Middlesbrough – Inverse of us. First half awful, second, they had a real go. To start the game, they could not cope with our movement and how we passed it. We got the ball off them and really caused them problems. Well before the red card, we were better so not sure that can be pointed to. After this the attacks continued of course and we got another goal. They really did struggle and at half time 2-0 was a bit generous to them. They relied on a long throw as main attack, only having won shot that Bamford had that was saved after ball dropped to him. Outside of this, United were far superior. They were very dirty too and just kicked us all game. It seemed not more than a minute elapsed before they tripped one of our players. Pulis argues about the second yellow being soft but it is a stupid tackle when on a yellow. They had a number booked and could have lost another man. They were very cynical and targeted Brooks from the off. It got a bit annoying and the ref needed to stamp down on them earlier.
Second half they made three changes and it worked. It was a bold move as if you get an injury or anything happens, you are in trouble but he had nothing to lose. They only had one up top but had more bodies in midfield and played a bit risky defensively but we could not take advantage. As much as the tactics and formation helped; they just put more effort in and chased us all over the field and did not give us time. They then got the ball forward more and at least had some chances. To be honest, they did not have tons of efforts – not sure Moore had much to do – a few shots over and wide. It was not like they were all over us but certainly forced us back and the final stages were nervous but not sure that was our own making as much as their brilliant play. It did not seem like we had an extra man. They stepped up the intensity and we did not match it. They gave it a real good go and you would not have been surprised if they got a leveller. They did not though and lost a crucial game and drop out of the top 6.
They have easily spent the most out of the teams competing for the final two spots and to have Assombalonga; a 15 million striker on the bench – cost more than our whole team I reckon – shows the riches. The lad from Everton, Besic was playing in the Premier League recently. They have a number of internationals and very well-paid players. They have picked up since Pulis came but of course now do seem to play more direct from what I have seen and the long throw and set plays feature. They do have some clever players and technical players in Downing, Traore, Bamford etc so can and have scored some really good goals but seem very inconsistent, much like us. Be tight if they can get in there but not sure I would tip them to go up out of all the teams up there really. They have some good individuals but feel there are better ‘teams’ than them.
Opposition Man of the Match: I thought Traore was a real threat first half and one who caused us problems but then they improved after he (and two others went off). Ayala scored the goal and kept Clarke quiet and was actually better than the highly rated Gibson. However, Howson was probably the main threat with his set plays and also the way he got on the ball second half and made them much more dangerous. He set up two chances and nearly scored. Noone really shined or stood out though – Pulis’ incredibly white shiny trainers stood out most for them!
Opposition Weak link: Only one man can win this. They had some defenders who were all at sea and the keeper did not look that convincing. Bamford was not a threat at all and was quite but Leadbitter with two moments of stupidity got himself sent off. First a clear yellow and whilst second may not have been bad as it seemed; was a poor foul and can see why ref gave him a card. Why leave your feet when on a yellow? Idiotic – would not say it cost them the game as they improved with ten but not the best decision in a really important game.
Moore 6/10 – Just looked really shaky to me – Moore shaky and a little stirred! No seriously I was very concerned whenever they had a long throw or set play. He came for them but was a bit passive and a few punches went down or even out for a corner. Not dominant enough. Blackman would have come and just caught a couple of them. He seems a bit nervous at the moment. The bit at the end when they had a free kick and he came and half punched it when it was a routine catch summed it up. Blackman would be back in for Saturday’s game for me. He has shown to be a better keeper this season and he gives the defence more confidence. All this talk about Moore is here next season; Blackman might not be here so let’s play Moore; needs to be forgotten – we pick the best man for the job and it is Blackman.
Baldock 8/10 – Think he might have been my man of the match just…ahead of Basham, Lundstram and Evans. His energy levels are something to behold. He never stops and is so quick too. He defended well when he could but going forward he used it well, kept going at them and was a real threat all game. His final ball, like with others needs work as so often he hits first man or rolls it in slowly on the floor rather than trying to pick someone out. Been a brilliant signing and at this rate Freeman will have a huge task to get back in the side.
Stevens 7/10 – Steady enough. Still a bit up and down in terms of what he does in the games but has improved slightly in recent weeks to some degree although a few Barnsley goals came down his side. He does sit off his man too much defensively though. Attacking wise he had some good runs and I felt second half was involved in the few decent moves we had. Final ball is not always the best and he needs to work at this. I had flashbacks when Howson came inside him and had that curling effort that just went wide as it was identical to the Snodgrass one apart from the final shot not nestling in the corner.