Just got back from the game and thought I'd share my views before I forget them!
The pre-game will they/won't they was rather tedious as we all knew they wouldn't shake hands, and fair play to Ferdinand. Respect is won, not forced, and if Anton feels JT and Cole have not earned his respect he is well within his rights to not shake their hands. It didn't affect his game - that's for sure. The atmosphere was a cracker, and yet once more I think that helped the team to up their game and really go for the win. I only wish the atmosphere was like that at Loftus Road every week. Don't get me wrong - it's never a library, but just imagine if we could recreate that level of intensity and passion week in week out. A big ask, but it's a healthy aim.
On the pitch we looked good, right the way through the team. Cesar was assured, commanding and made some quality saves in the first half. I think he did as much as anyone today to earn us the point. It's no coincidence that with Cesar behind them, Nelson and AF looked solid. Yes, the scum got through once or twice, but they were always going to get a chance or two. AF and Nelson limited them well and Cesar mopped up. The wing-backs were both excellent; I've been critical of Fabio before, but today he looked great going forward (as usual) as well as looking solid at the back. It was a shame he and AJ got injured, not only because out tactical substitutions were limited later, but also because he finally looked like the player we know he can be. Bosingwa was solid in the same way thoughout the game.
The jewel in our crown however, was not a solid defence, but the most brilliant, creative and hard-working centre midfield pairing. Granero and Faurlin were outstanding. 10/10 for both of them. The passing was slick, the tackling and tracking back was firm and they kept the ball very very well. They could easily be the best midfield pairing outside the top 6 this year. They are both Men of the Match for me, as I feel it would be unfair to pick a single one out. What a purchase by MH and TF. Top marks.
I don't want to dwell on negatives as he always tries hard, but SWP was our main weak spot. A shame, but I'll keep on supporting him as long as he keeps trying his best, which he does week in week out. Park on the other wing was brilliant at winning the ball back - if only he could finish we would have maybe nicked it!
The boys up top were up against a well organised back four and had AJ not pulled up, I feel they could have created some good chances. BZ and AJ do seem to have a great understanding. Ultimately they didn't take their chances today, and neither did Cisse at the end, but again, they worked hard and I won't complain.
All in all, I was delighted to see such cohesion, desire and commitment. If we can keep it up we will be safe in April, but that is still the word - safety. We have potential to do very well this year, but I'll still take 16th right now, right here. MH got his tactics spot on today (in my opinion) and was hindered annoyingly by the two injuries. It would have been nice to see Cisse come on for AJ and Hoilett for SWP at 70mins but it was not to be. We got lucky with the penalty shouts so can't really complain about the injuries. MH clearly went for hard-workers today (Mackie, Park, AJ) today over the talented yet potentially lazy (Taarabt, Hoilett, Cisse). I liked that choice, but would also like to see him unlock some of the potential on the bench in future games. Onwards and upwards.
YYYYYYYYYYYYOU RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR'SSSSSSSSSS.
The pre-game will they/won't they was rather tedious as we all knew they wouldn't shake hands, and fair play to Ferdinand. Respect is won, not forced, and if Anton feels JT and Cole have not earned his respect he is well within his rights to not shake their hands. It didn't affect his game - that's for sure. The atmosphere was a cracker, and yet once more I think that helped the team to up their game and really go for the win. I only wish the atmosphere was like that at Loftus Road every week. Don't get me wrong - it's never a library, but just imagine if we could recreate that level of intensity and passion week in week out. A big ask, but it's a healthy aim.
On the pitch we looked good, right the way through the team. Cesar was assured, commanding and made some quality saves in the first half. I think he did as much as anyone today to earn us the point. It's no coincidence that with Cesar behind them, Nelson and AF looked solid. Yes, the scum got through once or twice, but they were always going to get a chance or two. AF and Nelson limited them well and Cesar mopped up. The wing-backs were both excellent; I've been critical of Fabio before, but today he looked great going forward (as usual) as well as looking solid at the back. It was a shame he and AJ got injured, not only because out tactical substitutions were limited later, but also because he finally looked like the player we know he can be. Bosingwa was solid in the same way thoughout the game.
The jewel in our crown however, was not a solid defence, but the most brilliant, creative and hard-working centre midfield pairing. Granero and Faurlin were outstanding. 10/10 for both of them. The passing was slick, the tackling and tracking back was firm and they kept the ball very very well. They could easily be the best midfield pairing outside the top 6 this year. They are both Men of the Match for me, as I feel it would be unfair to pick a single one out. What a purchase by MH and TF. Top marks.
I don't want to dwell on negatives as he always tries hard, but SWP was our main weak spot. A shame, but I'll keep on supporting him as long as he keeps trying his best, which he does week in week out. Park on the other wing was brilliant at winning the ball back - if only he could finish we would have maybe nicked it!
The boys up top were up against a well organised back four and had AJ not pulled up, I feel they could have created some good chances. BZ and AJ do seem to have a great understanding. Ultimately they didn't take their chances today, and neither did Cisse at the end, but again, they worked hard and I won't complain.
All in all, I was delighted to see such cohesion, desire and commitment. If we can keep it up we will be safe in April, but that is still the word - safety. We have potential to do very well this year, but I'll still take 16th right now, right here. MH got his tactics spot on today (in my opinion) and was hindered annoyingly by the two injuries. It would have been nice to see Cisse come on for AJ and Hoilett for SWP at 70mins but it was not to be. We got lucky with the penalty shouts so can't really complain about the injuries. MH clearly went for hard-workers today (Mackie, Park, AJ) today over the talented yet potentially lazy (Taarabt, Hoilett, Cisse). I liked that choice, but would also like to see him unlock some of the potential on the bench in future games. Onwards and upwards.
YYYYYYYYYYYYOU RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR'SSSSSSSSSS.
