Unfortunately I couldn't make the game today and I was wondering how our boys performed? All I know is that the goals came from Holt (Hoolahan assist), Surman x2 (x1 Holt, x1 Pilkington assist)... Other than that I don't know too much about the game! Please fill me in! NaaaridgeBoy
We looked comfortable throughout to be honest. They had a little spell at the start of the second half and looked mildly threatening, but the scoreline doesn't flatter us in the least, and it could--and probably should--have been four or five (Jackson missed a sitter in the first half.) To me, Parma looked tired and not really up for it, but I don't think this detracts from our performance. Stand out performances from the new boys. De laet at CB looked solid, as did Naughton at RB. Bennett had his moments going forward and played well, but his control let him down a couple of times. Pilkington replaced him and looked good, and both Johnson and Morison came on in the second half and were threatening. As for the oldbies, Holt and Hoolahan ran their socks off, as did Tierney and really looked up for it, and got forward as often as he could, and Surman's touch was great, he did a lil party trick on the turn, which was one of the highlights of the game. All in all, very pleased with the performance, but seeing as this was the first time I've seen the new team play, it's hard to know how they will fare next Sat.
Really enjoyed it was really impressed especially by our defence Naughton and Tierney were absolutely brilliant. Fox moved the ball about well in midfield, Bennett's got a good cross on him, Pilkington looked pacey once his fully fit I think he'll cause some defenders trouble. Only player who didn't impress me too much was Johnson he looked a yard off the pace in my opinion, but he wasn't terrible and could pass the ball about. I don't know about anyone else but Chris Martin looked quite good when he came on, seems quicker and stronger. Holt looks like his speeded up big time, looks sharp and has lost weight but still looks very powerful.
agree with all the above, Jackson caused a lot of trouble in the first half, busy as always, panicked a bit when he got his 1 on 1, looked a bit tense and was unlucky with the lob attempt a few minutes later. I thought Morison was also handy when he came on, caused problems with strength and pace. Went on Tuesday night too where he showed glimpses in quite a frustrating game. Highlight of the game that wouldnt have made it on a highlight reel was when Hoolahan took the ball down on the turn and went past 2 players in the process about 30 yards out, shame there was no end product, it was sublime. Anyway, the lads were very impressive today. Parma didnt play well but were not helped by our performance. A player i looked forward to seeing was Giovinco, very Hoolahan like however a less jinking and turning dribble, but more direct with far more pace. Summed his day up when he got robbed by Hoolahan dribbling out of his half.
Thanks lads. Good to hear so many positive comments, and most importantly no injuries! Roll on Satuday. OTBC!!!!
You're welcome, however there was one injury as Russel Martin had a slight calf strain in the warm up and so did not play. I don't think it's too serious though.
Naughton looks very good though, a great selection dilemma to have, Tierney and Martin, Tierney and Naughton, or Naughton and Martin. (LB RB).
Lively, I was very impressed for someone who has just come back from a serious injury, his got pace and was involved in one of the goals. When fully fit I think he'll be a top player for us.
Must say that im far more trusting in our defence after that performance too, De Laet looks very good and very quick. Won the final team warm up sprint at a stroll and worked hard, sprinting back from every corner he went up for. A breakthrough season for him perhaps, certainly has something to prove to sir Alex. However I dont think his future is at Man Utd, with Smalling and Jones looking likely to be the future centre backs.
Is it too early to call DeLaet the new "super-loan" by PL? and put him up there with Pacheco, Lansbury and Forster? The answer is of course yes, but he looks good to me. Very sharp.
He looks like an excellent player, I didn't have a problem with any of the centre backs yesterday thought they were all good De Laet and Whitbread look solid and cultured. Barnett was quite good too and was it me or did his distribution of the ball look a lot better yesterday?
Heard him interviewed on Radio Norfolk yesterday and he sounds delighted to be here, looking forward to the challenges ahead and full of praise for PL and the other guys in the squad who've made him welcome and helped him slot seamlessly into the heart of our defence. More credit for Lambert and his 'we don't need big egos / prima donnas at this club' approach
The defence is one MASSIVE difference from when we were last in the top flight... Pace is in abundance this time round from last time we had fleming/doherty and a young jason shackell in the centre with edworthy/helveg on the right and drury on the left. This time round every single defender has pace apart from maybe whitbread and obviousley the ageing drury but whitbread makes up for that in his overall game... im also hoping that we have the next sir alex centre back reject after ryan shawcross and gerard pique...
