Great report col. Pretty much as I saw it - perhaps I was more generous with the individual marks. But as Brix said, the team performance was brilliant. Hard to pick anything wrong really. i certainly couldnt choose MOTM between Bosingwa and Townsend.
Only thing I would take issue with in either Col or Judo's reports are the ratings of Hill. Had had a decent game in that backs to the wall way in which he excels, but he is nowhere near the quality of Samba - his ball control and distribution aren't in the same league. A great leader and puts himself on the line the whole time and if thats what he gets his rating for fair enough.
I agree to an extent sb_73, but given that our other options at cb of recent times have been somewhat limited, who is the better? Ferdinand? Gabbidon? Ben Tal Haim? Or that other bloke.. ( Can't remember his name. He would have a slight coming together with an opponent and would raise his hand to signal to the bench that he had to come off? ) or Clint Hill. Our player of the season last year, our scouser who would leave his blood and guts on the pitch for the cause. Do the math pal!!!
No argument he his our best option and has led by example throughout Nines. I'm not criticising him, just being realistic. I think he has benefited hugely by playing with Nelsen and now Samba, and is a better player as a result. But he ain't as good as them. Better than that bloke I can't remember though!
Thanks for the report, Col... I've started a new job which means I'm reliant on MOTD, you and the papers on a Monday for the gist of it. Watching MOTD the biggest thrill for me was the exuberance of the team - an 'Arry team - epitomised by the reaction of crowd and players to the Townsend goal. A real 'wish I was there' moment. Here's to many more. Also, we've shown we CAN attack - I like the fact that it'll be very difficult for Villa next week to anticipate how we'll line up. We've a plethora of options.
Just watching the highlights on MOTD 2 and was interesting to see the reaction from the bench following the third goal: everyone's off their feet celebrating, except Granero who's just sat there. Perhaps an indication of overall commitment to cause or just too cool for school?
That's a really good point there 9's. I hadn't thought of BZ's lack of contribution in the second half and the link as to how weak we looked for the first 20 mins. Makes a lot of sense now, thanks for pointing that out.
TBH I was going to give Zamora a 6 as I don't rate him as highly as most on here, but it was such a positive result that I didn't want to start a big argument about him. I don't particularly rate Betty either, but he must have felt pretty pissed off to be left out for a bloke who is so unfit, especially after playing quite well and scoring the winner against Southampton.
That didnt help but I think the main seachange, was Sunderland going to 5 in midfield ...we were a bit swamped then and the flying wingers could not produce an escape route... BUT Townsend changed that...what SCORCHER
It wasn't just that though. It was O'neil's tactical change shortly after the break that left us outnumbered in midfield too.
I noticed that too. Great to see Remy obviously caring so much. Granero just isn't right for us I'm afraid, unless he has a Bosingwaesque change of attitude.
What a phrase...am going to use it today in conversation at work. Talking about work...oft we jolly well go
I don't actually think there's a lot to choose between Samba's distribution and Hill's....both quite limited. Samba does look more comfortable in possession though. I thought Hill kept the dangerous Fletcher pretty quiet (he was up field when Fletcher scored) and won many, many headers against him. Not an easy thing to do.
I thought BZ and Remy played pretty well together Col and COULD be a good partnership once they have had a few games together. My Fulham Season ticket holder mate told me when he joined that he would never score you hatfulls of goals but his lay offs/chest downs are second to none and if we could find the striker to get on the end of them (Remy ?) then goals would start flowing. And don't you go marking players 'up' so as not to cause arguments.....say as you see .
Good read until here .. There always has to be someone even after a win You have to question that Colin
Bosingwa has won me over with his performances on the pitch. Granero doesn't look bothered. I'm bothered. You're bothered. When Granero looks bothered I'll mention it.
