Just got back from this, and was pleasantly surprised. Not with the result, despite a fairly solid 1-0 win, albeit against a pretty disappointing Sunderland side, but the performance was pretty solid. Good passing, solid defence, and nice to see a fair bit of squad rotation. Thought Marshall looked very sharp, had a few good long range shots, could have scored at least from one, though his crossing could have been better. Liked the look of Vardy- full of pace and enthusiasm, actually complimented the often static Beckford (who actually looked pretty good for the 45 minutes he was on). I also thought Moore looked solid when played at right back, less so at CB but still pretty assured. Him and De Laet have now comforted me in a position I was quite worried about at the start of June. Drinkwater's passing was also very good, he was also covering space all over the back midfield in a sort of defensive midfield role which really suited him. Two questions though- why has Whitbread not played yet, and why is Schlupp constantly played at LB?
Just got home from the above. Have to say that it was a good work out against a decent Premiership side. Thought Liam Moore looked at home in the defence - hardly put a foot wrong, either in the centre in the first half or RB in the second. Vardy and Beckford looked a right handful in the first half, with their pace causing all sorts of problems. Marshall at times looked poor, and then world class. James and Drinkwater simply controlled the midfield in the first half, and Danns had a really good second half - dont think King will get a look in. Knockaert looked exciting and clearly wound up Cattermole, who was quickly subbed after giving him one almighty shove. We gave the ball away a little too often at times, but apart from that it was a really strong performance. Bring on the Posh
Yeah, forgot to mention Knockaert in my post- thought he looked sharp, nice to see him have a few shots and seemed to gel with the rest of the team nicely. Marshall I thought took a while to get going, but it's great to have a midfield player who actually likes to shoot!
Schmeichel- 7 made 2 very good saves in the second half. That header especially De Laet-7 Looked solid defensively and was unlucky not to have scored with that header that was cleared off the line Moore-7 Solid defensively and looks a top prospect. Nigel did the right thing by selling Peltier as Moore looks better Morgan-8 Big Wes solid as ever Konchesky-6. He did nothing wrong but didn't gent in the game enough Marshall-8. He made Westwood make one top saves Drinkwater-9. He absolutely bossed everything first half. He looks miles better then last season and he was decent then James-6 didn't get involved enough but shown some decent stuff Dyer- 7 Made some decent runs but end product lacked Beckford- 7 decent movement and should of scored Vardy-7 he made some decent runs but he was struggling with his injury Subs Nugent-5. Didnt do anything Schlupp-6. He looked decent at left back King-6. Didn't do much Danns-7. Made some good tackles and got around well Knockaert-7.5. Some top skills and unlucky not to have scored. He looks a right talent Waghorn-6 didn't do much Parkes- 7 solid defensively and he got the goal
Bit harsh on James there Proud. He mopped everything up that DD didnt get. Pretty much agree with the rest. I would have given James an 8.
I would give parks a 6 felt he looked shaky, Knockaert 8 ( reminded me of an on form Gradel ) But other than that good assessment.
i was impressed with Moore looked strong at RB. Morgan bossed the defence as a captain should barely put a foot wrong. The midfield held there own all game. Vardy looked like he would tear Sunderlands defence to pieces up untill he went off. Knockeart looked great down both wings but im concerned about his temprement, think he may get a couple of sending offs before the end of the season. Even Beckford seemed to chase back after we lost the ball for the first half hour, so as long as we dont go and lose to Torquay on Tuesday i for one will go into the start of the Championship whith high expectations!!!!!
I didnt see a problem with his temperament. Someone cleaned him up and then Cattermole slapped him and he just walked away
Drinkwater has been the stand out player in all the pre season games I have been to (Hinckley, Burton and today)
Very pleased..... very good performance.... went with some sunderland lads, they were well gutted after we played them off the park.........that is not much of a over statement... O'neill has a big job on his hands on that showing... we looked very fluid first half......pity vardy got a back knock...cos he and beckford (who looked interested) terrified their defence........we should of been three up at half time if it was not for the cheating sunderland defenders.....I have very little doubt on that form we will do well..........vardy WILL score goals at this level........ over all ..that was very encouraging today.........ps. knockers will win us at least 5 pens this season...minimum................
who the going to take them now Gally isn't first choice? Nugent said he has never taken one so that sort of rules him out. Danns missed one last season so I reckon it will be either Vardy or Beckford
proud are you on the lash? me no understand................. foot note... the mighty shrews got hammered 4- zip.....who would of thunk it? ..
I should of made it more clear, you was on about Knockaert winning us a load of penalties Yeah and Weale was at fault for some of the goals
