I remember we were pretty lucky to beat Wigan last season too. We'll take the 3 points again though.. Just seemed a bit slow in general today and pretty ropey in defence when pressured (maybe playing around too much) However with Deeney around we're always likely to nick a goal or two without playing well and fair play to Anya for 2 assists.
I thought Anya had his best game for a while, and even Dyer showed glimpses of doing something. Good switch at half time I thought as Paredes was average (at best)...again. Cathcart is a revelation at the moment.
Phew that was close - things still didn't look right but at least Deeney seems to have recovered his scoring boots and Anya was outstanding in my view. Great to see Elton back and even better to see Mankey beaten.
Anyone know when Bassong is due to depart? I only ask as I may be one of the few who are not that impressed by him - and have worryingly heard that Brentford are sniffing around Tommie Hoban.
After the disappointing Cardiff game--when Jocanovic seemed to have perfected the art of reverse alchemy by turning our Golden Boys into leaden footed mercenaries-- this was more encouraging. Not because it was a great performance, because it wasn't, but because a number of players performed to their potential for long enough to craft a win. Abdi was skilful again, Anya (after in indecisive start) was creative and dangerous, Deeney was , well, just Deeney. Sure, we lost concentration and control for half an hour in the first half, and struggled to get back in the game. Bassong, after starting well, seemed to get stranded for parts of the game. Vydra has lost the art of first time control, but defenders cannot ignore him, so he is always making a contribution. It was encouraging to see Ighalo come on to such good effect. A good run now, and it will be "Happy New Year"!.
Not entirely alone, BB. I think his defensive quality is plain to see but so often, having broken up play, he fails to find a positive pass and that puts the pressure right back on us. We made blooming hard work of it yesterday but the winning goal was a sublime move which was a very apt throwback to the Cally-Blissett goals of the late 70s and early 80s. Marvellous.
[video=youtube;-oPImtV02yk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oPImtV02yk&list=UUptKljTrbdMTgmuekGKhRug[/video]
I think we got away with one there. There are obvious signs of quality on the pitch and equally obvious signs we are far from being a team. I'd agree Anya had his best game for a while, Paredes has no confidence at all, Deeney has his appetite for goals back, Vydra makes great runs but needs Abdi's passing to be at its best, central defence is still a collection of individuals and Gomes is too excitable for his own good. Toczer is a slight worry...not as commanding as when he first signed, not tracking back as well and willing to argue with his own team. Still, as MU are showing in the Premiership a win's a win.
And the new man is in - Steve Clarke. Great, remember what happened last time we played a team with a new manager...Brum.
