Close up on hero Haller

Record signing Sebastien Haller comes under the microscope today on his second appearance for the club. PlayerWatch reporter Danny Leach summarises his impact and looks at several of his key moments

1 – GOAL – 0-1 – Haller who with some great hold up play inside the box lays it to Lanzini,  who wins a penalty after being fouled. Noble duly converts the spot kick
20 – Commits a foul after stamping on Hughes
21 – Yarmolenko heads the ball across the box to Haller who with great improvisation pulls off a scorpion kick as the ball arrives behind him only to see the shot saved by Foster
30 – Wins the ball back from Capoue after he intercepts an incoming pass.
64 – GOAL – 1-2 – As we break on the attack Lanzini squares the ball across the box for Haller who taps the ball in the net
65 – Gives away a foul after kicking at Deulofeu
69 – He is brought down and fouled by Cathcart
72 – GOAL – 1-3 – Scores an acrobatic overhead kick from 6 yards as the ball rebounds off the bar from an Antonio header.

Verdict – 9 – Today we were given just a first showing of what Haller can offer us in attack and he looks unstoppable at times. His hold-up play and ability to bring midfielders into the game is excellent. He has very good feet both on his right and left for such a big fella and he is able to react very well to attacking situations. He read the game incredibly well. In addition to his technical abilities he is a brute, a menace and he tormented the opposite players with his physicality. Early days yes, but he has the potential to be one of the best strikers that we have seen at the club.