It’s hard to see how yesterday could have gone any worse for the Blades. Not only were we beaten by a team that finds it almost impossible to win away from home, but both Villa and, most surprisingly, West Ham won their away games! The only result that did favour United was Bolton beating Wigan 3-1 at the JJB.
At around 3pm on Saturday everything seemed so different. 30,000 Blades fans were singing their hearts out in the April sun, knowing that a victory would lift United three points clear of the drop zone. What followed was one of the biggest disappointments of the season.
United knew they had to get something out of the game and started brightly, forcing a couple of corners and seeing Leigertwood’s effort dip just over the bar.
However, Newcastle almost took the lead on their first attack. Jagielka misjudged a long ball to allow Martins in behind and, as Kenny failed to hold the ball in a collision with the striker, Bromby hacked it clear.
United were behind minutes later as Duff’s cross was headed down by Milner for MARTINS to smash home, unmarked on the edge of the box.
The rest of a poor first half saw long range efforts from the Blades fail to trouble Given, while Duff dragged his shot inches wide of the post for Newcastle.
Newcastle had the first chance of the second half as Duff found space on the left wing but sent his shot into the side netting.
Newcastle really should have been 2-0 up on 62 minutes when Kenny’s stupidity gifted the Magpies a golden opportunity.
The Blades keeper came racing out of his area and tried to shield a ball from Martins, but the striker easily took the ball off Kenny and hit the post with his effort, that then rebounded to Sibierski who shockingly blazed over from 10 yards.
The Blades seemed to finally wake up after the scare and had an effort from Tonge go over the bar before Nade put his diving header just wide of the post.
United did find the equaliser on 74 minutes though as a Gillespie cross fell to Montgomery who controlled the ball brilliantly and picked out NADE, who side-footed past Given.
Just as things seemed to be turning for the Blades, Newcastle went back in front. Milner’s corner found TAYLOR in the box, who headed home past Kenny.
United had nearly 15 minutes to find a response but all they could muster was a Lucketti header that went wide of the post and a curling effort from Webber that was pushed, and then punched away by Given.
The final whistle was met with more groans as the news of West Ham’s and Villa’s wins came through.
Yesterday’s performance lacked both heart and commitment from United, and that has rarely been said this season.
Newcastle didn’t outplay us during any period of the match. The difference was that they seemed to want it more and, even more importantly, had the quality in front of goal.
Warnock’s team selection also left a lot to be desired! Why oh why he decided to play Lucketti against the quickest player in the league is beyond me?
Bromby at full back has never worked so why even try him there? And how Kazim-Richards and Gillespie managed to stay on the pitch for the full 90 minutes is a joke!
After all the build up and talk in the week, the player’s lack of heart yesterday was the most disappointing aspect.
Next weekend’s visit of West Ham has now taken on even more importance and a much improved display is needed if United are to rescue their season.
Player Ratings
Kenny
3/10
Could have done better with the first goal and nearly finished the game with his stupidity!
Bromby
3/10
Bromby CANNOT play at full back!!! He has no pace and the turning circle of a tank!
Armstrong
5/10
Another average performance from Armstrong.
Lucketti
4/10
Need either Morgan or Davis back asap. Lucketti just isn’t mobile enough.
Jagielka
4/10
Think he’s been brilliant at centre back this season but was poor yesterday.
Montgomery
8/10
Set up the goal and did everything that was asked of him.
Leigertwood
3/10
His distribution was awful and should have come off at half time.
S Quinn
4/10
Had a poor game back after his break from the team. Gave the ball away too much.
Gillespie
1/10
Yesterday’s performance was simply unacceptable from someone of Gillespie’s class. Looked both lazy and uninterested. And against his old team??
Stead
4/10
Seems Stead is a long way short of filling Hulse’s boots on this performance. Knocked off the ball far too easily.
Kazim-Richards
4/10
His recent positive performances and mazy runs were completely missing yesterday.
Nade
6.5/10
Scored the goal but doesn’t put himself about enough for his size.
Tonge
2/10
Nightmare sub appearance from Tonge. Was off the pace and misplaced pass after pass.
5/10
Had a chance for glory at the end and produced his usual weak side footed shot for the bottom corner.