.....everyone put in a stuperb shift to get that result today. So difficult to pick a MOM as everyone was outstanding. By far the best I have seen Zamora play, and Barton was also ever present. Not something I have said very often! Tactics were spot on today and everything just clicked. Totally deserved the win imo and it would have been an injustice if they had got a point out of it. Kenny - 8 - made a stunning save to deny RVP when one on one and also made a few others good saves. Taiwo - 7 - a real solid defensive performance and when called upon did exactly what was required. Hill - 8 - really made a difference having him back today. defence looked much more organised and he made a few vital interceptions. Ferdinand - 7 - a bit shaky at a couple of times with a few dodgy clearances but other than that had a solid game. Onuoha - 7 - as above, few dodgy moments, and could have scored if the ball hadnt somehow gone through his legs. Overall did well. Derry -8 - made three stunning tackles just as they looked threatening and was all over the midfield today chasing them down. Even managed to beat Walcott in a run! Superb. Barton - 8 - likewise. was always there and closing down their midfield trying to force errors. Diakite - 9 - JOINT MOM - difficult to choose between him and BZ, but was outstanding. Constantly chasing and his control of the ball was excellent. Many times he somehow got the ball away from 2 or 3 of their men to allow us to break. Taarabt - 8 - what a changed player. his defensive work was brilliant all day and he was a constant threat. some of the balls he played in were superb. Finally we have let him take all the corners and free kicks - and we were rewarded. Zamora - 9 - JOINT MOM - Superb. His best game imo. Was all over the place and did his job quietly but it was so vital to the win. Drawing fould when he had no other option, winning headers, ruffling their CB's. A constant threat to their defence. Outstanding display. I thought Hughes also got it spot on. Knowing when to attack and when to defend, not making a sub when it looked like he was going to bring on SWP, instead letting the team carry on. It seemed the players each had a job and each of them carried it out. A brilliant day for the R'ss and 3 totally deserved points. Looking forward to the trip to Old Trafford next week. A long drive, but hopefully worth it!
That was the performance we were waiting for Judo. We knew we had it in us, i'm just so glad it came out before the season ended. I've always said that we were just a click away from getting it. Today we did.. onwards and upwards.. come on U Rssssss!
I'd up Taiwo's score but otherwise you're reading my mind and the individual analysis is spot on. I just hope people can put an extremely tough game next week into perspective and not write us off if they make us, like they make a lot of teams, look average. That said, nothing to lose and we should just try to do the same again.
He was unlucky not to get a pen and a red card, I think everyone was appealing for a backpass but mackie nicked the ball away and the defender bought him down, an incident that seemed to be totally ignored.
I'm sensing a 1-1 next week. It's also verging on a 1-2. It's definitely not a defeat though. The vibes are coming through.
Brilliant summary Judo, think you got everyone nailed on! (except Mackie ) And also every post above are spot on, well put everyone. Finally we clicked Nines, never doubted you (us)
Great post. Insightful and agree. My waking footie thought this morning was that Shaun pretty much matched Theo for pace!! It is a pity that we did not climb out of the drop zone but Man U will want revenge against Blackburn and will win. The Villa thing is interesting. If QPR, Bolton and Wigan are much improved (sadly the last two from our viewpoint) and the confidence that goes with that, then Villa could start an opposite spiral with one win and two draws in last nine. It appears that the fat lady has been asked to sit down again - unless you are a Wolves fan.
Agree with the scores but personally would up Taiwo to 8 AND.....i'd give Hughes a 9 for his tactics...got it spot on
I think the suspension of Cisse made his job a little easier. We were more balanced. If we keep playing like this I'd leave that ticking timebomb on the bench.
Good assessment, Judo. Like some others here, I'd up Taiwo to an 8 - very assured against good oppo - and mark Mackie the same. Jamie ran like he always does but he was very effective today as well.
Ah how could I forget Mackie! Another great performance from him, and I think he showed he isnt just an impact sub. He really can be effective right from the off. Would give him an 8 as many have said. Great vision from him to look up and find diakite for the second. So happy for him that he is proving himself, as I am for Derry and Hill. Top top professionals.
