Just back in from the best match this season, made all the better by the tension at the final whistle. A great result for so many reasons, and finally a performance to match too! The directness of our play was refreshing and whilst there are still a few breathless moments when we try to play it out of defence, we got away with these. Both teams must have gorged on raw steak at half time - the second half was breakneck and flowing. And what an impact Matt Philips had with his raw pace; a real shame that after beating three players his shot cannoned back off the crossbar, as that would have been the icing on the cake. Good to also see players such as BAE stepping in at times and mixing it up too. But boy, what an awful referee. A clear foul for their goal. And then three late free kicks against us for the same kind of holding that Derby had meted out all match. (Great save from Green at the death). Great to get the winning goal, but prior to the free kick Philips had beaten Forsthye, been tugged back, pulled clear and was then fouled again - this time inside the box. What does the ref do? Pull it back for the first foul?! Eustace had about five warnings before the first card; and then as usual, the seal was broken and the ref starts flashing them around - in between giving decisions the wrong way just for fun! I keep saying it - our leader on and off the pitch - Joey Barton take a bow. One loose pass all game. Some delicious cross field balls. And continuous fouls taken with his usual shrug. Was great to see him hold the ball up mid-play - point to where he was kicked that the ref so clearly missed - then lay the ball off. All whilst holding off two midfielders. Then casually taking his boot off and on to labour the point. The energy of the man chasing down the defenders and keeper on 85+ minutes tells you everything about his desire. The only negative was Faulin's injury. It looked bad and was right in front of us. He was gesturing suggesting his left knee had popped and thumping the ground in pain. Barton again the first man over to reassure. I had to laugh at the guy in front of me who must hate Jane Austen's great grandson. Every time he made the slightest error he leapt up and reminded his mate behind me how awful he is. Granted he does miss some guilt edged chances, but he works his cobs off too. Strangled by every defender every week when balls are played up to him and just gets on with it. For the first time he looked shattered at the end and it might have been good to give Chevvy a run in the last 10 as the Middlesbrough match. A win and a winning performance. I'm no longer contented. I am also happy!
Have to agree with all of that Sku. A direct, positive and exciting performance. Barton was superb again today. And the ref...............!!!!
Good summing up in my opinion and he was the worst ref I've seen in ages. Think we can't keep leaving Charlie up front on his own. He missed every ball he tried for and then gave up trying as he got tired I guess. Would like to have seen AJ on for the last 15 minutes just to mix it up a bit. We are a classy side when we're firing but we do need to be more dangerous up front.
I said the same thing about Chevy, he would have buried that chance that Austin missed in the last few mins, it looked like he was too knackered to shoot. Ive never seen a ref see a guy get fouled, play on and get fouled again but then blow for the 1st one. I think he had a bet on for a draw because it was a real jekell and hyde performance where he went insane when we were leading but normal when it was 0-0 or 1-1.
Most entertaining game I've seen this season & Derby the best side to have played against us. On the down side I doubt that we will see our best midfield parttnership together again. Best wishes Ale. A Ranger throuh & through.
Poor, poor Ale. I do hope he has been wise with his money. Great summary. Barton has finally come of age. Heading for player of the season.
I feel very sorry for young Ale. A very honest player who always tried his best. I hope the lad gets some good news from his scan on Monday.
Still rejoicing, agreed best of the season. Atmosphere in PU was electric in second half. Thoroughly enjoyed today despite the ref who needs stringing up!
Still feel we've plenty more too come once get all Phillips, Hoilet, Krankjar fully match fit then expect us to kick on.
Can I just echo all of the above! What a game to pick for my first in over 6 years! Great to share the day with you RTID and yep the atmosphere 2nd half in PU was rocking or PerU stand as it's now known! For what it's worth I thought Barton was class and so is Ale, so sorry for him. Simpson works his socks off, Philips is growing in confidence and Austin lacking. Green was excellent.
We was more positive & quicker going forward for a change & liked the set up today, i think phillips will get better i hope with more matches under his belt & was very unlucky with that shot, just gutted for ali & hope its not as bad as it looked but fear another cruciate injury.
We was more positive & quicker going forward for a change & liked the set up today, i think phillips will get better i hope with more matches under his belt & was very unlucky with that shot, just gutted for ali & hope its not as bad as it looked but fear another cruciate injury.
We was more positive & quicker going forward for a change & liked the set up today, i think phillips will get better i hope with more matches under his belt & was very unlucky with that shot, just gutted for ali & hope its not as bad as it looked but fear another cruciate injury.
Delighted for you Peru that you managed to see a win after 6 years. It was a decent game and we played well. Hopefully we can repeat the winning performance for Kilburn's visit in 3 weeks.
Fingers crossed for the scan but if it's a cruciate injury then deffo done for the season & then probably won't get a new contract so may well be right about not seeing play again.
