The home side sped out of the blocks and scored inside three minutes. Further chances came for the home side and they doubled their advantage thanks to a superb individual effort. After this United were really up against it and easily could have conceded further goals as the home side threatened to overrun the Blades. After the break things had to improve and they did as United were the dominant force. However despite having a number of chances, good keeping and defending and a touch of ill fortune ensure the goal they so badly needed to make a contest of it never came and in the end the home side held on relatively comfortably. Overall, Brentford were good value for the win and although United were a little unfortunate not to get a goal back; their abject first half performance meant they had in essence tossed the game away.
The Blades began with McMahon and Hill restored to the line up at the expense of Williams and Westlake and also Flynn and Miller shrugged off knocks to start. Nick Blackman continued out wide but there was still no place for injured Dave Kitson.
Diagouraga went past McMahon and his low cross was met by DONALDSON who turned in from just outside the 6 yard box with no defender even close to him. The ball went in off the near post as the keeper Long had been badly exposed.
After this chance Brentford came again and won a series of corners as Diagouraga was the chief threat as the home side looked to get him on the ball at every opportunity. The United midfield pairing of Doyle and McDonald had barely had a kick as the quicker and sharper Bees literally befitting their nickname buzzed around picking up all the loose scraps.
United did have a chance on 10 minutes in a rare break as Flynn headed McDonald’s cross across the box and Millers reaction header was tipped over by Moore. This had been a rare attack though and the home side were back in the ascendancy soon after as Trotta stung Long’s palms with a shot from distance as the defence backed off. Forrester then had a shot that Long had to tip over before from a corner the ball was nodded narrowly wide.
McMahon scythed down Diagouraga right on the edge of the box with the defender probably fearing the worst but fortunately for him it was not in the box and somehow he escaped a booking. United could not get in the game and it was no surprise when the second came.
FORRESTER ran unopposed and no challenge came in, nor was a midfielder in sight of him. As Maguire and Collins backed off, the midfielder let rip from fully 25 yards and the ball fairly flew past Long into the net. United were now two down and looked in danger of getting a good old hammering as the home side had completely bossed the game.
United simply could not get on the ball and Brentford were dominating winning loose balls and then turning it forward. McMahon continued to struggle with the pace of Diagouraga who beat him again down the left before the ball was cleared for yet another corner.
Another effort, this time from Forshaw went just wide and as the half came to an end, United were defending once again and probably glad of a break after such a poor performance.
The second half saw United begin with some urgency and Porter and Miller started to link up but much of the threat came from the previously quiet Blackman.
Miller got in but his shot deflected and off Moore for a corner and then after a neat move, Porter shot wide when he probably had more time. The next effort was from a superb individual effort from Blackman who danced round three defenders came inside and curled an effort that Moore palmed away. If it had gone in, it would have bettered even Forrester’s effort.
Hayes and Saunders came on for Forshaw and Bidwell as the home side tried to gain control again. Blackman continued to probe and beat his man again before his shot went narrowly wide. United replaced McMahon who had been given a real going over all game; with Westlake but his replacement fared little better slicing his first touch out of play.
United brought on Cresswell for Porter in another change as they somehow tried to get a foothold back in the game and they nearly did from a corner as Maguire headed at the keeper who held well and it was now one way traffic but the visitors could not get that vital goal back. Indeed on the break Brentford nearly sealed the game after Long spilt a long shot and Trotta tapped home but the linesman flag was up. Despite a much better performance a series of corners United could not get back into the game and time was running out.
Moore was now taking an eternity to take his goal kicks but D’Urso did not even have words and thus he continued with this tactic for the remainder of the game.
In the last 5 minutes United had a series of remarkably close calls as Cresswell dummied to put Miller in the clear but he took too long and from the corner McDonald’s shot was cleared from under the goal line and then Maguire’s header was also cleared off the line. United players appealed it had gone over but no one could be sure in the away end from the angle we had. Several United players confronted D’Urso and he compounded matters for the Blades when somehow he gave a goal kick despite a clear deflection off a Brentford player. United’s frustration threatened to boil over and Collins and McDonald were booked for their protestations.
The final chance came when Blackman darted into the box and appeared to be blocked off but the officials waved play on and this was the signal for many Blades fans to head for the exits and the murky, rain sodden West London streets.
The additional time was played out with no more chances for the Blades who trooped off disappointed that their improvements in the second half had failed to gain them any reward but probably regretting such an abject opening to the game that had seen the game gone before it had even properly started.
United – Really poor. First half we were as bad as we have been all season and got a real going over. We were slow all over the field and another side just wanted it more. Then in turn used pace and power to create a number of chances. For long spells we could not get out of our own half and the game was as one sided as you could imagine. We had a chance from Miller that may have changed things but the second goal they scored was excellent. We then struggled and they could have had more. Second half was much, much better but why wait till we are 2-0 down. We should have scored but poor finishing and good keeping/few deflections meant we could not get the goal we needed. Still they still had chances on the break with a few Long saves and a goal disallowed.
We have now lost 2, drew 2 and only won 1 of the last 5 games and having faced some of the better sides have struggled somewhat. The top of the table is really bunching up but after games v Swindon, MK Dons, Stevenage and Brentford have brought mostly poor results, we have to admit it is going to be a real struggle to get in the top 2 as apart from Stevenage we have been second best in the other games. I can see us staying around the top 6 but with no loan players we sadly lack creativity and that spark outside of Blackman and if we concede sloppy goals and the defence is off their game as they have the last 2 games; we will struggle to get many results even against some of the average sides in this league.
I was canned for being quite negative on Tuesday but today we faced a side that had clearly scouted us and saw our weaknesses in mobility in midfield and complete lack of pace down the flanks defensively and exposed us badly. They harried our players, won the ball and then got it forward quickly and then supported in numbers. We struggled to stem the tide and if it had been 3 or 4 at half time we could not have grumbled.
McDonald and Doyle look a far cry from last season and quick midfields who have movement and can get up and down are making them what they are; very one paced (slow) and lacking in hunger.
I am unsure why he dropped both full backs as Williams and Westlake have given us some pace and attacking play going the other way. Suppose Hill coming back was fair enough to give us solidity but McMahon does not even do that. He has been a major disappointment for me and you can see why when we signed him many said it was a coup but there is a reason no Championship club came for him; he is not good enough.
In terms of the longer picture, it is worrying that the likes of Collins and Doyle are around for 3 more seasons (don’t know how many they gave Cresswell)! A staggering decision to give two players who have been part of the team that went down and did not get up such long contracts. Both have been more like the players who looked awful under Adams this year than the ones who played well last season. So unsure what the sense was in such long contracts? Do you think any other teams would have tried to sign them above us? No I don’t. Give them a rolling 1 year contract. Making such idiotic financial decisions whilst not giving us the pace/flair and injection of youth by making some signings is baffling. We continue to look so one paced and if Blackman or Maguire gets an injury (or are sold) we would be a mid-table side at best I fear. The drive and hunger we had for long periods last season seems to have gone and there seemed an acceptance yesterday that such sides wanted it more, from the fans on the terrace.
I am concerned for the next few weeks as the team despite only losing 2 looks quite bereft of belief and confidence and even though we conceded early heads went down. I have criticised some of the senior players for lack of leadership and it showed again yesterday. We had far more players who have ‘been around’ than Brentford but I never saw Collins, Doyle etc having words or trying to somehow get a grip of the team; to get together and start being organised. We just kind of accepted we were inferior and no one got their foot in, even made a foul or tried to upset rhythm of Brentford.
We looked a very poor side first half. Second half was much better but the damage was done and we were always up against it. Maybe we could have snatched a draw if we had got a goal back but it is too late to wait till you are 2-0 down. Why did we not do that from the off and start with some pace and urgency? Yes it was better second half but the home side kept their shape and composure and were able to stop us having more than just a few chances. Without Blackman’s promptings we looked pretty clueless and for all the attacks we had it was very much huff and puff with little real quality or football to open them up.
We now face a tricky trip to Carlisle and then Tranmere and Crawley. It is a critical time and we need to get back to a run of results or on current points per game; if we carry on will be outside the top 6 very quickly. Sadly this year I do not think we are much better than the rest of the division and lack that real quality to comfortably get on top of games and teams. The Stevenage game seemed to be a one off as the recent performances overall have been quite poor; with fortunate wins v Walsall and Pompey alongside the defeats/draws.
Wilson faces the biggest challenge of his tenure at United; to somehow keep us in and around the top 6 and in touch with the top 2 despite our defence having a really sticky spell, having such poor performances in the middle and lacking creativity up top. We have to hope the last few weeks give a few of them a kick up the backside. Yesterday showed that if we don’t win the battle and win our individual battles we can lose to any side in this division and cannot coast like we did last year knowing we had superior talent. This year whilst our team still should be better than most if they are not ‘at it’ we will struggle as Crewe and Brentford have proved.
Brentford - Excellent in the first half. They were quick, strong and determined and started at a breakneck speed we could not match. Scored a good goal and then an even better one. They could have been 4 or 5 up at half time and we were getting completely outclassed (as the Brentford fans sang). They showed good movement and won all the loose balls and then turned these into attacks with speed, using the flanks and going at our poor full backs. Doyle and McDonald never went with the runners from midfield all half. The lad Forrester (like Murphy in the week) ran the show at times and we did not get near him. As players were running at them; it made the defence back pedal but the centre backs were poor even considering the lack of help they got with Donaldson looking the outstanding forward we had seen (at least in terms of power and pace) all season and was a real handful. Diagouraga was very quick and tricky down the flank too and both McMahon and Westlake struggled to handle his pace and running. At the back they had a bit of luck but the keeper made some good saves and the big centre back Dean limited Porter much of the game.
They probably could not believe how poor and pedestrian we were but fair play to them. I felt like Crewe they sensed we are not that great despite our much vaunted defensive record and realised if they controlled midfield and got our players turned round; then chances would come. The first half was almost played entirely in our half and we were even hanging on at 2-0 at half time. Brentford are on a great run and Rosler (with a far lesser budget and wage bill than ours) has a side that on today’s evidence sadly looks better equipped for promotion as their players look very hungry and they have a nice mix of pace, height and skill. They are a very young team (average age around 22-23) and were missing one of key man in Douglas but at times our more experienced (and slower players) like McMahon, Doyle, Collins etc really struggled with pace and youth of their opponents; as they did on Tuesday night. We looked like getting completely overrun at times.
Second half they were not as effective but you could expect that when we had to have a spell in the game at some point. We have led teams and done the same. They had a bit of luck but defended well and the keeper made a few decent saves and they headed off the line. They never looked like they would fall apart although if we had got a goal then you never know. In the end they won the game relatively comfortably. Be interesting to see how they do as they have made some decent loan signings, like Trotta and I would not be surprised to see them make the top 6. They will be strong at home and can’t see many teams getting much down there.
Long 7/10 – Had little chance with either goal I felt. The first was past him before he could really move and was down to poor defending as it was clipped in off the post. The second whilst a long way out went with some pace and whilst not right in the corner as it hurt the turf once it shot off the greasy surface and he did not really have any chance. In previous games we have offered really good protection for him. Today in the first half we did not. They had a few other chances and he made one good reaction save. He then also made another good save in the second half although did spill another when it was ruled out on the rebound for offside.
McMahon 3/10 – Shocking. A lot of Brentford’s best attacks came down his side. He let the man get away on the first goal which led to the cross coming in and then after this the winger gave him a sorry time. His touch, passing and general defending were poor. I was surprised he was restored to the side in place of Westlake who had done ok. McMahon did not look fit in his defence and was so slow at times. He does have tendency to argue and blame others when often he is one of the main ones not doing their job.
Hill 5/10 – One of his worst games of the season and he looked like the Hill that came into the side last season; mistake ridden, poor on the ball and generally indecisive. Had a number of sliced clearances and like McMahon struggled with the pace and direct running of the Brentford players. He got better after the break and actually got forward a few times but he was not great today.
Maguire 6/10 – Probably the best defender again but he too was not quite at his best. Made some good tackles and interceptions but he also was guilty of poor marking and ball watching in the first half as we looked like we were going to be hammered before half time. He also maybe could have got out quicker to Forrester when he struck the second goal as he was allowed to advance and advance without anyone going to the ball (Midfield were at fault as much though). Got booked for an awful challenge in the second half (is he now suspended? Thought he had got 5 now?)
Collins 5/10 – Thought Donaldson gave him a really difficult game; although the centre backs did try and swap and put Maguire on him but Donaldson knew Collins was the weaker and tried to isolate him. Felt it was Collins who was nearest on the goal and lost him but could be wrong? For the rest of the game he looked quite indecisive and part of a defence that for the second game were all over the place and liable to concede at any time in the first half. He was another who made a number of sliced clearances and poor balls forward.
Flynn 5/10 – Another poor performance where he seemed obsessed with checking back inside (every single time) and thus often destroying the impetus of any kind of attack we had. He also failed to deliver any telling crosses of note when he did this; dallying too long on the ball. He fails to realise the best crosses come from deep and often goes back towards his own goal. Spent a lot of time on the floor too often looking for free kicks which was a bit annoying as most of the time there were little contact. He could have been taken off as he was not offering anything and did not really improve much after the break.
Doyle 5/10 – He tried hard but once again we completely lost the midfield area; for the second game running as quicker, more nimble and sadly on that showing better players managed to pick us off, run through from deep and actually create chances. We looked so slow and pedestrian in this area and also failed to win many first or second balls all game (especially in the first half). He got better in the second half as we started to win more ball and get on top but he and the Midfield have to impose themselves like they did last season as at the moment we are getting overrun in this area.
McDonald 4.5/10 – Thought he was very poor. I don’t see many away games and maybe others will see it differently but when I have been away he often looks much poorer than he does at home and goes missing for long spells. Today that was most definitely the case. I cannot recall him having many touches of the ball in the first half and the quicker and hungrier Brentford midfielders won all the tackles, picked up any loose stuff and set them on attack and he often was behind the play. McDonald has so much ability but for me for long periods this season he is just going through the motions. He knows with the squad we have got, he could have 5 or 6 totally non effective games but still be certain to be picked and there are no consequences for ineffectual performances.
Blackman 7/10 – Our best player yet again. He was not in the game much in the first half as we were defending much of the game but after the break he got on the ball and made things happen. He had a number of great runs and one where he beat 3 or 4 man and curled wide. It would have been a superb goal. Most good things we did came from him and he had a few other efforts that could have led to goals. He looks frustrated at the moment as his play is not being met by many of his teammates with only really Miller looking like he can combine with him.
Miller 6.5/10 – He actually was one of our most dangerous players and had some of our best efforts at goal with a header in the first half and then a shot in the second half that was well saved. He did dither a few times when given opportunities and got blocked and knew he had been slow to get his shot away. He does look sharp and shows good feet in and around the goal. I do like him and think he needs to stay in the team. I would definitely give him and Kitson a go when he returns.
Porter 5.5/10 – He did win fair few headers and tried hard but had no service whatsoever. He at least had a go at trying to bring it down and bring others into play. First half barely had a kick but that’s because most of the game was played in our half. Second half he started to cause a few problems and had a few efforts; one shot just wide at near post when he had more time and should have gone across the keeper. He was not great but when we took him off and Cresswell came in; our threat kind of vanished as Blackman was pushed inside and bottled out and we won no headers at all and failed to hold the ball up.
Subs
Westlake – Not surprised he came on for the awful McMahon but he was sadly not much better. Can’t have done his confidence much good after 2 decent performances that he is dropped straight away. When he came on he sliced two balls out, was poor in possession and gave the ball away.
Cresswell – He was dreadful when he came on; albeit in limited times. He really does look finished and I am unsure why we gave him a longer contract. If we see a future for him on coaching then he needs to retire gracefully at the end of the season. Three times he went for headers and jumped in the 1990’s he was that early! The ball never stuck to him and our threat sort of evaporated after the came on.
Officials – Andy D’Urso. Not the best of games really with some odd decisions and some fussy refereeing interspersed with some lenient decisions but then when you analyse some of the key incidents not sure how he could be blamed. The one where the ball had potentially crosses the line (we had no idea behind behind it) would be down to the linesman as was probably the block on Blackman. It was hard to be convinced by either. What D’Urso should have done is realised there was potential controversy in terms of decisions and not be so quick to brandish a yellow card to United players; booked a few for same complaints. Felt he could have just spoken to them. There were a few soft bookings for players but then one deserved one for Maguire. How the keeper did not get booked for some of the most blatant timewasting I have ever seen was beyond me. Once he pretended to take a mythical free kick when it was a goal kick and played dumb on a number of occasions to eat up more time. D’Urso just let him do what he wanted. I felt it was poor work from his linesman all day that did for him and made his job really hard and it seemed he became the source of frustration from the away end (probably wrongly) for a poor performance.
Crowd – Heard them saying in the pub they were going to get 10,000 and it would be a massive crowd. Well they got 8,000 and they were still big gaps all over the ground. Like Griffin Park and it is a decent atmosphere and of course right in the middle of houses/near 4 pubs and a proper old fashioned ground. Amusing to hear their fans after the game as although they played well and deserved their win, you would think they were Real Madrid and had just won the European Cup! They have had a good week and played well but to hear them say it was one of their best weeks for years and years and how the performance was one of the best they had ever seen; deary me. They must have had an even more torrid recent history than us! They got behind their team and were relatively noisy for a small crowd but unsure how they can really develop and become a force say in the Championship on such small crowds (not their fault as with clubs like Chelsea, QPR and Fulham close by they will always struggle for a large support based which is a shame as it seems a decent sort of club) that has potential.
As for United fans. We sold out the away end and we sat with the dreadful leg room aghast at the dire performance as the rain lashed down. Actually remembered the awful toilet facilities and went just before the break to ensure I would not be in there for 20 minutes. A few Blades seemed to be arguing amongst themselves and I saw a few other arguments throughout the upper tier which was sad as the performance seemed to spark the sort of debate that goes over the top. I felt for those below who probably did not have same cover as us in the terrace. The mist and rain did not abate and it was a miserable afternoon. A far cry from the win last season in the sunshine when a strong United side won easily. The whole afternoon was not quite same as last year. We spent a few hours around Putney Bridge and had a bite to eat and then got the train on the mainline straight to Brentford. The awful weather did not help but the pubs were not quite as accommodating near the ground as I remembered and did not seem to have enough staff.
We could not get in one as it was too full (New Inn?) and went in the Griffin but it took an age to get served and we only had time for 1. After the game we did not fancy heading about and took the long walk back to South Ealing tube via the now yearly game of Frogger/Froggy (remember that game on the Spectrum etc) on the M4. We headed back into London and had a few drinks around Camden (becoming the regular London post match drink) before heading for the train. Good banter in Carriage E which was full of Blades and a good sing song ensued with a lusty rendition of ‘When the Blades go marching in!’ all the way to Sheffield from Derby. Where was Gareth Malone when you needed him as this performance was rather special with fans taking it in turns to stand and conduct the rest of the carriage. Quite what the rest of the normal public dotted around made of it was anyone’s guess. Not one of the better Blades days as a defeat often does take off the edge as a flat performance and horrible weather seemed to also put a dampener (literally) on things. Hoping to be at Crawley in a few weeks for a better day.