With Trippier and ASM out I was concerned. We really did lack a cutting edge today, but thankfully our midfield work out rate got us through it and hard work grinded us out a point. I thought we were going to lose it, but we hung on and neither side created too many chances. Ratings - Dubz - 7.5 - Could of decent saves and good command of the box. Krafth - 5.5 - Not terrible but clearly the biggest liability. Schar - 8 - Solid Burn - 8.5 - Beast defensively. If Willock hadn't have scored, I'd give him MOTM. Targett - 8 - A couple of errors, but mostly solid defensive display. Willock - 8.5 - Great runs, work rate and good goal coming from good positioning/poaching and perseverance. MOTM. Has clearly benefited from a new philosophy and formation allowing him more opportunity to run with the ball. Shelvey - 7 - Good Joelinton - 8 - Great. Fraser - 7.5 - Good defending, good overlapping runs and all round work rate. Got into some good positions. Made himself a handful. Wood - 5 - Some decent flicks ons and defensive work but overall average. We simply don't have the right sort of service going in that he benefits from. Murphy - 6.5 - Not bad, played a part in the goal, but lacks the ability to beat players at this level. Can't fault his work rate.
I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for him now with his own fans cursing their own team spirit just to boo him. He's had his animals taken away, let that be the end of it.
In these past few weeks, we have gone from having the worst midfield in the league bar none, to a midfield that can out work Everton, Leeds and Villas, compete with West Hams, who have probably the best DM in the entire league. All the while we still play Jonjo, Willock and Joelinton. Stick some ****in' respect on our managers name.
I just think it's sad that a persons fans are literally willing to put their entire team spirit down to boo one of their players.
It has to be, he's the oldest and slowest. Willock and Joelinton are good players for the future, if we can continue on their current path they can be with us for many many years.
He has his animals taken is enough according to you. What he did was disgusting. West ham should have dropped the twat. Fair play to the west ham fans
It's stupid though because their booing could bring their whole team down. If anything you should be getting angry at the police for not taking further action, but if he did that to a person, I seriously doubt he'd be jailed either. You could do more damage to a person on a football pitch, deliberately, and get away with a 3 game ban at the most.
I think pretty much spot on, there, Tash. That Krafth played better than Wood tells you how bad he is. Wilson is desperately needed. Murphy maybe a stretch at 6.5, as there was some really poor decision making in the final 3rd (no change there then). We had so many opportunities to do something good, yet seemed to aim for Dawson with crosses every single time or mis-hit shots directly at players. Wood's so slow at everything. He's like the Herman Munster of strikers. Also just a note that Almiron came on. I know - I had to double check, he was so anonymous. Needs to be sold in the Summer.
I agree with all except Wood and Murphy would both be 5’s for me. Murphy is shocking and offered **** all. The number of times he just aimlessly kicks the ball straight at the oppositions players legs is mind boggling. Almiron concerns me. I fear he has been Rafa Bruced. Both were obsessed with getting him to defend and stop pressing so high. Now we want him to do it but he looks unsure and confused. I hope Max is back next week. Wood was so isolated today without him but was poor anyway as he looked a bit leggy. Cracking away performance
He’ll likely be prosecuted by the RSPCA as opposed to the Police/CPS. And I would guess they will prosecute. Would further guess a sizable fine and a ban from owning animals.
Ban from owning animals. Fine him. But I wouldn't give him jail time essentially because I've seen people do the same or worse to humans and avoid jail. I'm a vegan and even I think a fine and a ban from owning animals is enough. It's not unforgiveable. He's human. Everyone has a reprehensible side.
I agree with you. My only caveat is West Ham should have done more. For me he should have been axed for at least 3 games by West Ham. He’s a role model for kids and the message to the kids has to be clear that that behavior is not acceptable and there will be a visible sanction.
