Yeah, the signings are dictated by finding players who are undervalued by their current club, based on stats deemed important for their position. So if you're looking for a DM, you look for a player with a high number of tackles per game and a high short pass completion percentage, then play them in a system where making tackles and playing the short ball is all they're asked to do. They might not be liked at their current club because they have no vision, can't shoot, etc, but those qualities are deemed irrelevant.
Watching the very brief highlights on the FLS, it's good to see that Hooper and Jerome are linking up well again, as they were pretty ineffective against Wigan. Also, although Hoolahoops has been castigated by many (<eatshumblepieemoticon>) on here, he seems to be thriving again and played a key role in our victory yesterday.
The difference in the two games was Wes, who, IMO, makes the Jerome and Hooper partnership work. It's strange that AN thought Wes was 'tired' against Wigan when he came on, and yet he sparkled through nearly the whole game yesterday. All three need to start against Derby.
Great result yesterday, wigan all but forgotten about, good to see the boys kicking on. Just looked at the stats for the game and i see Cueller got another yellow card? Ive not seen any highlights what did he play like? He seems prone to silly mistakes and has given away a fair few fouls for the few games hes played, maybe bassongs replacement for a few games so just wondering if we have decent cover in him? The fact we kept a clean sheet from open play suggests so but as i havent seen any highlights cant comment. Any news how long bassong maybe out?
Cuellar had a solid game YF. The yellow card was for a minor incident, but considering how early it came Cuellar had to avoid another for most of the game and still ended up with a Whoscored rating of 7.38. His overall rating for the season is 7.22 and both of those are very good. His positioning and ability to read the game seem to be his main strengths.
Interesting comment RER. Cuellar also collected an early yellow (harshly IMO) when we played Derby and he had to be careful not collect a 2nd. He got outmuscled by Chris Martin for Derby's first and I'm sure had he not been on a yellow, then he could have been more 'robust' in his challenge.
Wes has repeatedly shown in his time he he performs best behind a striking partnership. He generally gets more space, he has more options to pass to and it's harder to read which way he is going to go, all of which improve his game. And when you have the pace and power of Jerome and the clever movement of Hooper, Wes just has to pull off the pass or drop the shoulder properly and we have a scoring opportunity!
Thanks Colk. Have to say that Millwall look awful and we won't get any matches that easy again this season. But you can only beat what's in front of you, as the old cliche goes.
My understanding is that Bassong was left out as another booking would see him banned for the Derby game so I fully expect him to start on Saturday.
Howson first goal shows that he is definitely back to his very best. More like the Howson under Lambert. Playing his proper game with confidence.
Our thrashing of the Lions was the straw that broke the Camel's back http://www.newsatden.co.uk/46804-ian-holloway-sacked-by-millwall-in-wake-of-norwich-defeat.html
