It was good to see Foley playing in his real position, he put in a typically assured performance. Christophe Berra had a solid game along with Craddock which isn't a surprise. Fletcher looks worth every penny of the fee we paid Burnley for him. He's good in the air and linked up with Ebanks-Blake on numerous occasions.
It wasn't all rosy though. There were unfortunately, a couple of negatives. I came expecting to see a proper left back playing for Wolves, but Jelle Van Damme wasn't very convincing. Too often he would watch as the Bilbao winger would cross it and he gave him way too much space. It was worrying that we looked better defensively after he was pushed up to left midfield and Big George Elokobi came in at left back. Jelle was however, unbeatable in the air. He won almost every high ball, when attacking and defending.
Stephen Ward played left wing. He wasn't much use there to be honest, and I was glad when he was taken off at half time. He hasn't got the pace to play out there, and looks more comfortable at left back. Van Damme was much better than him there, a lot more positive on the ball and getting behind the full back.
Karl Henry and David Jones didn't have very good games. Henry gave the ball away in terrible positions and Jones looked more interested in having a fight than playing. Matty Jarvis was our bright spark on the right, although he didn't look quite as confident as he does on the left he was still the focal point of all our attacks.
Some of the players who came off the bench did much to catch Mick's eye. I already mentioned Elokobi, he balanced out the defence but he did his usual 'mis-control the ball and let it out for a throw in'. Greg Halford was impressive. He looked eager to receive the ball, kept it moving and of course caused some problems with his throw ins. Andy Keogh provided the work upfront and had a part in Sylvan's winning goal.
Overall, we were ok. Much better in the second half, with a very good goal in the first half.
Hahnemann - 7Foley - 7
Craddock - 7
Berra - 8
Van Damme - 6
Jarvis - 8
Henry - 6
Jones - 6
Ward - 6
Fletcher - 8
Ebanks-Blake - 7
Very special mention to the forty odd Bilbao fans who were brilliant. The Mexican wave they started went on for ages and they were surprisingly loud.
Thought JvD was OK. Jarvis on the right didn't seem right, but putting Ward on the left proved it. Mick will do anything to get him in the side. Anyone, even Mujangi Bia but not Ward!
ReplyDeleteVan Damme looks like a defensive liability. W are gonna be in big trouble if he plays like he did in the first half yesterday against the likes of Valencia, Walcott or Lennon
ReplyDeleteWe were ok, and in the first half they made us look pretty average. Van Damme is awful, we need a GOOD left back Mick!
ReplyDelete