1... Markovic 2........ Clucas 3..............Grosicki Closely followed by Jak, Robbo, Harry, Ranny, Elmo, Alf etc..etc. Evandro excellent
Moving forward we are quicker, I think that's the main thing. Huddlestone likes things slower, that's more natural for him. But defensively we were actually quite open the first half even without Huddlestone, it's only when we pressed more that Middlesbrough carried no threat. Defensively it's probably more that Huddlestone has been rash in the past and referees can end up being harsher on him as well. I just want the best team for us for the particular game we are playing. I don't care for hero worship of anyone because of one particular skill, whether it's strength, speed, technical skill or 'heart'.
For there is none of you so mean and base That hath not noble luster in your eyes. I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start. The game’s afoot. Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry “God for Harry, England, and Saint George!”
Maguire Clucas Ranocchia Difficult choices as everyone played superbly. Most complete team performance for a long, long time. Amazing how Silva has gradually blended a bunch of mongrels into a cohesive unit, full of drive, energy and togetherness. Midfield were excellent, front 2 fore-checked relentlessly and the defense were solid as rocks. Jak didn't lose his concentration despite having so little to do and made a couple of very smart saves. Hernandez made a number of clever offloads (headers) to combine well with Niasse. N'Diaye was strong in the tackle and showed great determination. Grosicki had a strong game (don't know why he's criticized so much for his touch - he's attempting to fool the nearest defender and use his pace - he'll do it 50% of the time and his defensive input was tremendous last night). Robbo was very confident last night ( didn't have too many defending situations to contend with). Marco & Evandro both contributed immensely. Rannocchia is a very cool reader of the game - nothing fancy - just clinically effective in what he's asked to do. Clucas - immense. Showing a lot of maturity and grit. Harry - another top-notch showing. Great understanding between him & Rannocchia - total confidense in each other. Only blemishes I spotted were (1) Elmo's statuesque and unaware reading of Negrado's run on their first goal & (2) the linesman's interpretation of the missed offside call on their second - seemed to come of Gibson's upper arm/shoulder last. Great game & result.
