It was a lot more than a couple of times though. There were a minimum of 5 times he was simply hustled out of possession fairly easily in fairly dangerous areas - mainly getting the ball caught underneath his feet. We can't just give him higher marks because he's the current flavour of the month. Just got to call it as you see it regardless of the name or number on the back. He was far better in the other games we've played recently. I think it has to be understood though he won't have played two games at that pace, with that much effort and emotion, in 3 days many times in his career. He was just a bit leggy. But then look at the burst late on to use his last energy up and win an important free kick up the pitch. Then the assist. He's just a class act, and a guy who looks blue chip giving you a minimum of 7 out of 10 every week. Not his best game but he was surrounded by two under performers also in Shelvey (all 90mins) and Joelinton (terrible 2nd half and made errors in the first despite playing well). Put good players around Bruno and we will win more than we lose and retain possession a lot better than we did against Palace. Fortunately we were defensively very very good and Almiron was magic, hence they were my top performers. Personally thought I could have went 9 on the full backs because Palace have pace and trickery wide but we blunted them well. same goes for Miggy who barely put a foot wrong and put in a mega shift. Just how I saw the game
The main thing I don't see mentioned here, though, is his defending. His interceptions and tackling don't get respect. He's seen as a CAM, when really he's an all round CM. His defensive capabilities don't get enough respect. He is a great defender but not too aggressive and knows when to tackle and when to pull out.
His defensive work is really good. Even when not at his best the other night, he still worked hard and was back defending in our box. To me he isn't an attacking midfielder. He is the guy I'd play in the middle of the pitch dictating the play. He's an all rounder with everything. He has every pass in the book, and the way in which he receives the ball marks him out as a bit better than what we've been used to. Cabaye was the last I recall like that or Merino. I think his effort levels are an example to every single player too. If we can get a genuine ball winner and a more attacking midfielder, I think he improves again. We'd then have the perfect balance for me. I do think we need to try and find ways to save money to allow us freedom to go big elsewhere and Kamara would be the obvious as he's out of contract. The lure of the CL will probably scupper that though.
Bruno is better than Cabaye IMO. Offers way more defensively, more skillful on the ball, more flair and pace.
Yes I think he is too on what we've seen so far, I just mean in the way he receives the ball. Cabaye and Merino had that similar trait of all top footballers, their touch gives them time and better options. The ball is going to be killed instantly and they don't even have to be looking. It allows them to have a look at what is around, so they turn into space all the time. More often than not these types go hand in hand with an improvement in your possession stats. Bruno is more modern than Cabaye because of his mobility. Mind I did think Cabaye was very very good for us despite his prima donna ways. We need to get Bruno a first season Tiote to make life easy and see the best of him.
Dubz - 7 - Not much for him to do but did what he needed to well. Think a ball playing keeper could be on Eddies agenda but he's brilliant at what he does, was barking instructions constantly and organized the defense well. Krafth - 7 - Where has this lad come from? Another Howe has worked his magic on. He kept Zaha quiet most of the game some great tackles and played out from the back well. Schar - 6 - Not much to do for the defensive side of things but again another who did what he needed well. Palace targeted him in the air and held up his end o.k., a few misplaced passes but solid enough. Burn - 7 - Leader at the back barking out instructions as well, had a dig at Schar for a mistake, solid on his side. Targett - 7 - Quality, need to sign him up ASAP. Fit's in well next to BDB and defensively astute to cover for Maxi (a bit like with Grealish at Villa) on that side with additional cover from Joe. Bruno - 8 - Majestic, just a level above everything and anything else on the pitch, settled in to the pace and fury of the league and happy to get stuck in. Would have been MOTM bar Miggy by a country mile. I wouldn't be surprised if we just say get the ball to Bruno and play off him before games. Joelinton - 6 - Nearly gifted a goal but did well apart from that, work rate was good despite clearly struggling with an injury. Probably needs a rest in all fairness. Shelvey - 6 - Quiet game but does a job in the furthest back of the three CM's, gets out and fills for Bruno or Joe when they press out but can't see him being a long term fit in there. ASM - 7 - First time I've been at SJP to watch him live, crowd is electric every time he gets the ball. Little disappointing overall but I think he's a bit out of form and needs to feel the love again. Some of the dribbles though are amazing to watch in person and his step overs on the touchline were hilarious! Wood - 6 - Again first time I've watched him live and appreciate his work rate a bit more (hence the generous mark) but he is just no way near good enough and not got a great footballing brain e.g. when to press and when to drop off etc. Almiron - 9 - MOTM for the goal and his work rate, it's insane! Just needs to find some more goal contributions to be a part of the squad longer term but if he can add goals and assists to the work rate he'd be a valuable member of the team for the next few years. Eddie - 10 - A good tactical display to make Palace try and break us down, they only caused a few problems and their biggest chances were arguably from our own mistakes, 10/10 not just for the game but for the season since he's came in. Can't wait to see what he can do with some quality players and longer to put his stamp on things. WorFlags - 11 - What a buzz that is before and after the games with all the flags waving and chants. Fans incredible as usual.
