Sheffield United played out an outstanding performance yesterday as they swept Blackburn Rovers aside at Bramall Lane, scoring three goals, and keeping a clean sheet as the Blade rose to the top of the Championship table.
Of course, it is early days and they’re no guarantees that United will be sitting pretty at the winners’ table come May, but in stark contrast to the early exchanges this time last season, it’s certainly a great feeling to be a Blade right now!
A wicked free-kick from Oli Norwood on 31 minutes had powered the hosts into a first-half lead. United added two further goals in the second half in quick succession via substitute Illiman Ndiaye to cement three maximum points and ensure a third straight home victory.
Regular Vital Blades message board user, deadbat, has given us a lowdown on his player ratings from yesterday’s victory.
Starting XI
Foderingham 7/10 – Very little to do. Did not have a save to make or even take a cross. Just kicked a few balls out and that was it?
Baldock 7.5/10 – Solid enough. He got forward well and controlled some hard passes well and put a few crosses in too. One good one-second half when it was cleared behind after Berge put him in. He did the defensive bit when he had to and was always an outlet.
Lowe 8/10 – Continuing his improvements and thought after he did well in the week, he had another good showing today. Used it well when he got forward and showed good control and link play but more than that he made no defensive mistakes of note at all and was really assured in his tackling and getting tight to his man.
Ahmedhodzic 7.5/10 – Not to the standards of his other games but still good. He got up and down with a few darts in behind and nearly got another goal from a set play. He did get beat once with one run down that side second half when he committed himself but then recovered his composure and stepped out a few times to read the play and come out with it. Looks so composed on the ball. Also got stuck in and got nose to nose with a few – ended in a booking after a tussle before a corner.
Norrington Davies 9/10 – Superb performance and my man of the match in terms of the overall game even though I may have given Ndiaye the same mark! He was all over at the back making tackles, winning headers and getting his foot in but was quick to the ball and aggressive too. He completely dominated down that side and then also used the ball well. I am still not certain he is a left-sided centre-back and see his future left-wing back but today he showed he can play there (as he did in the week). Needs to keep these standards as shown consistently this week after a poor start at Boro. He was faultless today. Showed athleticism, pace, clever use of the ball and tenacity to completely win all his battles.
Egan 7.5/10 – Solid showing where he won his headers and moved it out from the back with accuracy. In the last few games, he has put some good passes out and moved the ball quicker too. He has taken it in turns with Norwood to launch the counter or pass when the defence sits off and let us have it. Defensively no issues and we barely saw Brereton Diaz (who admittedly got no help or service) and neatly set up McBurnie for the chance and nearly got in on the rebound too.
Norwood 8.5/10 – Another excellent showing carrying on from the week. He not only scored a superb free kick that was unsavable, but he controlled and dictated play all game. Some passes he overplayed and not everything came off but the love the fact he kept trying forward passes and it was not all sideways and diagonal. He was at the centre of everything good we did. He nearly scored another couple too with good long-range efforts. His set plays seem to offer more variety this year with him trying different things too.
Fleck 6.5/10 – Thought he was ok but one of our fewer effective players. A few times the ball came off him or he was not assured in possession. He also seems to lack that dynamism he had from a few years ago. He did set up the McBurnie chance though and had a few other decent moments but was just a bit sloppy at times and needs to be more sure with his touch and passing.
Berge 8/10 – At times showed some real quality, even if he was not doing it all game but when he is on the ball and involved what an influence he is. He sorts of flitted in and out but when involved he was exceptionally good and drifted across moving it well and a few lovely slide rule passes to set up some chances. He brushed off his men and got into dangerous areas and help us keep the ball with his upper body strength allowing him to just move away from men. He had a few great runs second half including one powerful run where he just moved through the gears with power and pace, and they trailed after him. Glad we rested him to stop any possible injury at the end and hope we can keep him, but he is playing very well.
Khadra 6.5/10 – Started well with a lovely bit of control reminiscent of what we saw with his excellent cameo in the week, and a cross-shot that was tipped over. Looked lively and was trying to get on the ball but does go to the ground a bit too much I have to say. He continued to link when he could but was one of our quieter performers and found it hard with so many defenders back to get space. Second half after one run where he won a corner, he then went on one good run but took too long and was tackled when he had a great chance. He then gave it away a few times and seemed to be tiring and right to change it. He will have games where he is maybe not as effective as the other night and today, he was ok but maybe most of our attacks came through other sources.
McBurnie 8/10 – I may get lambasted for this mark as yes; he missed two sitters BUT he was excellent in everything else he did. He held it up, ran the channels, was strong in his challenges and won headers/flicks and kept it when it came to him. The only thing missing was a goal! He should score the chance in the first half and of course, the one in the second is even worse and he struggles to erm…kick the ball hard but he kept going and then had more chances – these were harder. He just kept going and then set up the second. I thought he tried his guts out and played with intelligence as well as sheer effort and seemed stronger/fitter than he has been for some time. Yes, he needs to score goals of course but today we got them from other sources, and he did his job. Well played!
Substitutes
Ndiaye 9/10 – What an impact. Glad in a way we rested him as we need to rotate with so many games and he of course is a player that does struggle to play full games (he even got a cramp yesterday after the run and goal!). He came on and won a loose ball even before he scored – albeit this just hit him but the second was something else. A goal that will be remembered for a long time as he stole the ball and went on a run, drawing man after man and then the step over/dummy and the finish was exquisite. After this, the party pieces came out and he showed a range of skills and was a constant threat. Gibbs White clearly far more advanced in his development and experience but what price this lad if he keeps improving? Hopefully, we get to see him for a while longer yet.
Brewster – Still not quite happening for him. Yesterday he had a superb chance but took too long and it was kind of comfortable for the keeper. McBurnie keeps the shirt on today’s evidence but sure they will be rotated over the coming weeks, and both are needed with Sharp out for the foreseeable.
Basham – Came on to a great reception but bombed forward from right wing-back with a few runs and a header over. What a player to come on and plug in several positions.
Doyle – One decent bit of skill but overhit the cross. Good to see him get some time and his chance will come.