Must-read as Sheffield Utd fan talks NUFC, *that* VAR incident, our best player & Bruce
Sheffield United fans must've been struggling to comprehend what they watched last night.
They had 73% of possession, they were by far the better side in the opening stages & peppered Dubravka's goal as a result, yet they came away having lost at Brammal Lane by more than one goal for the first time since their days in League One!
As a result, we've reached out to Blades season-ticket holder Joe Glave (@glavey) to gain a few thoughts from the other side after last night's match.
Here's what Joe had to say:
1) It has be to my first question - What did you make of that VAR incident? It's split opinion to put it mildly. Some are praising Shelvey for playing to the whistle, while others feel you've been cheated by VAR..
"Im not a fan of VAR whatsoever however let’s face it it served a purpose here.
"Playing footie growing up it was always play to the whistle, same applies here.
"I think the response from Blades fans and particularly Wilder is because this is the third major VAR incident that’s gone against us.
2) VAR incident aside, what did you make of the game? Do you feel we got away with it o?!
"It was a very bizarre one wasn’t it.
"The football we played last night is the same as what we’ve done all season however last night was essentially a game of keep ball for us and this was down to two key factors..
"One being Newcastle we’re VERY organised, and sat a lot deeper than most of the opposing teams we’ve played this season.
"The other was the decision to rest Mcgoldrick and Mousset. They have been our outlet most of season and billy sharp and Mcburnie were just static all game.
"I know we have Norwich on Sunday but I’m a firm believer that you play your best team available at home."
3) What did you make of Bruce's approach and overall performance in general?
"Newcastle set up his team just like did last year in the Sheffield Derby.
"Last year it was 0-0, key difference for you was that bit of quality from St Maximin who certainly looks a great player for you guys."
4) Were there any Newcastle players that left you particularly impressed? On the flip side, who looked our weak link?
"Just answered that on last one so apologies but I think aside Allan Saint-Maximin, Andy Carroll did what Andy Carroll does best.
"I don’t recall Egan or Basham winning a header when marking him."
5) What were the Newcastle fans like in the away end?
"Newcastle fans were by a country mile the loudest supporters we’ve had at the lane all season. And fair play because watching that style of football (albeit being v effective last night) all season will be not the best of viewing.
Some very fair and honest answers from Joe, who must've left the ground sick as a chip last night as a former Sheffield Wednesday boss put 11-men behind the ball and burst their bubble at Brammal Lane.
Good luck to the Blades for the rest of the reason. We may have ended their unbeaten run, but they look every bit good enough at Premier League level and won't be going anywhere soon on this evidence.
