BBC Home

Explore the BBC

New visitors: Create your membership
Returning members: Sign in

10 comments

user rating: 4 star

Manchester City 0 - 0 Sheffield United

by SoccaCritics (U5736392) 14 October 2006
comment on the article

Struggling Sheffield United gained their first away point of the season as Manchester City failed to convert any of their goalscoring opportunities.

City made an encouraging start, but created very little in terms of chances. Sheffield’s resilient and dogged style helped hinder any build up play, and were very frustrating to play against. Sheffield played a 4-5-1 formation, crowding out the midfield with both Joey Barton and Dietmar Hamann not being allowed to play a solid passing game. Their constant pressing and high work rate helped weather the pressure in the first 15 minutes, but as the half wore on Sheffield United gained more confidence and began to push forward more.

The only real chance of the first half was when Didi Hamann showed superb vision in lofting the ball over the top of the Blades defence for Georgios Samaras to pull away and have his effort saved by ‘keeper Paddy Kenny. Both teams looked unable to find a way past each other’s defence as the poor first half came to an end.

The second half improved slightly, youngster Ishmael Miller came on at the break and made a few good runs, but without any end product. The disappointing Dietmar Hamann who seemed off the pace and lacked any battling quality was replaced by former American captain Claudio Reyna midway through the second period. Reyna began to dictate the tempo and helped City improve their performance slightly. The City fans attempted to rouse their players in the last 20 minutes and they began to create numerous opportunities. However, Bernardo Corradi, who is still yet to score his first goal for the club, failed with two superb chances to break the deadlock. His best was after a surging run from Tunisian Wing Back Hatem Trabelsi who crossed, for Corradi’s header to be saved by ‘keeper Kenny.

The result finished 0-0, both teams deserving a point which I am sure Sheffield United will be far happier with.

Click related link for a more detailed review.

Latest comments

Read members' comments or add your own

posted Oct 15, 2006

I know it was a frustrating afternoon but having a rookie 19 year old keeper making his debut wouldn't have instilled confidence through out the whole team, though we did end up protecting Hart quite well. Infact that's 360+ minutes without conceding a goal at Fortress Eastlands.

Did not like Sinclair or Trabelsi on the left. It should either be Miller or Beesley end of.

Richards has not been putting a foot wrong at right back all season but when Trabelsi played there 2nd half he looked world class! Richards looked just as affective at left back which is where he should stay for now.

A few City fans around me in the North Stand cheered when Hamman was substitued. I had my doubts about him when he signed but I thought he had been one of our better players in possession yesterday. I fear for my club when fans will cheer the substitution of a class player who was only doing what he did for Liverpool, having far fewer options to hit because of the poor movement. I think we need a football school at Eastlands to educate some of our fans.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 15, 2006

You forgot to mention Hulse's overhead kick that slammed into the bar and the chances the Blades created late on. We are disappointed we did not sneak the win.

Barton had a good game for city, so did the young keeper but generally, the game was dominated by the increasingly proficient Blades back four. Man of the match - Claude Davis

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 16, 2006

King Claud absolute legend! Thought wed been ripped off for hulse when we signed him (Please Rob accept my apologies you are also quality) but always thought davis would be a good buy. VERY good business neil! #2.5 million total bargaiN!

add comment | complain about this comment

comment by GC_S35 (U2862260)

posted Oct 17, 2006

I totally agree Davis and Hulse are well worth the transfer fees we paid for them and both will be key for us to stay up, CKR for 150k...bargain.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 17, 2006

Fortress Eastland? In what respect? Of the 60 grounds I've been to the atmosphere was appalling, much worse than Maine Road used to be. A depressing and soulless place.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 18, 2006

We had three golden oppurtunities as well, dont make out that we just went to Manchester to defend because we didnt!!!

As someone said above, what a shocking atmosphere. I was actually really appalled buy it thank god for Bramall Lane smiley

UTB

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 19, 2006

lol City are sooooo relegated this season

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 19, 2006

typical of a red wat r united gona win this season errrr nout o yh mayb fair play league or bigest posers lol wen u can beat arsenal at ome cum bak

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 21, 2006

Not sure why this thread has it's access links from the United section, but still.
BlueBoy, I think you may need to reassess the teams you're making comparrison between here - Arsenal or Sheffield Utd? Please.
By the way, we coped with Wigan a little more comfortably than your lot appear to be doing so far too.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 30, 2006

i dont think this is a big mathc review socca!

add comment | complain about this comment

Comment on this article

Sorry, you can only contribute to 606 during opening hours. These are 0900-2300 UK time, seven days a week, but may vary to accommodate sporting events and UK public holidays.

RATE THIS ARTICLE

Rate Breakdown

  • 5 72.73%
    8 votes
  • 4
    0 votes
  • 3 9.09%
    1 votes
  • 2
    0 votes
  • 1 18.18%
    2 votes

average rating:
4.09 from 11 votes