At least we actually managed to score against Arsenal. It's a real shame that before that we conceded two goals in a game that for long periods we looked pretty comfortable in. I think it was perhaps the first time since the middle of the Adkins reign that I wasn't surprised that we conceded goals or was particularly angry when we did concede. It was just sad. Enough of this opening paragraph, let's get on with the review.
A single change for United from or last minute loss against Leeds with Ethan Ampadu making way for the returning from suspension John Egan. changes were also afoot for the opposition with the most notable probably being the inclusion of Eddie Nketiah ahead of Alexandre Lacazette. There was no appearance for United's new record signing Rhian Brewster with his player registration form being submitted after the deadline for this weekend's games. United started on the front foot and there was some minor controversy just 2 minutes into the game. A lovely through ball was played in front of our Scottish speedster Oli Burke who looked like he would be played one on one with Leno. However, David Luiz was the last defender back and pulled on Burke's shirt that possibly stopped our man from reaching the ball before Leno did. It was a situation that was eerily similar to Egan's red card against Villa except there could be more of an argument that this challenge from Luiz was more central than Egan's. Was Luiz sent off though? Nah don't be silly, it wasn't even checked on VAR. The consistencies of refereeing could once again be called into question. It would be interesting to see if Wilder does eventually get that call from Mike Riley and whilst he's explaining Egan's red card, he could also explain why Luiz's challenge wasn't a red card. Anyway, enough about that, United were undeterred by this and continued to search from the elusive first goal of the season but couldn't manage to get any shots off at the Arsenal goal. On the defensive end United managed to keep Arsenal very quiet with the first shot on goal coming from a flicked on Nketiah header that was simple enough for Ramsdale to save. United nearly threw all of the good defensive work away as the half came to an end after a sloppy Ramsdale clearance only went as far as Aubameyang who's dipping effort from about 30 yards out was kept out with a cracking save from Rammers. Although United weren't creating much in the first half, they were keeping Arsenal quiet at the other end and as long as the game stayed 0-0 we still hand a chance to get something. Despite all our good defensive work in the first half, the second half saw what has become the story of United's season so far with the opposition eventually scoring which more or less killed our chance of winning the game. Lovely passing play from Arsenal (vintage Arsenal perhaps?) eventually led to Saka heading home at the far post to give The Gunners a 1-0 lead. A few minutes later the lead was doubled with Pepe making an instant impact and driving at The Blades defence and slotting home to truly put the game beyond our reach. United didn't really look like scoring after that but we did actually score a goal and it came from a very unlikely source. David McGoldrick looks like he's learnt how to score goals again grabbing his second of the season with a lovely curled effort from just outside the 18 yard box. However with six minutes left, United were unable to get an equaliser and we were condemned to our fourth consecutive loss of the season. At least we scored a goal though, that was nice to see. Well... Things can definitely only get better from here. The strange thing about this game was that we looked very comfortable in this match until we took off Oli Burke for Oli McBurnie. Burke had manged to help keep the Arsenal backline contained and pressurised them into making errors and stopped them playing out from the back. But then once Burke was gone, we lost the ability to apply that lightning quick press that allowed Arsenal time on the ball and let them play out from the back which in turn allowed them to turn the screw and get their goals. So we're off for two weeks now and the game against Fulham looks pretty crucial in seeing how this season will go. Let's hope we get a win. Anyway, until next time, UTB.
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AuthorHi my name is John and i will be giving my thoughts on the blades matches and all blades related news in this section Archives
November 2022
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