I’m not going to pretend it was a classic but, in comparison to Robson’s reign, Sunday’s game was hugely enjoyable. The Blades rediscovered the tenacity and passion that Robson had so skillfully and quickly removed during his tenure at Bramall Lane. In the face of some overly physical stuff from a limited Boro side, they kept on playing their football and in the first half were the dominant force.
There was a significant uplift in the performance of more than one Blades player. Beattie won more headers in the first five minutes than he had done in his previous 5 matches, Tonge looked back to the levels he showed against Fulham and Tottenham last season and Morgan led from the back.
The first half saw United go at Boro with purpose almost from the off. Kilgallon’s great strike was well saved and Stead went close with a header when perhaps he should have done better. A free-kick routine brought back from the 2002/03 archives almost worked to perfection when Beattie curled against the post.
The toughest opponent the Blades were facing at this stage was referee Chris Foy. The man who twice sent Jagielka off when even a yellow would’ve been pushing it decided to ignore the rules relating to professional fouls and allowed Wheater to stay on despite dragging Billy Sharp to the ground just as he was about to pull the trigger.
The second half never quite reached the heights of the first and Boro had a decent 10 minute spell with Downing prominent. The game fizzled out with that spell and the final stages were uneventful.
Large sections of the media have taken this weekend to rally behind one of their own and have spoken of how hard done to Robson was. They are hopelessly out of touch with the modern game as was Robson. Dinosaurs still walk the earth, most of them work for BBC Sport. A more intelligent and perceptive summary of events comes from Henry Winter in the Telegraph who wrote ‘Stalemates rarely stir a desire to organise street parties, break open the bubbly and toast a bright new era but it was impossible to escape the feeling here yesterday that Sheffield United have rediscovered their soul. Hope has followed Kevin Blackwell back to Bramall Lane. After the unhappy days of the Bryan Robson era, when passes too often went sideways and the team too clearly went backwards, Blackwell’s return to the club where he used to be Neil Warnock’s No 2 has lifted both tempo and spirits. United fans simply revelled in the sight of their players showing a pride and hunger in their work against a strong Boro side. Industry, a touch of width, and greater urgency were all apparent in those wearing the red-and-white stripes and the Kop responded enthusiastically.’
Player Ratings
Paddy Kenny 7/10
Made a couple of decent saves and, one incident apart, was fairly commanding on crosses.
Derek Geary 7/10
Struggled with his distribution early on but improved as the game went on.
Gary Naysmith 5/10
To be fair to him, he may have been struggling with an injury but he had a poor game.
Chris Morgan 8/10
A true leader. Won a tough aerial battle with Mido and snarled his way through the 90 minutes.
Matt Kilgallon 7/10
Definitely one of the bright points of the season which looked unlikely in August. Nearly scored with a great strike in the first half.
Lee Martin 6/10
Started very brightly before fading. His corner nearly brought a goal for Stead.
Stephen Quinn 8/10
Was battered throughout by thuggish element of the Boro side but kept going. Desperately needs to find some consistency but if he can, we’ve a really good prospect on our hands. His running complemented Tonge well in the centre.
Michael Tonge 8/10
I love watching Tongey when he’s on this sort of form. Passing excellent and willing to put his foot in when possible. More of the same please Michael.
Jon Stead 7/10
Like the side as a whole he was more impressive first half than second. Did enough to suggest he could be the answer to our problems in wide midfield.
James Beattie 7/10
Much more like it. Won his headers and looked dangerous.
Billy Sharp 7/10
Disappointed he didn’t react quicker to a Geary cross in the first half but overall a hardworking and good display. Just a shame that he hasn’t got the pace to get away from defenders.