run across the edge of the box, City's young midfielder hitting a first time curling shot, tipped wide of the angle of post and bar 

On 21 we broke dangerously via Weimann, and then Diedhiou on the left, the ball was spread out right to full back Hunt who lost it at the first attempt, but Korey recovered and returned it to Hunt. His cross found Weimann at the near post to head wide.

Inside 30 minutes City produced the move of the half, patiently probing wing to wing led by Pack. Hunt's deep cross was cut out, but a second found Weimann coming short to glance a looping backwards header over the keeper into the far corner. 

The equaliser was no more than City had deserved and minutes later the visitors had their tails up, rallying, Weimann twice got in behind their backline, the second time laying it back to the onrushing Pack whose low curling shot was easy to save.

The half fizzled out with City comfortably on top, indeed in injury time Brownhill's free kick from the left wing was straight into the grateful keepers hands - the City midfielder would go much closer in the second half with a sensational set piece.

After the break it was still all City. On 47 a deep ball found Diedhiou right of the box and a smart first touch took him inside his marker and squared it across the six yard box to Weimann, who made the mistake of taking an extra touch, the ball cut out.

Two minutes later a brilliant move led by Korey worked down the right channel, the ball then fed inside to Pack centre of goal who made room but a loose unnecessary extra touch yet again squandered the ball cheaply when the shot was opening up.

On 51 City intercepted the ball on the left, switching it inside to Korey breaking fast down the middle, his low shot easy for the keeper. On 53 we broke again, Brownhill's ambitious shot from the right deflected to Weimann who tested the keeper down low.

And suddenly that was it. City had bossed well over a half of football and yet all of a sudden Sheff Utd were hitting back. City couldn't clear their lines, as poor touches around our own box allowed the hosts to put the visitors under sustained pressure. 

A brief respite at the midway point in the half saw City break, feed Weimann, who was cut down as he shot. Now Brownhill's central free kick - after a long build up - would crash unerringly off the inside of the post with keeper rooted to his spot.

Yet it was all Blades and with 20 left they took a lead their belated purpose scarcely deserved. Breaking down the left they cut inside and spread it to their open man on the other side, Baldock beat Dasilva to the byline and cut back for Hogan to head in.

Given that City had all but disappeared as a force from about 53 minutes, you sensed this was the start of the quiet capitulation. But LJ threw on Palmer and Paterson and almost immediately the away side found a new spark that their endeavour deserved.

Quarter of an hour left Kasey Palmer ran in from the left to dink a well weighted ball over the top to Diedhiou who did brilliantly to turn and hold it up at the near post and spot Weimann's run - unselfishly flicking it to the far post for the Austrian to hook in.

And just over 5 minutes on and City raced into a first lead their performance deserved. The energetic Weimann strode out of midfield, exchanged passes with Diedhiou, collected the return, skipped clear of the last man and lashed past the keeper.

By a the packed away end it was the cue for delirium as City's players mobbed the hat trick hero in front their jubilant massed ranks. And the energetic visitors saw out the last ten minutes with little incident as the Blades wasted chance after chance. 

And so it was another remarkable stop off on City's amazing run of improbable away wins - this one against the highest ranked team LJ's men have conquered on the road. And it was exactly what we deserved after dominating at Bramall Lane.

Besides being on a typically poor run, City has a reputation for coming out of international breaks flat but you could not say that today as Johnson had his team playing the better football and in Korey proved that this squad has much more to give.

 

 

O'Leary 6 Still a suspect position, some flapping and parrying earlier but kicking was good and handling finished strong when we were under attack, which was crucial

Wright 6 Threw himself into everything, gave away a few silly fouls and passes but streetwise to the end

Kalas 6 Got stronger as the game went on

Webster 6 Important part of our build out of defence but one or two loose passes

Hunt 6 Great cross for our opener - he is always a threat going forward, but positioning suspect at the back several times, albeit he was streetwise at the end

Dasilva 8 One of our best players, besides not cutting out the cross for their second, to my eyes he was brilliant in and out of possession, an absolute terrier

Smith 7 A couple of horror rusty touches to give it away - we wasted the ball when in advanced positions so often it could've been much more comfortable if we hadn't - but for the most part his energy and his drive from in front of our back four was a long missed asset, at times he seemed to have engaged Man Utd mode to run on in forward positions he has no right to be in 

Pack 7 Bar a couple of loose passes he was calm, composed and ran the midfield

Brownhill 6 Besides a brilliant free kick I thought he was the weakest of the midfield and didn't really get his foot on the ball enough   

Weimann 9 A sensational performance that was headlined not by the goals but by the energy - he never stopped running for balls from start to finish. An absolute bundle of energy. He's done is all season without reward so this was all well earned.

Diedhiou 7 Horribly isolated at times and largely anonymous first half but his critics will probably choose to ignore his vital role second half - his strength and quick thinking for our second were the highlight of the game 

 

Palmer 8 Has been hit and miss as a sub if late, today his impetus was absolutely integral to our second lease of life

Paterson 6 Another part of the spark we needed albeit his own forward touches or passes weren't significant 

Baker 6 Didn't have to do much but such a positive to see LJ sending on a centre back to see out a game, the sort of sub I want to see the manager making more of

3 4 2 1 not 3 5 2. Brownhill & Weimann behind Fam. Changed with late subs to 4 4 2 then 4 1 41 to see it out. 

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42 minutes ago, Olé said:

.Quarter of an hour left Kasey Palmer ran in from the left to dink a well weighted ball over the top to Diedhiou who did brilliantly to turn and hold it up at the near post and spot Weimann's run - unselfishly flicking it to the far post for the Austrian to hook in.

Minor correction @Olé. It was Paterson’s dink to Diedhiou, who knocked it back to Palmer, who crossed it for Weimann to score. 

Other than that, your report and markings were spot on although I agree with @Davefevs, if Weimann doesn’t receive a 10, then nobody ever will!

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52 minutes ago, Olé said:

In my lifetime I don't recall a season with so many convincing away wins at tough places, today might be the best of the lot. With ten games to go, easily our hardest fixture left delivered a stunning 3 points and you couldn't say we didn't deserve it.

Besides a dubious Blades opener waved on by pantomime anti-City ref Linnington, only a mid second half purple patch from the hosts made it a contest, otherwise it was all City, back from international break with a clear gameplan and lots of energy.

City deserved both of their equalisers but given the visitors poor run its unlikely that anyone at Bramall Lane anticipated that we had a winner in us, and yet after finally fading 55 minutes in, City somehow round a decisive second wind led by their subs.

As in the home fixture against the Blades, Johnson radically changed the team to a rare 3-5-2 to counter their shape, giving an extraordinary return to long term injury victim Korey Smith. Bar a rusty touch or two, Smith and Pack took over midfield.

In the third minute a well worked spell of City passing gave Brownhill a sighter from 20 yards, his low shot flashing beyond the far post with Diedhiou closing in to turn home. And yet with just about their only first half attack the hosts went in front.

Wright chopped down McGoldrick way out on the left and from Fleck's free kick Billy Sharp crashed in at the far post to bundle a header home. Diedhiou, so often a first ball star at set pieces, was shoved to the ground but ref Linnington saw nothing.

Despite that, City dominated possession, only to give the ball away cheaply every time we got players forward, due to poor final passes. It would be a feature of City all day, the win may have been by more if we had been less profligate in attack. 

And yet we still dominated chances. On 13 Brownhill's shimmy made room for a tame low shot at keeper. 4 minutes later Korey pushed forward, shaped to shoot, then rolled it to Fam who turned a marker and saw a shot blocked at close range 

Albeit 1-0 down, it was all City, and just a minute later Pack took his time in midfield before picking out Brownhill making a run across the edge of the box, City's young midfielder hitting a first time curling shot, tipped wide of the angle of post and bar 

On 21 we broke dangerously via Weimann, and then Diedhiou on the left, the ball was spread out right to full back Hunt who lost it at the first attempt, but Korey recovered and returned it to Hunt. His cross found Weimann at the near post to head wide.

Inside 30 minutes City produced the move of the half, patiently probing wing to wing led by Pack. Hunt's deep cross was cut out, but a second found Weimann coming short to glance a looping backwards header over the keeper into the far corner. 

The equaliser was no more than City had deserved and minutes later the visitors had their tails up, rallying, Weimann twice got in behind their backline, the second time laying it back to the onrushing Pack whose low curling shot was easy to save.

The half fizzled out with City comfortably on top, indeed in injury time Brownhill's free kick from the left wing was straight into the grateful keepers hands - the City midfielder would go much closer in the second half with a sensational set piece.

After the break it was still all City. On 47 a deep ball found Diedhiou right of the box and a smart first touch took him inside his marker and squared it across the six yard box to Weimann, who made the mistake of taking an extra touch, the ball cut out.

Two minutes later a brilliant move led by Korey worked down the right channel, the ball then fed inside to Pack centre of goal who made room but a loose unnecessary extra touch yet again squandered the ball cheaply when the shot was opening up.

On 51 City intercepted the ball on the left, switching it inside to Korey breaking fast down the middle, his low shot easy for the keeper. On 53 we broke again, Brownhill's ambitious shot from the right deflected to Weimann who tested the keeper down low.

And suddenly that was it. City had bossed well over a half of football and yet all of a sudden Sheff Utd were hitting back. City couldn't clear their lines, as poor touches around our own box allowed the hosts to put the visitors under sustained pressure. 

A brief respite at the midway point in the half saw City break, feed Weimann, who was cut down as he shot. Now Brownhill's central free kick - after a long build up - would crash unerringly off the inside of the post with keeper rooted to his spot.

Yet it was all Blades and with 20 left they took a lead their belated purpose scarcely deserved. Breaking down the left they cut inside and spread it to their open man on the other side, Baldock beat Dasilva to the byline and cut back for Hogan to head in.

Given that City had all but disappeared as a force from about 53 minutes, you sensed this was the start of the quiet capitulation. But LJ threw on Palmer and Paterson and almost immediately the away side found a new spark that their endeavour deserved.

Quarter of an hour left Kasey Palmer ran in from the left to dink a well weighted ball over the top to Diedhiou who did brilliantly to turn and hold it up at the near post and spot Weimann's run - unselfishly flicking it to the far post for the Austrian to hook in.

And just over 5 minutes on and City raced into a first lead their performance deserved. The energetic Weimann strode out of midfield, exchanged passes with Diedhiou, collected the return, skipped clear of the last man and lashed past the keeper.

By a the packed away end it was the cue for delirium as City's players mobbed the hat trick hero in front their jubilant massed ranks. And the energetic visitors saw out the last ten minutes with little incident as the Blades wasted chance after chance. 

And so it was another remarkable stop off on City's amazing run of improbable away wins - this one against the highest ranked team LJ's men have conquered on the road. And it was exactly what we deserved after dominating at Bramall Lane.

Besides being on a typically poor run, City has a reputation for coming out of international breaks flat but you could not say that today as Johnson had his team playing the better football and in Korey proved that this squad has much more to give.

 

 

O'Leary 6 Still a suspect position, some flapping and parrying earlier but kicking was good and handling finished strong when we were under attack, which was crucial

Wright 6 Threw himself into everything, gave away a few silly fouls and passes but streetwise to the end

Kalas 6 Got stronger as the game went on

Webster 6 Important part of our build out of defence but one or two loose passes

Hunt 6 Great cross for our opener - he is always a threat going forward, but positioning suspect at the back several times, albeit he was streetwise at the end

Dasilva 8 One of our best players, besides not cutting out the cross for their second, to my eyes he was brilliant in and out of possession, an absolute terrier

Smith 7 A couple of horror rusty touches to give it away - we wasted the ball when in advanced positions so often it could've been much more comfortable if we hadn't - but for the most part his energy and his drive from in front of our back four was a long missed asset, at times he seemed to have engaged Man Utd mode to run on in forward positions he has no right to be in 

Pack 7 Bar a couple of loose passes he was calm, composed and ran the midfield

Brownhill 6 Besides a brilliant free kick I thought he was the weakest of the midfield and didn't really get his foot on the ball enough   

Weimann 9 A sensational performance that was headlined not by the goals but by the energy - he never stopped running for balls from start to finish. An absolute bundle of energy. He's done is all season without reward so this was all well earned.

Diedhiou 7 Horribly isolated at times and largely anonymous first half but his critics will probably choose to ignore his vital role second half - his strength and quick thinking for our second were the highlight of the game 

 

Palmer 8 Has been hit and miss as a sub if late, today his impetus was absolutely integral to our second lease of life

Paterson 6 Another part of the spark we needed albeit his own forward touches or passes weren't significant 

Baker 6 Didn't have to do much but such a positive to see LJ sending on a centre back to see out a game, the sort of sub I want to see the manager making more of

Fam was absolutely not isolated, the long overdue formation change gave support and was utterly key to the game. 2 close to him made the midfield strong from front to back and gave rise to counter attacks with number and purpose. 

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8 minutes ago, Rudolf Hucker said:

There’s an oft quoted stat that “Sheffield United have never lost a game under Chris Wilder in which Billy Sharp has scored”, a record getting on for 60 games  

Well, they can’t quote that any more!

Comrade. They have a name for that in Russia, toughshitski.

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A fair and balanced report from Deadbat posted on the S24SU forum ...

The Blades promotion hopes took a blow when they suffered a rare and shock defeat to Bristol City at Bramall Lane. In truth United never got going and despite leading twice, the away side deserved the three points. United had not conceded a goal in seven and non at the Lane since Boxing Day but shipped three in one afternoon in a desperately disappointing performance.


Leeds comeback win against Millwall meant United hard work the previous game was undone as Leeds went back into 2nd spot with seven games to play. With Norwich’s victory at Middlesbrough it was as bad a day as it could have been for the Blades.


In front of an almost capacity crowd, United froze and put in a really poor performance with most of the side nowhere near their best. In contract City pressed, were hungrier and played the better football and had the better chances throughout. It would have been a travesty if they had not taken anything from the game but United did lead with just over quarter of an hour to play but City stuck to their principles and scored two excellent goals to win it with Andrea Weismann scoring a hat trick. After Ryan Sessegnon last season, this was the second successive season a player had scored a hat trick at the Lane for a visiting side.


Manager Wilder was given a blow when Duffy was deemed not fit enough to even be in the match day squad with an Achilles injury. Basham went back into defence and Dowell came in with Cranie the unfortunate man to miss out. Johnson and Washington were back amongst the substitutes.


In front of a near capacity crowd, United forced Bristol City back with McGoldrick lively in the early running. A neat one to led to a chance but the visitors cleared. United won a corner after good build up and Sharp was blocked out and the same man headed wide from the delivery. United won a free kick and from the resultant delivery SHARP nodded home. Bristol City claimed a foul in the melee but it seemed a bit of a desperate plea as United’s leading scorer celebrated being back amongst the goals. United came again soon after with a good run and shot from McGoldrick saved by O’Leary.


Steadily Bristol City came back into the game and they started to control midfield. United sat back and were giving the ball away as City pressed. Gradually Brownhill started to get on the ball and United were forced back. It became City in control for a long spell of play and the crowd started to become restless as the home team gave the ball away when under pressure. Brownhill had a long-range shot tipped away from Henderson and City then won a series of free kicks as they took control of the game.


Pack was booked for a late foul on Norwood but this was temporary rest bite as City came again. Poor play from Norwood saw United give the ball away and then soon after the deserved equaliser came. Stevens should have cleared but miskicked and Norwich got down the right and Hunt sent over a cross that WEIMANN flicked goalward with his head. Henderson seemed to lose the ball in flight and it nestled into the top corner. In truth it had been coming as City had played really well since going behind.


The final stages of the first half saw Bristol look more comfortable on the ball and continue to force United back. Still a decent chance when O’Connell headed over when Sharp seemed to get in his way. The final chance came when Weimann had a debatable free kick saved by Henderson.


At the break Hogan came on for Dowell with McGoldrick dropping into the number 10 role. City began the better side though and Smith forced a save from Henderson. Weimann then nearly got in as United still sat off the Bristol players who seemed to have a lot more time on the ball. United still were not getting any fluency at all although Fleck had a good run and shot pushed away that led to a corner.


Norwood then was booked for a tackle on Weimann and the free kick from Brownhill seemed to have beaten Henderson but hit the post and for the third successive game the woodwork denied United.


The Blades slowly came back into it and Basham and Sharp linked up but the ball was played too far ahead of Hogan. United kept plugging away and good work from Baldock down the right saw his cross perfect for HOGAN to nod down and in. United had the lead with 20 minutes to play.


However, Bristol continued to be the side with more poise and continued to switch play. O’Connell had to go off with a knock and Johnson was given the nod and United seemed to go to a 4-4-2. As United were still re-organising City were level again.


There was no pressure applied on the midfield and a simple ball was allowed into the path of Diedhiou who held it up too easily, rolled it back and Palmer’s cross cut out the whole defence with Stevens and Egan ball watching and WEIMANN superbly turned it into the far corner.


It was now anybody’s game but United continued to look a little ragged. The passing was poor and Bristol City had midfielders running at them and causing problems. At this stage the away side looked the more likely and a lovely one two led to a hat trick from WEIMANN. Diedhiou played it back into his back and his scored with aplomb. United were stunned but they could not argue at the score line as they had been second best.


With just over 5 minutes to play United tried to launch a last-ditch attempt for a point and Johnson nearly found Hogan with a nod back but it was cleared. A late corner came in as the game entered the final 6 minutes of stoppage time but McGoldrick headed over. United could not create any other chances and City soaked things up comfortably to take the big three points.




United – We have been heroic at times in the last few games with effort, desire and organisation. We have not played the football we have seen over the last few seasons and been more of a resilient type of performance. Indeed, Brentford and Leeds have been the better sides with the ball. Today, another side dominated us football wise but worked harder and we got exactly what we deserved.


We did not press them, defended poorly and had no control of the midfield. We led twice but never looked in control and individually and collectively we were second best. United never got going and served up a bit of a bottle job of a performance. On and off the ball we were not at it. Other than maybe McGoldrick, Basham and Fleck and Baldock in spells; most of the team were not good enough today. We looked nervous but never got to grips with City’s tactics. They pressed Norwood, got the wing backs playing right back in our own half an made us go long. When they had it, we never pressed them and sat off. I could not believe how much time our midfield gave them in comparison to the other way around.


We deserved to lose today. Credit to Bristol City. Johnson does seem to have Wilder worked out and we have no answer at times when teams press Norwood and make him go long. We need to have others step up and today we did not. I thought the lack of effort and desire was a concern. I can cope wit the odd bad pass or decision but we just sat off and they made us pay. I felt they looked very dangerous every time they attacked and going the other way it was hard work. We got the lead but never built on it and you felt the leveller coming. After the break it was a bit more even and then we scored after having a let off with the free kick. Once again, we did not build on it. I felt if they scored, they would go on and win and so it proved. They attacked us and got men forward and we struggled. Loads are blaming Johnson but not sure he is at fault for Wilder putting us 4-4-2 at this stage and Stevens made a number of errors today. The midfield also was really poor today and never laid a glove on the opponents who had all the time in the world. I felt out tight defence did not win the balls forward and Diedhiou caused us all sort of problems. The lad was never marked for three goals.


However, the biggest issue for me was the midfield never got to grips with them on the ball and let them dictate the play. We just sat off all game and never got close to them. On the ball we went long and never tried to play much football. It was very scrappy and if we had got anything it would have been undeserved.


Leeds and Norwich both won and after feeling on top of the world a few weeks ago; we now are probably all despondent. We now have two tricky away games and have to show our character. How we do in these will probably dictate whether we are still in the running when we come back to the Lane in a fortnight. Today, we did seem to panic a bit but I felt Bristol also played well and made it hard for us. Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition. However, from the determined, organised and workmanlike team we have seen we saw none of these qualities and were easy to run past and easy to score against today. We lacked fluency on the ball and did not seem to have the shape and pattern of play we normally have. They disrupted us and we never really got going at all. Even at 2-1, it was a less than convincing performance and I would have taken a draw even at that stage. That sums up how the game had been going and how little control we had of proceedings.


We now have a week to reflect and maybe we are better as the chaser and being the underdog again. All the other top 4 won. It has been a dire weekend but it is not over. We have to go again and go on another run. The team has to respond. They will be backed by nearly 6,000 Blades next week – I will be there so report to come probably Sunday morning! We just have to get back to the basics of what got us there. Good quick football with bravery but working hard and outworking the opponent. Today, they did those things better than us. It happens. We just have to move on.



Bristol City – Played really well. They went behind twice but kept in the game; played some good football and controlled things for long periods of the game. They kept coming back and scored three goal goals. Fair play to them. They pressured us high and worked harder than us I felt. They really put a lot into the game and even when pegged back and went behind they kept at it and came right back at us. One of the better sides that have come here. A bit like Brentford with a goal threat really. They have a chance of the 6th spot with Boro slipping back. They have lost lots of key men but keep up near the top and as irritating as he is, Johnson has done a good job there. They play decent attacking football too. Like Swansea; have now done the double over us too.




Opponent man of the match – Brownhill and Pack were excellent in midfield and outplayed Fleck and Norwood but Weimann takes the man of the match. Three superb goals all of a different type. Despite them being the better side, they needed these moments of quality to win the game. Palmer made a difference with a superb ball for the second. Diedhiou is a decent player but cost a lot of money and much more than we have paid for any of our strikers.


Weak link – I felt the keeper for a rookie was not tested. I also thought Wright at the back looked shaky. Hunt is a bit of a clumsy defender and got booked for a poor foul but then made the goal to get them level. Man for man though they are similar to us in quality really so shows how well we have done.

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Thought Brownhill was back to his best yesterday, having Korey and Pack sitting allowed JB to push forward more (his best position) unlucky not to score, and nice to see someone getting forward who’s not afraid to have a go from distance.

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3 hours ago, Rudolf Hucker said:

A fair and balanced report from Deadbat posted on the S24SU forum ...

The Blades promotion hopes took a blow when they suffered a rare and shock defeat to Bristol City at Bramall Lane. In truth United never got going and despite leading twice, the away side deserved the three points. United had not conceded a goal in seven and non at the Lane since Boxing Day but shipped three in one afternoon in a desperately disappointing performance.


Leeds comeback win against Millwall meant United hard work the previous game was undone as Leeds went back into 2nd spot with seven games to play. With Norwich’s victory at Middlesbrough it was as bad a day as it could have been for the Blades.


In front of an almost capacity crowd, United froze and put in a really poor performance with most of the side nowhere near their best. In contract City pressed, were hungrier and played the better football and had the better chances throughout. It would have been a travesty if they had not taken anything from the game but United did lead with just over quarter of an hour to play but City stuck to their principles and scored two excellent goals to win it with Andrea Weismann scoring a hat trick. After Ryan Sessegnon last season, this was the second successive season a player had scored a hat trick at the Lane for a visiting side.


Manager Wilder was given a blow when Duffy was deemed not fit enough to even be in the match day squad with an Achilles injury. Basham went back into defence and Dowell came in with Cranie the unfortunate man to miss out. Johnson and Washington were back amongst the substitutes.


In front of a near capacity crowd, United forced Bristol City back with McGoldrick lively in the early running. A neat one to led to a chance but the visitors cleared. United won a corner after good build up and Sharp was blocked out and the same man headed wide from the delivery. United won a free kick and from the resultant delivery SHARP nodded home. Bristol City claimed a foul in the melee but it seemed a bit of a desperate plea as United’s leading scorer celebrated being back amongst the goals. United came again soon after with a good run and shot from McGoldrick saved by O’Leary.


Steadily Bristol City came back into the game and they started to control midfield. United sat back and were giving the ball away as City pressed. Gradually Brownhill started to get on the ball and United were forced back. It became City in control for a long spell of play and the crowd started to become restless as the home team gave the ball away when under pressure. Brownhill had a long-range shot tipped away from Henderson and City then won a series of free kicks as they took control of the game.


Pack was booked for a late foul on Norwood but this was temporary rest bite as City came again. Poor play from Norwood saw United give the ball away and then soon after the deserved equaliser came. Stevens should have cleared but miskicked and Norwich got down the right and Hunt sent over a cross that WEIMANN flicked goalward with his head. Henderson seemed to lose the ball in flight and it nestled into the top corner. In truth it had been coming as City had played really well since going behind.


The final stages of the first half saw Bristol look more comfortable on the ball and continue to force United back. Still a decent chance when O’Connell headed over when Sharp seemed to get in his way. The final chance came when Weimann had a debatable free kick saved by Henderson.


At the break Hogan came on for Dowell with McGoldrick dropping into the number 10 role. City began the better side though and Smith forced a save from Henderson. Weimann then nearly got in as United still sat off the Bristol players who seemed to have a lot more time on the ball. United still were not getting any fluency at all although Fleck had a good run and shot pushed away that led to a corner.


Norwood then was booked for a tackle on Weimann and the free kick from Brownhill seemed to have beaten Henderson but hit the post and for the third successive game the woodwork denied United.


The Blades slowly came back into it and Basham and Sharp linked up but the ball was played too far ahead of Hogan. United kept plugging away and good work from Baldock down the right saw his cross perfect for HOGAN to nod down and in. United had the lead with 20 minutes to play.


However, Bristol continued to be the side with more poise and continued to switch play. O’Connell had to go off with a knock and Johnson was given the nod and United seemed to go to a 4-4-2. As United were still re-organising City were level again.


There was no pressure applied on the midfield and a simple ball was allowed into the path of Diedhiou who held it up too easily, rolled it back and Palmer’s cross cut out the whole defence with Stevens and Egan ball watching and WEIMANN superbly turned it into the far corner.


It was now anybody’s game but United continued to look a little ragged. The passing was poor and Bristol City had midfielders running at them and causing problems. At this stage the away side looked the more likely and a lovely one two led to a hat trick from WEIMANN. Diedhiou played it back into his back and his scored with aplomb. United were stunned but they could not argue at the score line as they had been second best.


With just over 5 minutes to play United tried to launch a last-ditch attempt for a point and Johnson nearly found Hogan with a nod back but it was cleared. A late corner came in as the game entered the final 6 minutes of stoppage time but McGoldrick headed over. United could not create any other chances and City soaked things up comfortably to take the big three points.




United – We have been heroic at times in the last few games with effort, desire and organisation. We have not played the football we have seen over the last few seasons and been more of a resilient type of performance. Indeed, Brentford and Leeds have been the better sides with the ball. Today, another side dominated us football wise but worked harder and we got exactly what we deserved.


We did not press them, defended poorly and had no control of the midfield. We led twice but never looked in control and individually and collectively we were second best. United never got going and served up a bit of a bottle job of a performance. On and off the ball we were not at it. Other than maybe McGoldrick, Basham and Fleck and Baldock in spells; most of the team were not good enough today. We looked nervous but never got to grips with City’s tactics. They pressed Norwood, got the wing backs playing right back in our own half an made us go long. When they had it, we never pressed them and sat off. I could not believe how much time our midfield gave them in comparison to the other way around.


We deserved to lose today. Credit to Bristol City. Johnson does seem to have Wilder worked out and we have no answer at times when teams press Norwood and make him go long. We need to have others step up and today we did not. I thought the lack of effort and desire was a concern. I can cope wit the odd bad pass or decision but we just sat off and they made us pay. I felt they looked very dangerous every time they attacked and going the other way it was hard work. We got the lead but never built on it and you felt the leveller coming. After the break it was a bit more even and then we scored after having a let off with the free kick. Once again, we did not build on it. I felt if they scored, they would go on and win and so it proved. They attacked us and got men forward and we struggled. Loads are blaming Johnson but not sure he is at fault for Wilder putting us 4-4-2 at this stage and Stevens made a number of errors today. The midfield also was really poor today and never laid a glove on the opponents who had all the time in the world. I felt out tight defence did not win the balls forward and Diedhiou caused us all sort of problems. The lad was never marked for three goals.


However, the biggest issue for me was the midfield never got to grips with them on the ball and let them dictate the play. We just sat off all game and never got close to them. On the ball we went long and never tried to play much football. It was very scrappy and if we had got anything it would have been undeserved.


Leeds and Norwich both won and after feeling on top of the world a few weeks ago; we now are probably all despondent. We now have two tricky away games and have to show our character. How we do in these will probably dictate whether we are still in the running when we come back to the Lane in a fortnight. Today, we did seem to panic a bit but I felt Bristol also played well and made it hard for us. Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition. However, from the determined, organised and workmanlike team we have seen we saw none of these qualities and were easy to run past and easy to score against today. We lacked fluency on the ball and did not seem to have the shape and pattern of play we normally have. They disrupted us and we never really got going at all. Even at 2-1, it was a less than convincing performance and I would have taken a draw even at that stage. That sums up how the game had been going and how little control we had of proceedings.


We now have a week to reflect and maybe we are better as the chaser and being the underdog again. All the other top 4 won. It has been a dire weekend but it is not over. We have to go again and go on another run. The team has to respond. They will be backed by nearly 6,000 Blades next week – I will be there so report to come probably Sunday morning! We just have to get back to the basics of what got us there. Good quick football with bravery but working hard and outworking the opponent. Today, they did those things better than us. It happens. We just have to move on.



Bristol City – Played really well. They went behind twice but kept in the game; played some good football and controlled things for long periods of the game. They kept coming back and scored three goal goals. Fair play to them. They pressured us high and worked harder than us I felt. They really put a lot into the game and even when pegged back and went behind they kept at it and came right back at us. One of the better sides that have come here. A bit like Brentford with a goal threat really. They have a chance of the 6th spot with Boro slipping back. They have lost lots of key men but keep up near the top and as irritating as he is, Johnson has done a good job there. They play decent attacking football too. Like Swansea; have now done the double over us too.




Opponent man of the match – Brownhill and Pack were excellent in midfield and outplayed Fleck and Norwood but Weimann takes the man of the match. Three superb goals all of a different type. Despite them being the better side, they needed these moments of quality to win the game. Palmer made a difference with a superb ball for the second. Diedhiou is a decent player but cost a lot of money and much more than we have paid for any of our strikers.


Weak link – I felt the keeper for a rookie was not tested. I also thought Wright at the back looked shaky. Hunt is a bit of a clumsy defender and got booked for a poor foul but then made the goal to get them level. Man for man though they are similar to us in quality really so shows how well we have done.

"City," "Bristol City" and our old friend "Bristol;" fair play to the Sheffield lad, there

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3 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

I think he went to come for it, then realised he wouldn’t get there and back-pedalled but wasn’t in the right position quickly enough when the header came in

If he sticks an arm out though he probably saves it. 

Shows how strong Maenpaa and Fielding have been this season. Barely a mistake between them. 

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48 minutes ago, RedDave said:

What was Max doing on the first goal? Just let it go past his arm!

Incredibly harsh, don’t think either of our experienced keepers would have saved that.  As I posted earlier in this thread, he’s a young lad, not really ready, thrown in due to injuries, and doing as well as you could expect. He looked comfortable with ball at his feet, and did the basics well. It’s where we are due to injuries, and Max deserves a lot of credit, and to date, no serious howlers.

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1 minute ago, Chappers said:

Incredibly harsh, don’t think either of our experienced keepers would have saved that.  As I posted earlier in this thread, he’s a young lad, not really ready, thrown in due to injuries, and doing as well as you could expect. He looked comfortable with ball at his feet, and did the basics well. It’s where we are due to injuries, and Max deserves a lot of credit, and to date, no serious howlers.

Seriously??!  Watch it again. It’s so close to his arm. He is young and mistakes will happen.  I accept that. 

Both the other keepers would save it though. He lost concentration for a split second. He will learn from it though I’m sure. Much better the mistakes come when we win

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10 hours ago, Olé said:

In my lifetime I don't recall a season with so many convincing away wins at tough places, today might be the best of the lot. With ten games to go, easily our hardest fixture left delivered a stunning 3 points and you couldn't say we didn't deserve it.

Besides a dubious Blades opener waved on by pantomime anti-City ref Linnington, only a mid second half purple patch from the hosts made it a contest, otherwise it was all City, back from international break with a clear gameplan and lots of energy.

City deserved both of their equalisers but given the visitors poor run its unlikely that anyone at Bramall Lane anticipated that we had a winner in us, and yet after finally fading 55 minutes in, City somehow round a decisive second wind led by their subs.

As in the home fixture against the Blades, Johnson radically changed the team to a rare 3-5-2 to counter their shape, giving an extraordinary return to long term injury victim Korey Smith. Bar a rusty touch or two, Smith and Pack took over midfield.

In the third minute a well worked spell of City passing gave Brownhill a sighter from 20 yards, his low shot flashing beyond the far post with Diedhiou closing in to turn home. And yet with just about their only first half attack the hosts went in front.

Wright chopped down McGoldrick way out on the left and from Fleck's free kick Billy Sharp crashed in at the far post to bundle a header home. Diedhiou, so often a first ball star at set pieces, was shoved to the ground but ref Linnington saw nothing.

Despite that, City dominated possession, only to give the ball away cheaply every time we got players forward, due to poor final passes. It would be a feature of City all day, the win may have been by more if we had been less profligate in attack. 

And yet we still dominated chances. On 13 Brownhill's shimmy made room for a tame low shot at keeper. 4 minutes later Korey pushed forward, shaped to shoot, then rolled it to Fam who turned a marker and saw a shot blocked at close range 

Albeit 1-0 down, it was all City, and just a minute later Pack took his time in midfield before picking out Brownhill making a run across the edge of the box, City's young midfielder hitting a first time curling shot, tipped wide of the angle of post and bar 

On 21 we broke dangerously via Weimann, and then Diedhiou on the left, the ball was spread out right to full back Hunt who lost it at the first attempt, but Korey recovered and returned it to Hunt. His cross found Weimann at the near post to head wide.

Inside 30 minutes City produced the move of the half, patiently probing wing to wing led by Pack. Hunt's deep cross was cut out, but a second found Weimann coming short to glance a looping backwards header over the keeper into the far corner. 

The equaliser was no more than City had deserved and minutes later the visitors had their tails up, rallying, Weimann twice got in behind their backline, the second time laying it back to the onrushing Pack whose low curling shot was easy to save.

The half fizzled out with City comfortably on top, indeed in injury time Brownhill's free kick from the left wing was straight into the grateful keepers hands - the City midfielder would go much closer in the second half with a sensational set piece.

After the break it was still all City. On 47 a deep ball found Diedhiou right of the box and a smart first touch took him inside his marker and squared it across the six yard box to Weimann, who made the mistake of taking an extra touch, the ball cut out.

Two minutes later a brilliant move led by Korey worked down the right channel, the ball then fed inside to Pack centre of goal who made room but a loose unnecessary extra touch yet again squandered the ball cheaply when the shot was opening up.

On 51 City intercepted the ball on the left, switching it inside to Korey breaking fast down the middle, his low shot easy for the keeper. On 53 we broke again, Brownhill's ambitious shot from the right deflected to Weimann who tested the keeper down low.

And suddenly that was it. City had bossed well over a half of football and yet all of a sudden Sheff Utd were hitting back. City couldn't clear their lines, as poor touches around our own box allowed the hosts to put the visitors under sustained pressure. 

A brief respite at the midway point in the half saw City break, feed Weimann, who was cut down as he shot. Now Brownhill's central free kick - after a long build up - would crash unerringly off the inside of the post with keeper rooted to his spot.

Yet it was all Blades and with 20 left they took a lead their belated purpose scarcely deserved. Breaking down the left they cut inside and spread it to their open man on the other side, Baldock beat Dasilva to the byline and cut back for Hogan to head in.

Given that City had all but disappeared as a force from about 53 minutes, you sensed this was the start of the quiet capitulation. But LJ threw on Palmer and Paterson and almost immediately the away side found a new spark that their endeavour deserved.

Quarter of an hour left Kasey Palmer ran in from the left to dink a well weighted ball over the top to Diedhiou who did brilliantly to turn and hold it up at the near post and spot Weimann's run - unselfishly flicking it to the far post for the Austrian to hook in.

And just over 5 minutes on and City raced into a first lead their performance deserved. The energetic Weimann strode out of midfield, exchanged passes with Diedhiou, collected the return, skipped clear of the last man and lashed past the keeper.

By a the packed away end it was the cue for delirium as City's players mobbed the hat trick hero in front their jubilant massed ranks. And the energetic visitors saw out the last ten minutes with little incident as the Blades wasted chance after chance. 

And so it was another remarkable stop off on City's amazing run of improbable away wins - this one against the highest ranked team LJ's men have conquered on the road. And it was exactly what we deserved after dominating at Bramall Lane.

Besides being on a typically poor run, City has a reputation for coming out of international breaks flat but you could not say that today as Johnson had his team playing the better football and in Korey proved that this squad has much more to give.

 

 

O'Leary 6 Still a suspect position, some flapping and parrying earlier but kicking was good and handling finished strong when we were under attack, which was crucial

Wright 6 Threw himself into everything, gave away a few silly fouls and passes but streetwise to the end

Kalas 6 Got stronger as the game went on

Webster 6 Important part of our build out of defence but one or two loose passes

Hunt 6 Great cross for our opener - he is always a threat going forward, but positioning suspect at the back several times, albeit he was streetwise at the end

Dasilva 8 One of our best players, besides not cutting out the cross for their second, to my eyes he was brilliant in and out of possession, an absolute terrier

Smith 7 A couple of horror rusty touches to give it away - we wasted the ball when in advanced positions so often it could've been much more comfortable if we hadn't - but for the most part his energy and his drive from in front of our back four was a long missed asset, at times he seemed to have engaged Man Utd mode to run on in forward positions he has no right to be in 

Pack 7 Bar a couple of loose passes he was calm, composed and ran the midfield

Brownhill 6 Besides a brilliant free kick I thought he was the weakest of the midfield and didn't really get his foot on the ball enough   

Weimann 9 A sensational performance that was headlined not by the goals but by the energy - he never stopped running for balls from start to finish. An absolute bundle of energy. He's done is all season without reward so this was all well earned.

Diedhiou 7 Horribly isolated at times and largely anonymous first half but his critics will probably choose to ignore his vital role second half - his strength and quick thinking for our second were the highlight of the game 

 

Palmer 8 Has been hit and miss as a sub if late, today his impetus was absolutely integral to our second lease of life

Paterson 6 Another part of the spark we needed albeit his own forward touches or passes weren't significant 

Baker 6 Didn't have to do much but such a positive to see LJ sending on a centre back to see out a game, the sort of sub I want to see the manager making more of

Managed to grow a beard reading that ?

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8 hours ago, The Original OTIB said:

Why the confusion Mr Pop? That's how we played. It wasn't 3 5 2.

I'll have to watch the game back, but if it was a 3-4-2-1- even better. Even more fluidity, versatility and flexibility in that shape!

3 different formations in a game, gotta be a good sign!

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11 hours ago, Chappers said:

Incredibly harsh, don’t think either of our experienced keepers would have saved that.  As I posted earlier in this thread, he’s a young lad, not really ready, thrown in due to injuries, and doing as well as you could expect. He looked comfortable with ball at his feet, and did the basics well. It’s where we are due to injuries, and Max deserves a lot of credit, and to date, no serious howlers.

And much better than that so called experienced goalkeeper who let us down against Ipswich.

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On 30/03/2019 at 21:51, Olé said:

In my lifetime I don't recall a season with so many convincing away wins at tough places, today might be the best of the lot. With ten games to go, easily our hardest fixture left delivered a stunning 3 points and you couldn't say we didn't deserve it.

Besides a dubious Blades opener waved on by pantomime anti-City ref Linnington, only a mid second half purple patch from the hosts made it a contest, otherwise it was all City, back from international break with a clear gameplan and lots of energy.

City deserved both of their equalisers but given the visitors poor run its unlikely that anyone at Bramall Lane anticipated that we had a winner in us, and yet after finally fading 55 minutes in, City somehow round a decisive second wind led by their subs.

As in the home fixture against the Blades, Johnson radically changed the team to a rare 3-5-2 to counter their shape, giving an extraordinary return to long term injury victim Korey Smith. Bar a rusty touch or two, Smith and Pack took over midfield.

In the third minute a well worked spell of City passing gave Brownhill a sighter from 20 yards, his low shot flashing beyond the far post with Diedhiou closing in to turn home. And yet with just about their only first half attack the hosts went in front.

Wright chopped down McGoldrick way out on the left and from Fleck's free kick Billy Sharp crashed in at the far post to bundle a header home. Diedhiou, so often a first ball star at set pieces, was shoved to the ground but ref Linnington saw nothing.

Despite that, City dominated possession, only to give the ball away cheaply every time we got players forward, due to poor final passes. It would be a feature of City all day, the win may have been by more if we had been less profligate in attack. 

And yet we still dominated chances. On 13 Brownhill's shimmy made room for a tame low shot at keeper. 4 minutes later Korey pushed forward, shaped to shoot, then rolled it to Fam who turned a marker and saw a shot blocked at close range 

Albeit 1-0 down, it was all City, and just a minute later Pack took his time in midfield before picking out Brownhill making a run across the edge of the box, City's young midfielder hitting a first time curling shot, tipped wide of the angle of post and bar 

On 21 we broke dangerously via Weimann, and then Diedhiou on the left, the ball was spread out right to full back Hunt who lost it at the first attempt, but Korey recovered and returned it to Hunt. His cross found Weimann at the near post to head wide.

Inside 30 minutes City produced the move of the half, patiently probing wing to wing led by Pack. Hunt's deep cross was cut out, but a second found Weimann coming short to glance a looping backwards header over the keeper into the far corner. 

The equaliser was no more than City had deserved and minutes later the visitors had their tails up, rallying, Weimann twice got in behind their backline, the second time laying it back to the onrushing Pack whose low curling shot was easy to save.

The half fizzled out with City comfortably on top, indeed in injury time Brownhill's free kick from the left wing was straight into the grateful keepers hands - the City midfielder would go much closer in the second half with a sensational set piece.

After the break it was still all City. On 47 a deep ball found Diedhiou right of the box and a smart first touch took him inside his marker and squared it across the six yard box to Weimann, who made the mistake of taking an extra touch, the ball cut out.

Two minutes later a brilliant move led by Korey worked down the right channel, the ball then fed inside to Pack centre of goal who made room but a loose unnecessary extra touch yet again squandered the ball cheaply when the shot was opening up.

On 51 City intercepted the ball on the left, switching it inside to Korey breaking fast down the middle, his low shot easy for the keeper. On 53 we broke again, Brownhill's ambitious shot from the right deflected to Weimann who tested the keeper down low.

And suddenly that was it. City had bossed well over a half of football and yet all of a sudden Sheff Utd were hitting back. City couldn't clear their lines, as poor touches around our own box allowed the hosts to put the visitors under sustained pressure. 

A brief respite at the midway point in the half saw City break, feed Weimann, who was cut down as he shot. Now Brownhill's central free kick - after a long build up - would crash unerringly off the inside of the post with keeper rooted to his spot.

Yet it was all Blades and with 20 left they took a lead their belated purpose scarcely deserved. Breaking down the left they cut inside and spread it to their open man on the other side, Baldock beat Dasilva to the byline and cut back for Hogan to head in.

Given that City had all but disappeared as a force from about 53 minutes, you sensed this was the start of the quiet capitulation. But LJ threw on Palmer and Paterson and almost immediately the away side found a new spark that their endeavour deserved.

Quarter of an hour left Kasey Palmer ran in from the left to dink a well weighted ball over the top to Diedhiou who did brilliantly to turn and hold it up at the near post and spot Weimann's run - unselfishly flicking it to the far post for the Austrian to hook in.

And just over 5 minutes on and City raced into a first lead their performance deserved. The energetic Weimann strode out of midfield, exchanged passes with Diedhiou, collected the return, skipped clear of the last man and lashed past the keeper.

By a the packed away end it was the cue for delirium as City's players mobbed the hat trick hero in front their jubilant massed ranks. And the energetic visitors saw out the last ten minutes with little incident as the Blades wasted chance after chance. 

And so it was another remarkable stop off on City's amazing run of improbable away wins - this one against the highest ranked team LJ's men have conquered on the road. And it was exactly what we deserved after dominating at Bramall Lane.

Besides being on a typically poor run, City has a reputation for coming out of international breaks flat but you could not say that today as Johnson had his team playing the better football and in Korey proved that this squad has much more to give.

 

 

O'Leary 6 Still a suspect position, some flapping and parrying earlier but kicking was good and handling finished strong when we were under attack, which was crucial

Wright 6 Threw himself into everything, gave away a few silly fouls and passes but streetwise to the end

Kalas 6 Got stronger as the game went on

Webster 6 Important part of our build out of defence but one or two loose passes

Hunt 6 Great cross for our opener - he is always a threat going forward, but positioning suspect at the back several times, albeit he was streetwise at the end

Dasilva 8 One of our best players, besides not cutting out the cross for their second, to my eyes he was brilliant in and out of possession, an absolute terrier

Smith 7 A couple of horror rusty touches to give it away - we wasted the ball when in advanced positions so often it could've been much more comfortable if we hadn't - but for the most part his energy and his drive from in front of our back four was a long missed asset, at times he seemed to have engaged Man Utd mode to run on in forward positions he has no right to be in 

Pack 7 Bar a couple of loose passes he was calm, composed and ran the midfield

Brownhill 6 Besides a brilliant free kick I thought he was the weakest of the midfield and didn't really get his foot on the ball enough   

Weimann 9 A sensational performance that was headlined not by the goals but by the energy - he never stopped running for balls from start to finish. An absolute bundle of energy. He's done is all season without reward so this was all well earned.

Diedhiou 7 Horribly isolated at times and largely anonymous first half but his critics will probably choose to ignore his vital role second half - his strength and quick thinking for our second were the highlight of the game 

 

Palmer 8 Has been hit and miss as a sub if late, today his impetus was absolutely integral to our second lease of life

Paterson 6 Another part of the spark we needed albeit his own forward touches or passes weren't significant 

Baker 6 Didn't have to do much but such a positive to see LJ sending on a centre back to see out a game, the sort of sub I want to see the manager making more of

Thank you for posting. We were in Savoie on Saturday sampling brother’s home brew and enjoying the sun.

Expected nothing from this one. We had tears in our eyes as we refreshed our phones in the final minutes.

Then we had another!

 

70DFA779-D5B1-42E7-805F-CE80D97FE412.jpeg

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Lj seemed noncommittal when the radio Bristol guy said that AW should play centrally until the end of the season. AW obviously was trying to prove a point on Saturday, which he did superbly. 

Was he playing central because Korey was back or just because of Sheffield?

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