Decent performance but we need to be more clinical - My thoughts on the cheltenham game.

I was at the game, and there was some promising signs from a few players but we need to be more clinical. We should have won that game at least 4-0 and it took us 40+ minutes before we created a decent chance.

PLEASE PLEASE RAFA go to 4-4-2. We looked lethal with two strikers on the pitch up top!

Ratings -

Darlow - 7.5 - Much better than Sels. Deals really well with pressure. Good aerial presence, good distribution and comfortable handling.

Gamez - 7 - Bit of a shakey start but grew into the game.

Hanley - 7.5 - Good solid defender. Just what we need. Nowt special but strong and consistent.

Lascelles - 7 - Good performance.

Sterry - 7 - Good energy and pace, decent defending.

Shelvey - 6 - Some good passes, but more signs of poor attitude. Poor shooting.

Colback - 5 - Decent work rate, but nowt much else.

Aarons - 4 - Couldn't skin championship fullbacks and looks like another injury ffs.

Diame - 6 - Some decent skills but also some sloppiness. Nothing to write home about. Decent work rate.

Perez - 8 - Great second half. Should have had a hattrick easily, but good performance.

Gayle - n/a - Good energy when he was on.

Mitro - n/a - Oh dear...

Anita - 7 - More solid defending and good midfield and attacking work.

Gouff - 6.5 - Good work rate and contribution to attacks for the second half.

Benitez - 7 - System looks ok. Got the right players in the team.

MOTM - Perez.

 

Pyrrhic Victory. We will count the cost of our undoing in the coming days, the match on Saturday is so much more important.

 

I'm happy for Perez to get back on the goal trail.
It will hopefully do his confidence a world of good.

 

If it forces them to sign a decent left winger rather than rely on Aarons then it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. We'll have to wait and see.