United 3 Sunderland 0 - report

The Blades got back to winning ways with a resounding victory over Sunderland at a packed Bramall Lane on Boxing Day. It was a dominating performance from United as they saw off an awful Black Cats side to win at a canter. A first half goal from John Lundstram was added to from headers from defenders from Richard Stearman and George Baldock; both with their first goals for the club. United were in complete control from start to finish against an abject Sunderland side who could not muster a shot on target or even a corner all game long.

Manager Chris Wilder kept faith with the side that came back to get a draw at Villa Park with only one change on the bench with George Thomas in for Ben Henighan. Sunderland were without leading scorer Lewis Grabban who was out with an injury. They opted to go with one striker up top in James Vaughan supplanted by a 5-man midfield. Chris Coleman had seen a resurgence in recent weeks and were hoping for another positive result to maintain their steady climb away from the relegation places.

The game began with barely an empty seat in the house as United kicked towards the visiting fans. The home side were very much in the ascendancy with Lundstram and Duffy probing to create for United. Sunderland were defending very deep from the off. Donaldson nearly got in but clipped across the 6-yard box after a ball put him in and then the same man was ruled offside from Duffy’s cross. Clarke then was in with a half chance but O’Shea cleared. United were penning the visitors in and they continued to move the ball from left to right.

A penalty appeal came when Duffy slid the ball towards Donaldson and O’Shea seemed to knock the ball away from Ruiter and the keeper caught the United forward but the appeals were waved away. United continued to probe and prompt but had not created too many clear chances despite dominating. Sunderland had barely had an attack and were depending right on the edge of their 18-yard box.

Just after the half hour the goal came. Donaldson and Clarke both combined in the initial build up and then Duffy played the ball into the path of LUNDSTRAM who coolly slotted home giving the keeper Ruiter no chance. It had been coming as the Blades had completely dominated the game even if they had not created too much. Soon after O’Connell nearly made it 2-0 but headed wide from a set play. Sunderland had created nothing but had a half chance but Stearman and O’Connell blocked two efforts from just inside the box. The first half ended with few other moments of note.

The second half saw Oveido and Wilson pick up bookings for clumsy fouls as United continued on the ascendancy. Duffy was probing again and his play nearly saw Donaldson in before Clarke won a corner soon after. United had been in control without being brilliant and it seemed more chances were inevitable. United won a free kick and Duffy’s superb delivery was met on the full by the stopping STEARMAN who nodded into the corner. This gave United the breathing space they needed.

After this United knocked it about well and Duffy and Lundstram exchanged passes nearly leading to a chance for Donaldson again but the third goal was not long in coming. It was a lovely fluent move and ended up with the ball wide left and O’Connell on the overlap hit a superb cross first time on the run that was met by a thumping header from BALDOCK as the wing back strode unchallenged into the box.

Asoro came on for Gooch for the visitors who looked a well beaten side. They barely could string two passes together and United looked well in the mood for more goals.

United were threatening to run riot and some more lovely football saw Duffy interchange passes with Stevens but as the wing back looked to shoot, Clarke took it off his toe and wildly smashed over when Stevens may have had the better chance to score.

Carruthers came on for Duffy and Maja and McManaman replaced Vaughan and Honeyman for the visitors as the game approached the final 10 minutes. A wild shot went out for a throw in for Sunderland that summed up the afternoon for the Black Cats.

United continued to knock it about well and Carter Vickers and O’Connell both made interceptions to stop any kind of chance for Sunderland.

Lavery replaced Clarke and then Laffery came on for Donaldson as the game entered the final minute but it had become a comfortable final stage for the home side and they saw out the three minutes of stoppage time mostly in possession of the football.

United – It was a comfortable win with three goals; a clean sheet (first clean sheet since Ipswich in October) and a really solid performance all over the field. We ran around, won tackles and passed it better than them. We were not mazing and at times were a bit carless ourselves but did not need to be at our best really. We have played better than that (Forest, Fulham, Brum) and not won but did not need to be at our total best today.

Sunderland were truly dreadful and deserved nothing. They were maybe the worst side we have faced this season (Burton and Barnsley were bad) and never even gave themselves a chance with such a negative approach (more on that below). However, we did what we had to. We won individual battles, competed as a team and the midfield were solid with Lundstram and Duffy very good and Basham quietly inefficient. The defence were untroubled but did what they had to. Donaldson and Clarke did not score but ran the line well and were a real nuisance all day. Sunderland struggled to cope with their running, height and strength. United moved it about when they could and even though at times they were a bit slow to shift it, they finally quickened it up and chances came.

I felt it was inevitable we would score as they were so deep and defensive. After the opening goal; we relaxed more and then scored two more early on in the second half. After this the game was over. We maybe could have scored more but actually did not have to as it was so comfortable and just eased to a win. We had more of the ball, created more chances (they did not create anything), had corners, free kicks and all the chances at goal. We maybe could have been a bit more clinical in the final pass/third but that is being a bit over critical. However, if we had gone for the jugular it could have been 5 or 6. They had gone and seemed to want to be off the pitch long before the end.

The football was a bit different today. We played some long stuff mixed with decent passing stuff (mostly through Lundstram and Duffy) but used the pace and running for Donaldson and Clarke to turn them around and they two centre backs really struggled. Off the ball we picked up most loose things and I felt won the key tackles today and made sure we had most of the ball when we needed to. However, overall when we had to we put the ball in the right areas and got chances. We scored a couple of decent goals and then one excellent third goal (the cross and header for the third). The game was effectively ended just after the hour.

We now need to follow this up with a big performance and hopefully another three points against Bolton. John Fleck will come back in I am sure for Basham who will got back into the defence for one of Carter Vickers or Stearman (harsh as both did well today). The front two did look a handful and their running and pressing was good to see. They may not have scored bit created chances for others. Nice to see two new scorers (when we have relied on Sharp and Clarke) and two players scoring their first goals for United. Shows we keep attacking and can throw men forward. The third goal summed up wilder’s approach with the centre back overlapping the left wing back to cross for the right wing back to power past the two strikers to head home. We now have 2 more games before the window and have to be looking at 4 points to keep us in the mix. Bolton will no doubt offer a tougher threat than an abject Sunderland side and be more physical and offer more in the way of a goal threat so we need to up things again but confident we can get another win and continue too get us moving back in the right direction.

Sunderland – Awful side. Abject from start to finish. They barely had an attack all game and certainly not one effort on goal. I cannot even remember any off target; with a few skewed shots and some blocked efforts the total of their efforts. They came out so defensive with 8 or 9 men behind the ball and never even tried to attack. They just invited attack after attack. They played one up top with Grabban out and had Vaughan chasing lost causes and tried to cancel out the midfield but had none of the ball really and just seemed content to sit back and soak things up. We did not create loads but that kind of approach suggest it is inevitable chances will come and so it proved.

After it went 1-0 and then 2 and then 3-0; the game was done. After this they made changes but it affected nothing. They were poor off the ball giving us too much time and allowing key men such as Duffy and Clarke time to hurt them and on the ball, they just kept giving it away. Their passing was simply wretched. I can barely remember them keeping it for more than a couple of passes all day. I could go on but their performance deserves no more words – it was that bad. Coleman seemed to have given them some new life and resurgence but today they limply succumbed easily. They set up with no hope of getting anything from the game and such a negative approach was really quite startling when they need wins to move away from the bottom. The approach at the end when the players went to the fans and got jeers and some rods back in their direction summed up the day.

They will have a scrap on to stay up based on that showing but I am sure they cannot play as bad. They have now got that elusive home win and you feel they may pick up more points at home now they have got the monkey off their back. Still as Birmingham have shown there is no guarantee they will move away and it will be a real fight. Not quite sure why Coleman went there. It seemed too soon after a great job he did at Wales to go into a salvation job. They have a real mix of experienced players (over the hill) mixed with some good young talent (not ready) and not enough players they can rely on week in, week out. If Grabban goes back to Bournemouth you worry where the goals will come from. They rely on players like Cattermole and Gibson who are often suspended or injured and the two lads at the back are slow and immobile. Both the keepers they have are also less then reliable. All in all they really lack the quality to consistently win games and it will be a case of scrapping the odd win / point here and there and seeing if it is enough.


Opposition Man of the Match: I cannot think of anyone who came out with any credit. Vaughan tried hard with no service but the defence struggled, the midfield gave it away and had no control and the subs had no impact.


Opposition Weak link: Take your pick but the two centre backs were really dire. O’Shea used too be a good pro who was a reliable Prem performer but today looked an old over the top has been who need to call it a day at this level. Wilson was not much better. I also felt Gibson was horrendous in midfield. Overweight, ponderous and sloppy in possession. I could go on; they were so poor.

Moore 7/10 – Had nothing to do all game. Made one punch under little pressure; caught a few through balls and that was it. His kicking was good both from hand and from the floor. One of the easiest games a keeper can have.

Baldock 7/10 – Back to standards he has set after a few average performances since he came back into the team. He got up and down; attacked on the overlap and did the basics defensively. He did not quite get on the end of some things or overplayed the ball but then second half he was on the move and a real threat. Ended with a superb flying header where he powered into the box to score superbly. Always on the move tonight.

Stevens 6.5/10 – Thought he was still a bit off (from standards earlier in the season). He misplayed the ball a few times and then kicked it out twice under little pressure but did keep going forward and did try and create an overlap. I felt he never hid though and kept trying to make things happen but his touch and passing not been quite at it.

Carter Vickers 7/10 – Solid under little pressure. In the last few games we have conceded a few goals but he has been fine to be fair and not done much wrong. He headed it away, cleared it and used it sensibly. Decent athlete for his size and I felt used ball well when he could.

O’Connell 7/10 – Better than he has been. He started the game a bit sloppy with a few sliced clearances out and then just let ball go out but got much stronger as the game went on and I felt second half was bombing forward and attacking well but also did the basics at the back. Great cross on the run for the second goal - a peach of a delivery.

Stearman 7/10 – Sound performance. He had had a lot of flak but today as he did at Villa after the penalty was fine and did nothing wrong. Stepped out when he could and used it but also made the headers and tackles. Good to see him get in the box and score a good header too – not an easy chance but he put it right in the corner.

Basham 6.5/10 – A bit up and down again. Some wild tackles and slices at the ball – deservedly booked for a stupid tackle where they were going nowhere and some poor passes that sold players short but for the most part he covered ground, kept it basic and got up and down. Think he is better in the defence though and may move back there with Fleck back.

Lundstram 8/10 – Another really good performance where he kept it nice and simple, broke up play and moved it on when he could. He was decent on the ball moving it short and sometimes long and played in that area just in front of the defence but I felt he showed more mobility today. Some lovely touches and showed his strength too to win some tackles/interceptions. Getting better each week. A contender for man of the match.

Duffy 8/10 – Once again as he has been many times this season; the most influential player on the pitch. Always wanting the ball; he got on it from the first moment and made us tick. Played it short and long; but always prompting and trying to make things happen. Linked with defence and attack. So composed on the ball. He was involved in the first with the pass and then a lovely free kick for the second. Sunderland struggled to keep up with him. Gibson was designated to mark him but he kept drifting away from him and creating time for himself with his balance, skill and movement. A joy to watch.

Clarke 7/10 – Felt both him and Donaldson were threats. Clarke spent a few occasions on the floor first half as he lost his feet but he kept going and was a handful. Held it up, ran the channels and won headers/flicks. Did not have too many chances today but I felt he occupied defenders and space and did not stop running.

Donaldson 7/10 – As above. He ran down the inside channels; got onto through balls and was able to link with others. He did not have more than half chances and maybe could have got in twice first half (once with a penalty appeal) but he showed some good mobility and I felt him and Clarke pulled the two centre backs around creating space for wing backs and the midfield behind. Been a surprisingly positive addition to the team in recent weeks.

Subs:

Carruthers – Given 15 minutes+. Did ok but at this stage the game was over and he only had to do a basic job of keeping the ball and picking up runners if/when they broke. It is the sort of game he thrives when we have the win and he can carry it forward and draw men.

Lavery – Surprise to see him involved. He ran about a lot but did not do too much admittedly with the game over.

Lafferty - Brought on right at the death with the game up. Wilder has used him more recently in a variety of positions. Good clubman to call on.

Manager: Wilder 8/10 – A solid win and performance. We beat a poor side but did what we had to do. He made sure we started this game better and took the game to the opposition and never let up. After the break we put the pedal down even further and took the game away from them. After this it could have been even more. We have a few players coming back now but you expect he will want to add a few quality players next week also in the transfer window.

Officials – Peter Bankes. A nothing game really in terms of one team won easily with barely a bad tackle. They got two bookings and us one. All three were more clumsy than cynical. It was an easy game to referee. The assistant on the South Stand side was very slow to assist him on a few decisions.

Crowd – Nearly 31,000 (2,500 ish from Sunderland) and a good atmosphere. The home fans were vocal in spells but the game was so easy that it made even the fans maybe a bit complacent. The noise was good in spells around the goals but it was so easy that even the fans maybe sat back. Felt for the Sunderland fans who came in numbers and tried their best but a shambolic performance from their side – the team came to the fans at the end to be met by boos and some rods from a section. Summed up their day. Still for United’s fans; a great day. A resounding win and some good goals with a full house. Cannot ask for any more really.

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Originally Posted by Deadbat_DB

Lundstram 8/10 – Another really good performance where he kept it nice and simple, broke up play and moved it on when he could. He was decent on the ball moving it short and sometimes long and played in that area just in front of the defence but I felt he showed more mobility today. Some lovely touches and showed his strength too to win some tackles/interceptions. Getting better each week. A contender for man of the match.

Duffy 8/10 – Once again as he has been many times this season; the most influential player on the pitch. Always wanting the ball; he got on it from the first moment and made us tick. Played it short and long; but always prompting and trying to make things happen. Linked with defence and attack. So composed on the ball. He was involved in the first with the pass and then a lovely free kick for the second. Sunderland struggled to keep up with him. Gibson was designated to mark him but he kept drifting away from him and creating time for himself with his balance, skill and movement. A joy to watch.

Clarke 7/10 – Felt both him and Donaldson were threats. Clarke spent a few occasions on the floor first half as he lost his feet but he kept going and was a handful. Held it up, ran the channels and won headers/flicks. Did not have too many chances today but I felt he occupied defenders and space and did not stop running.

Donaldson 7/10 – As above. He ran down the inside channels; got onto through balls and was able to link with others. He did not have more than half chances and maybe could have got in twice first half (once with a penalty appeal) but he showed some good mobility and I felt him and Clarke pulled the two centre backs around creating space for wing backs and the midfield behind. Been a surprisingly positive addition to the team in recent weeks.

Subs:

Carruthers – Given 15 minutes+. Did ok but at this stage the game was over and he only had to do a basic job of keeping the ball and picking up runners if/when they broke. It is the sort of game he thrives when we have the win and he can carry it forward and draw men.

Lavery – Surprise to see him involved. He ran about a lot but did not do too much admittedly with the game over.

Lafferty - Brought on right at the death with the game up. Wilder has used him more recently in a variety of positions. Good clubman to call on.

Manager: Wilder 8/10 – A solid win and performance. We beat a poor side but did what we had to do. He made sure we started this game better and took the game to the opposition and never let up. After the break we put the pedal down even further and took the game away from them. After this it could have been even more. We have a few players coming back now but you expect he will want to add a few quality players next week also in the transfer window.

Officials – Peter Bankes. A nothing game really in terms of one team won easily with barely a bad tackle. They got two bookings and us one. All three were more clumsy than cynical. It was an easy game to referee. The assistant on the South Stand side was very slow to assist him on a few decisions.

Crowd – Nearly 31,000 (2,500 ish from Sunderland) and a good atmosphere. The home fans were vocal in spells but the game was so easy that it made even the fans maybe a bit complacent. The noise was good in spells around the goals but it was so easy that even the fans maybe sat back. Felt for the Sunderland fans who came in numbers and tried their best but a shambolic performance from their side – the team came to the fans at the end to be met by boos and some rods from a section. Summed up their day. Still for United’s fans; a great day. A resounding win and some good goals with a full house. Cannot ask for any more really.

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Cheers DB not alot to disagree wi theer mate,except i most certainly dint feel sorry for their fans,mouthy &disresptful gits that some of em have been on forums to our club.UTCB

Lundstram and Duffy joint MOTM for me is about right. Both were excellent again. Lundstram is going to be a hell of a player for us and you can see his confidence growing each game. He still makes the odd loose pass and him not a fan of his high long ball to the right wing that usually turns possession into a 50/50, but we need to remind ourselves that the kid’s still only started a handful of games at this level and already he’s learned how to tackle and gained a yard of pace. Wilder’s got a real gem here.

As for Duffy, we’ll it’s a great BIG raspberry to those who kept on telling me he wasn’t good enough even last season. ;)