Very disappointing result last night given how the game went. It was a closely contested game in many ways and only some suspect reffing was the difference in the end. Both keepers made important saves, 1 from DeGea from Townsends shot, and 2 stand out saves from SJ, one from Martial and one from Rashford, I feel the others were routine saves. We had chances through Grant and Robinson, who was unlucky to hit the bar but just couldn't find that cutting edge.
The reffing - Now I have had some sleep, the reffing seems almost worse. Yes the decisions were subjective, but the fact that they were checked by VAR which allows for the rules of the game to enforced stings a bit more. firstly I do not buy that Fernandes got the ball at all againt Gallgher, so unlike the one on the fishy fucker down the road it was a clear peno. Secondly, teh foul on Gallgher in teh lead up to their pen was as clear as day.
The peno retake - Yes the decision in line with laws was correct. HOWEVER, with players now triple jumping their way up to teh peno, skirting the rules surrounding staggered run ups, I think the rule should be that the keeper can move as soon as the kick taker has taken his penultimate step, putting the onus on the taker to risk ballsing up any fancy techniques.
Ratings:
SJ - 9 - Only the pen retake can drop him a point. Fantastic shot stopping and so comfortbale on the ball. If he adds some dominace from his line he will be as good as we can get.
Furlong - 7 - Never stops up and down the right hand side. Offered support both defensively and offensively and is almost the complete wingback. Except he lacks some composure in possession and his delivery is too hap hazard. With age on his side he will develop in a good EPL fullback.
Ajayi - 8 - Beast. Must be worth 10 times what we paid already. Future Captain too. His pace is such an advantage for us as it allows us to get up the pitch. Had Rashford in his pocket most of the game which isn't easy/.
Ivanovic - 7 - Fine. Did what he needed without moving more than 20 yards. Showed his experience.
Bartley - 8 - Fantastic showing. Brave, dominating and led by example.
Townsend - 9 - Fantastic showing by him last night. Is really developing and showing a level of consistency that enough of our lot don't show. First name on teh team sheet at the moment.
Sawyers - 7 - Steady, controlled and kept us ticking over. We look a better team with him in it.
Gallagher - 9 - The white Mulumbu! This lad never stops. He is so much better playing a abt deeper with licence to break rather that being asked to play at the top of a middle 3. (MOTM)
Pereira - 7 - All the ability in the world, but you don't win games based on nutmegs. He needs to stop trying the hollywood ball every time he gets the bloody ball. I think he feels he has to produce as we lack a little creatively. But I would like to see him get himself into positions 15 yards further up before trying to create.
Grant - 5 - Poor. One good run and shot, but poor hold up play and a touch like his boots are made of wood. No shortage of work rate though.
Diangana - 6 - Better, but still no where near what we need from him. I think he just needs a good match winning contribution for him to fire again. He has a bit of the Stephane Sessegnon's about him at this level. You know after 5 min's whether you should leave him on or not.
Subs:
Robinson - 7 - Offers us real energy and a spark. I think against the beter teams he offers us more of an out ball than Grant and hiis hold up play is better.
HRK - 6 - Does what Hal does. A few nice touches but never really threatened.
Krov - 6 - Not really long enough. But I always feel we look a better team with him or Sawyers in.
Slav - 6 - Think he made a mistake not starting with a 352, with Robinson and Grant up top, and I think he made the wrong changes. Diagana had just had 2 lots of joy when running at them and Pereira was looking tired and a bit ratty. Extra mark for the obvious work done defensively, and how he's added a bit of go and fire into them.
All in all, frustrating but promising. Now onto the first 6 pointer of the season. A real make or breaker in my eyes.
The reffing - Now I have had some sleep, the reffing seems almost worse. Yes the decisions were subjective, but the fact that they were checked by VAR which allows for the rules of the game to enforced stings a bit more. firstly I do not buy that Fernandes got the ball at all againt Gallgher, so unlike the one on the fishy fucker down the road it was a clear peno. Secondly, teh foul on Gallgher in teh lead up to their pen was as clear as day.
The peno retake - Yes the decision in line with laws was correct. HOWEVER, with players now triple jumping their way up to teh peno, skirting the rules surrounding staggered run ups, I think the rule should be that the keeper can move as soon as the kick taker has taken his penultimate step, putting the onus on the taker to risk ballsing up any fancy techniques.
Ratings:
SJ - 9 - Only the pen retake can drop him a point. Fantastic shot stopping and so comfortbale on the ball. If he adds some dominace from his line he will be as good as we can get.
Furlong - 7 - Never stops up and down the right hand side. Offered support both defensively and offensively and is almost the complete wingback. Except he lacks some composure in possession and his delivery is too hap hazard. With age on his side he will develop in a good EPL fullback.
Ajayi - 8 - Beast. Must be worth 10 times what we paid already. Future Captain too. His pace is such an advantage for us as it allows us to get up the pitch. Had Rashford in his pocket most of the game which isn't easy/.
Ivanovic - 7 - Fine. Did what he needed without moving more than 20 yards. Showed his experience.
Bartley - 8 - Fantastic showing. Brave, dominating and led by example.
Townsend - 9 - Fantastic showing by him last night. Is really developing and showing a level of consistency that enough of our lot don't show. First name on teh team sheet at the moment.
Sawyers - 7 - Steady, controlled and kept us ticking over. We look a better team with him in it.
Gallagher - 9 - The white Mulumbu! This lad never stops. He is so much better playing a abt deeper with licence to break rather that being asked to play at the top of a middle 3. (MOTM)
Pereira - 7 - All the ability in the world, but you don't win games based on nutmegs. He needs to stop trying the hollywood ball every time he gets the bloody ball. I think he feels he has to produce as we lack a little creatively. But I would like to see him get himself into positions 15 yards further up before trying to create.
Grant - 5 - Poor. One good run and shot, but poor hold up play and a touch like his boots are made of wood. No shortage of work rate though.
Diangana - 6 - Better, but still no where near what we need from him. I think he just needs a good match winning contribution for him to fire again. He has a bit of the Stephane Sessegnon's about him at this level. You know after 5 min's whether you should leave him on or not.
Subs:
Robinson - 7 - Offers us real energy and a spark. I think against the beter teams he offers us more of an out ball than Grant and hiis hold up play is better.
HRK - 6 - Does what Hal does. A few nice touches but never really threatened.
Krov - 6 - Not really long enough. But I always feel we look a better team with him or Sawyers in.
Slav - 6 - Think he made a mistake not starting with a 352, with Robinson and Grant up top, and I think he made the wrong changes. Diagana had just had 2 lots of joy when running at them and Pereira was looking tired and a bit ratty. Extra mark for the obvious work done defensively, and how he's added a bit of go and fire into them.
All in all, frustrating but promising. Now onto the first 6 pointer of the season. A real make or breaker in my eyes.
