The ACN Match Review: Sheff U (a) | OneFootball

How did we play? 

Apart from the middle to end of the first half, Norwich were the team exhibiting the qualities you’d typically associate of a Chris Wilder team. They clearly understood the assignment, and controlled 75% of the game, while Wilder’s own team lacked that bite and the other intangibles that can make a Bramall Lane trip uncomfortable. The second half was as good as you’ll see from any side playing away in the Championship.

This was also a winning debut for the bus seat kit – ironically against the opponent who took massive umbrage to the Norwich team bus being late several years ago. While I’m not fully au fait with how kit combinations are decided, if anyone at the club had the power in choosing that strip yesterday, it’s “great banter, it really is.”

What was the best bit of the game? 

Given that the period between the equaliser and half-time saw Norwich’s threat disappear and the game script start to tilt towards the home side, going in 2-1 up felt like a bit of a ‘smash and grab’. Without it, the second half may have been very different. 

The second half we got was every bit as good as the first half against Burnley. All gas, no brakes. An intensity both in and out of possession that simply blew the Blades away. The third goal was superb, Wilder was convinced it was offside. If it was, we should simply chalk it up as “one of those and we don’t particularly care”. There were numerous other chances before and after that might’ve gone in on another day.

What was the worst bit of the game? 

Mo Toure was seemingly booked for…doing a little dance in front of the Kop end? I’ve found throughout the years that Sheffield United fans choose to be antagonised quite often and quite easily – if indeed that is the offence. Probably one of those where you shouldn’t give the referee the opportunity to book you, but it seemed minimal. 

Just a few minutes before we’d collected another couple of silly cards, but nothing approaching the head loss seen at points at Stoke on Tuesday.

What was the atmosphere like? 

Bramall Lane will always be a bit spicier than most other Championship grounds, and there’s no shortage of narratives between these two teams. That makes a winning away day all the sweeter, of course. 

The Blades were rather…blunt. Not only have they lost Andre Brooks, but also Gus Hamer and Callum O’Hare. You could tell. The third goal popped the balloon and there was no way back for what is now a fairly limited side playing 4-4-2. 

Hero of the match 

Anthony Musaba was the pick of the bunch, for me. It was one of those individual performances where the media team should clip up his best bits for the socials. Was someone squeezing through and spinning out of cul-de-sacs. Had Hamza Choudhury (a midfielder playing right back) on toast. 

Also special mention to Ben Chrisene for his immaculate recovery and tackle on Patrick Bamford towards the end, without which we may have had a nervy last few minutes. 

Summary in five words 

Take your time Norwich City.