By Deadbat
Ratings for Sheffield United players from the 1-0 defeat of Peterborough at Bramall Lane.
Bunn 8/10 – After a rocky period when he shipped goals, lost his confidence and his place, he was given the jersey back only due to Bennett’s injury. But he did nothing wrong whatsoever with sound handling, positional sense and distribution. The penalty save was a pivotal moment; it was not a great penalty but he still had to save it.
Walker 7/10 – For the most part he looked a class above the rest of the players. Some lovely balls played down the line including the one that led to the goal, and he showed his touch, speed and strength. However, he has to ensure he does not do too much on occasions. One or two moments of overconfidence saw him lose the ball in a similar situation to the Newcastle goal.
Morgan 7/10 – Solid on his return. Won most of the headers and limited McLean for much of the afternoon. Peterborough barely had an effort on goal in the box, which is a good sign for the defence.
Davies 7/10 - Defended okay and has improved after a poor start but at times he dives into challenges, like the daft challenge on the penalty. It was a silly slide that did not need to be made.
Kilgallon 7/10 – Better at centre-back but he did a decent job. He defended okay for most of the game. He stopped the crosses or made the tackles/clearances needed but he was one of the guilty parties on the penalty, as he was too slow to react to the initial danger.
Quinn 6/10 – Continued his wretched form in the first half and constantly gave the ball away, but improved after the interval and was one of the better performers when most seemed to regress. At least he got the odd foot in, made a few tackles and blocks and there was some genuine effort there. Overall though, not good enough once again.
Williamson 7/10 – Impressive. Obviously he lacks match sharpness but he offered something different in terms of getting forward and supporting; he can pass the ball and looks composed in possession. A pairing with Montgomery will offer a more solid midfield, and will give Williamson the chance to move forward more.
Harper 5/10 – Another very disappointing performance. The game seemed to just pass him by. He does one or two decent things and he is fairly decent technically, but gives the ball away too much and looks unfit. He seems no closer to the answer in central midfield.
Evans 6/10 – Had a cracking shot that hit the bar and the effort that led to the goal, which were both made by his excellent movement, but other than that it’s difficult to find many other really positive contributions. He is not a target man or hold-up player, but he did little else in terms of chasing defenders, acting as an outlet or linking with other players. Like Harper, we are patiently waiting for a 90-minute performance, but it seems no closer.
Ward 7/10 – Started well, as did most of the team, and made some clever runs, dummies and balls. His cross led to the goal and he was involved in most of the good things. Faded badly in the second half and even when he went up front he did not get any more involved. Another who needs match fitness.
Camara 7/10 – Started the game brightly and was at the heart of everything. Had a few decent chances and his running and clever link-up with Ward nearly led to chances. Took his goal well, showing real predatory instincts - something we have missed. Tired in the second half as United started to wilt, but he offers pace and movement. Should be teamed with Henderson from next week.
Substitutes
Treacy – Even though he may flit in and out of games he can offer a bit of class, and hence should have started. Did little of note, as we were defending, but was a touch unlucky not to get a penalty right at the death when he appeared to get sandwiched.
Reid – Surprised to see him as he seemed right out of favour even with all the injuries. Made one run when he should have crossed, showed his raw pace but poor touch and awareness.
France – Not really involved at all.
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