Decent display once we got the equaliser. Three quality strikes, though I feel we made ours and gave them the opportunity. Entertaining fayre. A much sterner test awaits on Saturday!
I was in the Rookery, and seemed a fairly positive atmosphere (despite a fairly light attendance I felt at kick off). First 20 minutes was a bit scrappy, and we seemed to get quite sloppy after we went in front. But otherwise felt good. We pressed well, battled well, had a bit of luck and some good moments of individual skill and generally looked more fluid going forward. Really liked Doumbia’s attitude in particular, and pleased Vata finally got a start and made good use of it. Still strange not to see Baah get any minutes though.
Yes, Mark, Doumbia's best performance? And there were many other excellent run-outs: Selvik made a superb save from close range header - seemed to pull it out of net, magnificent; Vata's work-rate put them on the back foot from the start of the game, and we started playing with our forwards on the ball, not just interminably passing across the back à la 1970s Liverpool. I was very proud again of my team for being able to implement Javi's new way of working without hangover of Paolo's. That was impressive. Imran was MotM sure, and deservedly, but there were many other performances on the shortlist this time. Suddenly you're watching a side that won't necessarily get spanked by all of the top half of the table, that maybe could put a few noses out of joint.
Injured I think but funny what happens when players are put in their best position like Doumbia was. Certainly held the ball up well allowing our midfielders and full backs to get foward more . Obviously still had be careful at the back but Selvik pulled off a great save as AP says.
Lots of positives in this..and great workrate Very pleasing...abd what a buzz to see a well played win I wonder if Baah is not playing currently because if attitude issues...
Players had a little chat apparently https://x.com/GeoffDoyle1/status/1981119830842560626 An annual event!
Matej has just been talking to me of how proud he was of James Abankwe. I think he’s right, it was a very solid performance and he looked a worthy partner of the magnificent Matty.
Well Gracia played Petris in the position he could play Baah. If he watched then he will have seen what he would be asked to do. Will he learn? I don't know. One other separate issue from playing Petris, once he was subbed, had Ngakia got injured, there was no direct replacement on the bench. The halftime subs though and the change in balance and slight formation was needed and proved a winning decision.
