Epic performance and no coincidence the two sloppy goals were conceded after Bruce took him off to prevent any chance of a second yellow. That position has been a bit if a problem all season in a 'first name on team sheet' sort of way. We've tried Olifinjana, Evans, Cairney, Bruce and none have performed as well as Meyler did today (although Evans has had some good games in that role but is too inconsistent). No doubt Bruce maybe thought Fahti might fill that role but he's obviously not yet fit. So, DM it is for DM.
Didn't think it was going to work before the game, but he proved me wrong. One of many outstanding performances today. I thought Cairney looked alright when he came on too, got stuck in more and played the ball around nicely. My criticism of him though, is that he is too weak physically.
I meant he isn't a physical presence, like Meyler. That's where Cairney, Evans and Olifinjana (***got) fall down in the DM role.
Tc isnt weak he's just lazy. Pains me to say it. Been a big suporter of him. Their second goal he just jogged across half heartedly no effort. Disappointed with Simmo too, thought he would bust a gut coming on but didnt.
Meylers tackling and breaking up play has been decent but his passing has been poorer of late. I felt that with these sort of performances, sitting back in the DM role would make more sense. And it did, he looked tremendous today. I also felt Boyd's signing has taken Koren out of the limelight and allowed him to find that 'hole' between opposing defenders and midfielders. And my, he found it today with that excellent goal. Brady was superb and his sprint passed their right back in the first half was rapid. Really enjoyed today's game. We seemed more direct and absolutely a threat.
Meyler played there to counter Zigic's height, I thought he did a terrific job and would of been my man of the match BUT for me Robbie Brady takes my MOM, what a different player we have this time round!
Him playing incredibly well as the DM reminded me of a certain quote made a few days ago on a thread entitled 'Squad with G.Boyd an fully fit': Sorry Gawge.
Having consistently slagged Meyler off in his first few games for being a lightweight who went to ground too easily looking for free kicks I have this to say, He has been immense and has my backing to be our next Ash but with more craft - no slight on the mighty Ashbee. I eat my humble pie alone at the family table whilst Roaringtiger laughs at me. Great performance, Palace is a big one on Tues but I feel rally confident for a great result. UTT
I think the reaction of very few claps for Cairney's sub on proves what people think of him now. The clapping was loud for the sub off, but as soon as Cairney's name was said, most of those sat down and stopped clapping, compared to the sub afterwards when Simpson came on and the clapping/standing was continued at a similar volume.
Yeah, thought my comments may have been picked up. I was certainly wrong, for today. However, to be fair, we was in the lead within 45 seconds, enjoyed ourselves, Birmingham were terrible defensively and we played with the ball for fun. Could perhaps be a little false to say he is perfect for the role, but he certainly looked good there. My concern is still when we play better teams, whether we can afford to lose a Meyler that covers the pitch for a Koren. It certainly worked today. Meyler certainly looked confident in that role. I'd still be tentative about playing the same team at Palace. Though Meyler was fantastic in a different role, it was without too much pressure.
Obviously your posts i think where replying to mine originally and i am glad i was proved right. Meyler's position in the Premier League was there so he is clearly suited to that role, he was brilliant today. Your main issue was whether Koren could do that role, but course he can he did it for nation, and he was brilliant today even getting back to and covering Elmo at times.
As I say, Meyler was fantastic today (as he usually is). I just question, against teams which we aren't going to dominate as much, whether it is wise to player Meyler in that role. I think Evans/Bruce + Meyler + Quinn, is a little more secure than Meyler + Koren + Quinn - as well as allowing Meyler more freedom (though, of course he had a lot of freedom today, given the high score line and lack of pressure). I'd love it if I was completely wrong, and we can play against the best with Meyler as our most defensive midfielder. It would mean we have so much more attacking potential, whilst not suffering defensively - i'm still sceptical though.
This ^^ As soon as Meyler came off, I turned to my mate and said, "We'll concede now". I didn't expect us to concede two, but we conceded nonetheless. In regards to Tom Cairney, I rate the kid, but I think a spell somewhere on loan would prove beneficial, preferably somewhere he'd play near enough every week so he can get to grips with first team action again. He just seems to be a bit of a fairy though, if you watch him doing the practice shooting before the game, his shots are so weak, and just trickle across the floor... However, in saying that, some of his goals have been exquisite with his almost trademark lob finish.
