Premier League
Saturday 9 December 2023
SUFC 2023/24 Game #29
Sheffield United 0 v Liverpool 2
Premier League
Wednesday 6 December 2023
SUFC 2023/24 Game #28
So. There we have it. New manager. We've made the change. Here's how the NOLs (New Old Lot) are putting the cones out now.
By the time I Blogged from that horrendous defeat at Brunlea, Heckingbottom had gone, and Wilder had arrived. I had a go at what I'd like to see, rather than what I thought he'd do. Simply, performance has improved and we've got a result.
We played more of the game facing the opponents goal. It was still all a bit hot potato at times. But, key players were willing and able to trap the ball, get it under control, and turn with it. That included Jack Robinson, turning calmly. And Cameron Archer, more hectic, but trying to lose his marker.
They've obviously been drilled to go a bit longer from the back. Particularly from goal kicks. They tried to exploit the fact we've got Auston Trusty at makeshift left back in a conventional four. Pushed him up halfway for goal kicks to try and win the header.
The press was controlled and shaped rather than harem scarem. That's useful for now so we're not always caught on the break. We looked comfortable ish as a back four. As we went into the disrupt yourself phase v Brentford, Max Lowe turned up and we went back to a three with wingbacks. The point there is - we've got options, we can be flexible.
Will Osula is SHOCKING as a zone man at defensive corners. He goes for balls he can't possibly get. Jumps under balls he should get. And has a tendency to get in the way. That needs working on. After he'd been subbed, the organisation failed and we had at least one corner with no one in the Zone.
In general, the strikers need to pull the trigger more. Any small percentage gains might get us the right side of the knife edge.
‘dre Brooks started both games. And Sydie Peck was trusted and came on. Brooks did very well. He's not one of those players in the Academy who make you shut up, sit up and look. Those are Harry Boyes, Louie Marsh and Kurt Havenhand. I feel Brooks has benefitted right place, right time a bit. We're short on bodies, he's not out on loan and he's not injured. But, he's grabbed it.
He's got the brain and discipline to do the defensive stuff. Against Liverpool, Darren Ward had given Andre the number to mark at corners. And I watched keenly, he was obsessed with getting close to him and moving with him around the box. He also had a fill in behind role on those goal kicks as Trusty pushed.
But, most people will have noticed Brooks in transitions. Short, diagonal dribbles. Even when he's robbed, the ball just breaks 50/50 loose high up the pitch. He's made it difficult for Wilder to drop him.
I didn't include Peck in that Boyes, Marsh, Havenhand fanboy list. Only because I feel he drifts at times in Academy games. Peck has great feet. He can hit corners left or right foot. He has lovely low trajectory cross field balls. And he's great at moving it quickly and accurately - perfect hot potatoes.
I'm happy to say that all those insightful points were considered and developed over some lovely beers. I'm going to single out as follows.
Nailmaker Brewing Company (Barnsley), Wentworth IPA on Cask at 4.8%
My photo doesn't do it justice. But, that was ridiculously clear. Pale straw in the glass. Just the merest hint of blackcurrant in the first bite. The bitter held back a bit longer. And icing sugar dusting and dancing on your lips. Excellent.
Siren Craft Brew (Wokingham), Coldblooded Christmas, Chocolate Porter on Keg at 5%
Another beer from Siren which uses Amburana wood Spirals in the brew. It comes across as deep, dark chocolate at first. That was a bit too dominant for me and overpowered the slightly spicy orange background. But a very moreish beer.
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