Tadic's best game for ages, same with Long too who I thought was fantastic. Great win, away to a team with a new manager and who hadn't scored just seemed inevitable to happen, especially against us. Reaction from the players for this game was fantastic and gives us something to build upon. Pellegrino isn't afraid to make changes. Great to see.
Well, sort of. Actually Palace are desperate, but can you imagine the horrorshow if we'd squandered the points there?
That is why Shane Long exists as a footballer. He doesn't get my MOTM, because quite obviously that goes to Lemina, but it's so good to have his energy up there. When things are going well for us, and we're pinging the ball around and creating chances for fun, then there's no really a role for Shane. But this was an away game, with the team (and the fans) at quite a low ebb, with very little attacking quality flowing. It was perfect for Shane's energy. Aside from Redmond (how did he last so long), no-one had a bad game today. Over the coming days I'm sure I'll get annoyed again at the failure to sign an creative talent, because looking at how good Lemina and Wesley were today as new signings, and with Virgil back into the fold, it is frustrating to think how good this team could have been this season with that one (or two) extra, but highly important, signing. But for today, I'm just pleased and happy at three points. Onwards and upwards.
It feels great having a record signing actually become one of your best players. Who knew? I'm hoping it will encourage players to play the ball a bit quicker knowing even if they lose it they will have Romeu and Lemina behind them to win it back.
Vvd was obviously told to man mark benteke which was a good bit of management and snuffed him out completely. Lemina man of the match by a country mile, what a signing.
Team P GD Pts 1 Man Utd 4 10 10 2 Man City 4 8 10 3 Chelsea 4 3 9 4 Watford 4 4 8 5 Southampton 5 0 8
