I was so impressed yesterday by so many aspects of the game from lads. 1st of all was lamberts tactical change to match stoke which we done for most of the game, and considering this was proberbly the 1st time we have used a flat 442 with wingers since Lambert has been in charge it worked really well. 2nd of all, the midfield played very well considering the 2 guys out on the wings were making there 1st start on the premier league. If pilks and Bennett improve on there performances from yesterday then we will have 2 stars at the club. I was suprised at how well Johnson played as I wasn't convinced by him that much in preseason but him and crofts done well considering that was the first game together aswell. 3rd of all. John ruddy. What else is there to say, he was superb. And the defence done very well against stokes ariel bombardment and to keep them at bay for 93mins. Ayala looks like a good find for what I saw of him and he will only get better. Good job we got him as were already down to only 2 cb's. 4th upfront, well played chrissy martin considering that was his first outing since February, I was shocked at him starting but he done himself no harm atall. Holty as always made himself a pain in the a*** for there defence but still looking a bit lacking in fitness, I think give it a couple more weeks and we shall see him back to his oldself. Considering for a 2nd week running it was a fresh start with new tactics and a new team there was so many reasons to be optimistic for the season ahead. Onwards and upwards OTBC ILWT
Have to confess I thought Johnson would be nothing more than squad filler. On yesterday's evidence, he could be a lot more than that this season, had a good game. Pilkington and Bennett were, as you say, very impressive, and they'll only get better with experience.
The thing that impressed me most yesterday from Wigan to Stoke was the increase in pace in the side. There was pace all over the pitch in the areas we needed it most. Russel Martin has been a star since he has been at Norwich but after seeing Naughton yesterday he will have his work cut out getting back in the team. When I was going through the team I couldn't really think of a weak link yesterday so despite being disappointed at not holding on I was immensely proud of all the hard work that went in to that game. Lambo knows how to extract every last ounce of self-belief and determination to succeed from every player that dons the yellow and green. Excellent performance.
