What a subsitution. I think Mick can take credit for that. When he sent Milijas on I was very suprised, but we had to go for it and it payed off. I was unable to even get a glimpse of the match but it was very clear how bad we were in the first half. The first goal I think was quite unlucky for George. who did have another poor game. The second goal was really annoying, when I saw Berra clear it I thought 'hey, who's marking him?' The answer was noone obviously. A real blow to concede just before half time, especially against such a formidable side at home.
Jody Craddock (above) scored one in the whole of the last season, and in one game has scored more. He is definitely offside for the first one after Berra nodded it on (his third assist of the season) however we were due a bit of luck. The second one is a brilliant header, across the goal which Sorensen almost saves.
What shocked me most was the decision to start Big Chris Iwelumo. I can see why, to compete at set pieces or throw ins. Nevertheless, Ebanks-Blake has just got his first goal of the season and is on a high so Mick decides to drop him. Not great for his confidence and he doesn't even get a look in from the bench. Chris just gave away a lot of free kicks and was replaced by Maierhofer.
We got a point away at a very good home side which is rather impressive. Where you there? What was the atmosphere like? Comment!
Hennessey - 7 - Made a fine save to denie Beattie (I think it was him who headed it)
Zubar - 7 - Looking very reliable and getting forward a lot.
Craddock - 9 - Stayed solid and got two precious goals.
Berra - 8 - A real presence and nuisance at set pieces.
Elokobi - 6 - The weak link in our team, had to be replaced.
Kightly - 6 - Failed to deliver but he needs the games to get going.
Henry - 7 - Kept it tidy.
Castillo - 7 - Replaced at half time but a rock in the heart of the midfield.
Edwards - 7 - Another good performance, he seems tireless.
Doyle - 7 - A bit quiet,still a threat going forward.
Iwelumo - 6 - First start in the premier league and penalised a lot by the referee, as he will be.
Subs
Milijas - 9 - In the second half, everything went through him and we had a bit of flair in the centre.
Maierhofer - 6 - Only on for a short while and didn't do much.
Stearman - 7 - Replaced Elokobi and did well.
I was only listening to the commentary but Edwards sounded excellent again. And Henry. These players are still quite young and performing creditably in the Premier League. Very impressive bargain buys. When Kightly, Foley and Ebanks-Blake are fully fit and Jarvis is back to his best we will have a young, exciting, cheaply assembled premiership team now worth a considerable amount of money.
ReplyDeleteSEb isn't playing in ireland tonight either, surely a perfect game for him to find his feet some more so i think that his absence must indicate that his injury is playing up again. mick loves SEB and believes in him so it must be to do with performance or injury.
ReplyDeleteI reckon maybe he is ill, possibly the same that Mancienne had. I can't wait for Foley to get back, but where will he go? Zubar has impressed, Mick especially.
ReplyDeleteBring on the gunners!
surely elokobi's left back position is up for grabs. Can Zubar play left back? When is foley back from injury?
ReplyDeleteWell lot's of people are suggesting Mancienne and Stearman. I have heard nothing of Matt Hill and Stephen ward is back soon and he was excellent up til his injury
ReplyDeleteward wouldn't get in my school team! Imagine what Walcott would do to him
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