The ACN Match Review 24/25 – Sheffield United (h)

How did we play?
Not at all badly, considering how strong Sheffield United looked in the first half. We let them have a lot of the ball but were patient and picked them off when they pushed too high. It was a slightly Wagner-esque set up but an even game and much more positive when we had the ball and our goal was excellent, starting at the back and finishing with another perfect strike from a much fitter looking Sargent. If Forson can keep the ball in dangerous areas a bit more, we’ll really see what he’s made of and not be conceding goals like we did today and against Blackburn.

What was the best bit of the game?
Shane Duffy gets a lot of stick for his slow passing but releasing the ball early to Nunez in a way that forced him to take it moving forward set up a lovely team goal. It came just as Sheffield United were looking dangerous and the ease with which we moved through the lines to set up Sargent shocked the opposition and the game was much more even from there on, where we witnessed a rare thing: a Chris Wilder side actually paying us some respect. More please.

What was the worst bit of the game?
Referees don’t have it easy but today’s official might have been a bit more lenient when it came to dishing out yellow cards for tackles that were obviously not malicious and had a lot to do with the appalling weather conditions. By his first half standards he should have sent off at least three players in the second half but seemingly he’d changed his mind about what constitutes a card. A mysterious performance from the man in black.

What was the atmosphere like?
A bit soggy and soporific at times but overall there was plenty of noise to distract us from feeling wet and miserable. While the performance was a bit Wagner in terms of dropping deeper to contain Sheffield United, the speed with which we moved the ball and found space is the big difference under Thorup; it keeps the crowd interested and excited and you know it’s not long before someone does something special. Winter at Carrow Road will be a much warmer affair if this continues.

Hero of the match
Marcelino Nunez had one of those games where you watch him play and know he’s just not going to lose the ball. I mean, ok, he did once or twice but he’s becoming that player that you feel so confident watching. He wasn’t phased by the opposition and Thorup’s style of play is made for his passing. He’s going to send a lot of midfielders and defenders scurrying back towards their goal this year – we just have to make sure he’s here after September 1st.

Summary in Five Words
The win is definitely coming.