Match Ratings Ratings vs WBA
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- Start date
BringBack_leGin
Well-Known Member
- Jul 28, 2004
- 27,719
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You can only beat what’s in front of you, and West Brom gave us the issue of unlocking a packed defence, which regardless of opposition has not been our strength. We did it because we persevered with playing with movement and imagination, and yes it was a a little forced on occasion, unsurprisingly given that confidence won’t have been through the roof, but we deserve took the lead, we were a bit unlucky that it took that long and we did so because of a great pass from a midfielder.
I was away brought up on ‘midfield is the most important part of the pitch’ and it rang true today where our centre was balanced: two players both playing an all round game, one making sure there was always the requisite protection for the defence and one trying to knit things ahead, but neither shirking either side of the game. Regardless of overall tactics and shape, I want those two starting at central midfield together every time.
Lloris made a great stop at a crucial time to ensure we weren’t sucker punched after totally dominating.
Aurier was diligent defensively and caused WBA problems going forward, including some nice running with the ball. Deserved an assist for the lovely ball into Kane early on. Deserved a goal for an exquisite header well saved. Hope he’s not hurt badly.
Alderweireid didn’t have a huge amount to do but kept focus and passed well enough.
Sanchez likewise had little to think about but lost Diagne for the one onside chance he had and seemed to struggle with him on the thankfully offside goal too (2nd one).
Davies got into good positions and took his attacking role on well while remaining diligent at the back, but a lick more pace would have seen him be more effective when he did take up those attacking positions.
Højbjerg was a wall in front of the centre backs and played a wonderful pass for the opener, while pretty much setting the pace throughout.
Ndombele might be under appreciated today as it wasn’t the most Hollywood showcase of his abilities, but I loved how he took the opposition midfielder away from where they wanted to be constantly, knew when to be bold and when to be cautious, and one instance aside never shirked his off the ball duties. Really believe that the trade off for a touch less solidity but far more cohesion with him deep is worth it.
Lucas was positive. It didn’t always come off but I loved watching him getting in the ball and running at their defence, and I bet they hated it in equal measure. Blistering pace on the counter to make our second.
Lamela man of the match, and I’ve been one of his biggest critics lately. Drove at the defence, showed speed of thought with his passing and kept us on the front foot. Says everything that when he left the field, so did our thrust.
Son looked more like himself today, more impressive for the fact that the opposition clearly wanted to kick him out of the game. Seemed far more assured in his touch and a lot more confident to play directly. Deserved goal with a thunderbolt of a strike.
Kane felt his way into the match a little and by his standards was wasteful, but second half he was a delight, beautiful goal, beautiful lay off leading to the second, and some dazzling passes, without ever seeming to leave first gear.
Doherty, Bergwijn and Scarlett did nothing wrong.
I was away brought up on ‘midfield is the most important part of the pitch’ and it rang true today where our centre was balanced: two players both playing an all round game, one making sure there was always the requisite protection for the defence and one trying to knit things ahead, but neither shirking either side of the game. Regardless of overall tactics and shape, I want those two starting at central midfield together every time.
Lloris made a great stop at a crucial time to ensure we weren’t sucker punched after totally dominating.
Aurier was diligent defensively and caused WBA problems going forward, including some nice running with the ball. Deserved an assist for the lovely ball into Kane early on. Deserved a goal for an exquisite header well saved. Hope he’s not hurt badly.
Alderweireid didn’t have a huge amount to do but kept focus and passed well enough.
Sanchez likewise had little to think about but lost Diagne for the one onside chance he had and seemed to struggle with him on the thankfully offside goal too (2nd one).
Davies got into good positions and took his attacking role on well while remaining diligent at the back, but a lick more pace would have seen him be more effective when he did take up those attacking positions.
Højbjerg was a wall in front of the centre backs and played a wonderful pass for the opener, while pretty much setting the pace throughout.
Ndombele might be under appreciated today as it wasn’t the most Hollywood showcase of his abilities, but I loved how he took the opposition midfielder away from where they wanted to be constantly, knew when to be bold and when to be cautious, and one instance aside never shirked his off the ball duties. Really believe that the trade off for a touch less solidity but far more cohesion with him deep is worth it.
Lucas was positive. It didn’t always come off but I loved watching him getting in the ball and running at their defence, and I bet they hated it in equal measure. Blistering pace on the counter to make our second.
Lamela man of the match, and I’ve been one of his biggest critics lately. Drove at the defence, showed speed of thought with his passing and kept us on the front foot. Says everything that when he left the field, so did our thrust.
Son looked more like himself today, more impressive for the fact that the opposition clearly wanted to kick him out of the game. Seemed far more assured in his touch and a lot more confident to play directly. Deserved goal with a thunderbolt of a strike.
Kane felt his way into the match a little and by his standards was wasteful, but second half he was a delight, beautiful goal, beautiful lay off leading to the second, and some dazzling passes, without ever seeming to leave first gear.
Doherty, Bergwijn and Scarlett did nothing wrong.
Last edited:
TropicalYid
Well-Known Member
- Jul 25, 2014
- 1,501
- 2,203
Good game from a lot of players.
Pleased with Lamela. Hope he can produce this level over several games.
Lucas was good in second half. Though he did nothing in first.
Sanchez is scary. Not trusting him at all. Would rather see we try to build up Rodon.
Pleased with Lamela. Hope he can produce this level over several games.
Lucas was good in second half. Though he did nothing in first.
Sanchez is scary. Not trusting him at all. Would rather see we try to build up Rodon.
ultimateloner
Well-Known Member
- Jan 25, 2004
- 4,579
- 2,220
Normal service resumes with Kane back. Suddenly we know how to play gain. Notice also how often Kane drops deep to help the midfield play out of the back. Yes we won comfortably against a West Brom side that looks doomed for relegation, but I'm still not convinced that we can withstand a press against a better side. Next week against MC will be telling.
mr ashley
Well-Known Member
- Jan 27, 2011
- 3,144
- 8,547
Much better
On the front foot and moving off the ball
Hugo 7 good save from the header
Serge 7 solid and more of a threat going forwards
Davies 7 see serge
Toby 7 composed
Dave 7 solid, thought he played the two offsides well
Hojbjerg 9 leader, but mom for his assist. Play it forward more often please
Tanguy 6 held into it a bit too much for me, less of the throughballs today
Lucas 7 good energy, took people on. Good assist
Lamela 7 good energy, played the ball much
quicker
Son 7 good finish, drew a lot of fouls to maintain our control
Kane 8 influential as always, even without playing particularly well.
Subs
Doherty 6 fine
Bergwijn 6 fine
Scarlett 6 good to get involved
Jose 6 better selection leading to a better performance. Only downside was to obvious snub to bale, would he could have easily brought on for 20mins with Bergwijn to prove his place. But that’s it for the return of the prodigal son it seems. But I guess that’s on levy for signing him
let’s give praise wheres it due.
sanchez at the back looked comfortable
Serge (and to a lesser extent Doherty) looked like they are growing in confidence
Lamela showed for the ball and then passed it quicker
Lucas looked like a threat at times
some more potential solutions rather than problems. Onwards and upwards
On the front foot and moving off the ball
Hugo 7 good save from the header
Serge 7 solid and more of a threat going forwards
Davies 7 see serge
Toby 7 composed
Dave 7 solid, thought he played the two offsides well
Hojbjerg 9 leader, but mom for his assist. Play it forward more often please
Tanguy 6 held into it a bit too much for me, less of the throughballs today
Lucas 7 good energy, took people on. Good assist
Lamela 7 good energy, played the ball much
quicker
Son 7 good finish, drew a lot of fouls to maintain our control
Kane 8 influential as always, even without playing particularly well.
Subs
Doherty 6 fine
Bergwijn 6 fine
Scarlett 6 good to get involved
Jose 6 better selection leading to a better performance. Only downside was to obvious snub to bale, would he could have easily brought on for 20mins with Bergwijn to prove his place. But that’s it for the return of the prodigal son it seems. But I guess that’s on levy for signing him
let’s give praise wheres it due.
sanchez at the back looked comfortable
Serge (and to a lesser extent Doherty) looked like they are growing in confidence
Lamela showed for the ball and then passed it quicker
Lucas looked like a threat at times
some more potential solutions rather than problems. Onwards and upwards
Delighted with a win under any circumstances. Hopefully gives us some momentum.
We didn't have any option but to play on the front foot
otherwise it would have been a slow bicycle race football style.
Lloris............7.......Beaten twice but kept a clean sheet.Neat trick. One super save.
Aurier..........7......Good game up and down the pitch. Never left the Stadium
Sanchez......6......OK. Careless playing out of defence. Nowhere close to third choice.
Toby.............6+.......Still our most reliable defender but on his last legs.
Davies..........6+.......Better today mostly. Keeping the seat warm for Reg and Sess.
Ndombele..7+......A bit uneven today but did his stint. Prefer him further forward.
Hojbjerg.....8+....'Everything goes through Pierre. (Notice in the dressing room)MOM
Lamela........8.........Usual Lamela stuff.Effort drive and Skill. Deserves to start more.
Moura.........7.........Does what he does very well. Not always a team player.Good run and assist for 2nd.
Son...............7.........Good goal. Kane's return cheered him up.
Kane.............7+ ....Didn't need him. Son's goal was enough but he wasn't to know that. Fine goal.
They held out for almost an hour. Don't think even Big Sam can save them.
We didn't have any option but to play on the front foot
otherwise it would have been a slow bicycle race football style.
Lloris............7.......Beaten twice but kept a clean sheet.Neat trick. One super save.
Aurier..........7......Good game up and down the pitch. Never left the Stadium
Sanchez......6......OK. Careless playing out of defence. Nowhere close to third choice.
Toby.............6+.......Still our most reliable defender but on his last legs.
Davies..........6+.......Better today mostly. Keeping the seat warm for Reg and Sess.
Ndombele..7+......A bit uneven today but did his stint. Prefer him further forward.
Hojbjerg.....8+....'Everything goes through Pierre. (Notice in the dressing room)MOM
Lamela........8.........Usual Lamela stuff.Effort drive and Skill. Deserves to start more.
Moura.........7.........Does what he does very well. Not always a team player.Good run and assist for 2nd.
Son...............7.........Good goal. Kane's return cheered him up.
Kane.............7+ ....Didn't need him. Son's goal was enough but he wasn't to know that. Fine goal.
They held out for almost an hour. Don't think even Big Sam can save them.
PLTuck
Eternal Optimist
- Aug 22, 2006
- 15,986
- 33,259
Lamela in full beast mode. If he could stay fit for an entire season he'd be some asset. I assume he is well liked and respected in the squad because his effort and desire rubs off on other players when he plays.
EDIT: Could we use Crispr to make a Dele/Coco hybrid ?
EDIT: Could we use Crispr to make a Dele/Coco hybrid ?
- Oct 17, 2006
- 10,705
- 25,286
- Thread starter
- #32
Chalk and cheese. Their league position aside, with regard to their footballing nuance, Brighton are miles ahead. We looked better today partially because WBA gave us alot of space and didnt press us like other teams (including Brighton) has done recently.
- Oct 17, 2006
- 10,705
- 25,286
- Thread starter
- #33
You are implying that our recent poor performances was because of Kane being absent. We were having very poor performances before his injury so do not make out as if his return was the reason why we played better (It did help though)
Lucas motm for me, piped it because of the good run and assist. Honorable mentions to PEH and Lamela both played well.
Overall I feel it was a solid team performance, with lots of movement and forward passing and runs. Ndombele was very quiet and a little off, but we seemed to cope with him being below par. Shout out to Jose and coaching staff.... now bloody keep this up!!
Overall I feel it was a solid team performance, with lots of movement and forward passing and runs. Ndombele was very quiet and a little off, but we seemed to cope with him being below par. Shout out to Jose and coaching staff.... now bloody keep this up!!
mumfordspur
Well-Known Member
- Sep 10, 2020
- 1,176
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And got dicked by Arsenal & Citeh
mumfordspur
Well-Known Member
- Sep 10, 2020
- 1,176
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Correct bullet man
I am convinced there has been a "clear the air" meeting with Levy
DenverSpur
Well-Known Member
- Sep 25, 2011
- 2,020
- 5,675
Lamela MOM for me. He brought much needed energy and urgency to the team. He also passed the ball quicker than he usually does. Did get his standard yellow card for a needless tackle from behind.
We were good overall but did miss some good chances to go ahead much earlier. The only negative was, as we have been prone to do for many years now against a team in a low block, we are too narrow trying to thread balls through the packed central area instead of using the width of the pitch to stretch the defense and open up gaps. It would also help us to get in behind them.
We were good overall but did miss some good chances to go ahead much earlier. The only negative was, as we have been prone to do for many years now against a team in a low block, we are too narrow trying to thread balls through the packed central area instead of using the width of the pitch to stretch the defense and open up gaps. It would also help us to get in behind them.
Finchyid
Well-Known Member
- Jun 27, 2017
- 3,789
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should have put game to bed before half time too
ultimateloner
Well-Known Member
- Jan 25, 2004
- 4,579
- 2,220
I can't remember our performances that far back to be honest (everything seems to be a blur these days) but I was worried with what I saw from the moment Kane went off vs Liverpool. What stood out to me was how we were unable to play; we couldn't do anything when we have the ball, and so we ended up giving it away easily. This was to the point where I said in several other threads that it exposed how technically inept our team was; against Brighton we genuinely out-played.
Today was the complete opposite. Everyone was alot more switched on and knew what to do under different circumstances. We looked like we know how to play agian. Kane is the biggest denominator so for me, yes I am saying that Kane's return is the likely reason why we won this game.
Having said that I don't think we are out of the woods yet. Man City is a big test but with Kane back, I have rason to believe that we can win with our counter-attackign foogball. If Kane was absent we would have no chance.
