Hughie hands out the marks
Fabianski: One spectacular save and two or three others – terrific performance 7+
Coufal: Could have scored with a bit more confidence and his usual fine performance defensively 8
Diop: Excellent return with a great goal and very steady if unspectacular defensive display 7+
Dawson: Just outstanding – importaat blocks and always a threat in opposition box 8
Cresswell: Still in prime form – great corner for Diop’s goal 7
Johnson: He’s still a baby in the PL but growing up fast – did an awful lot right and it’s great to see the Academy lads coming through so well 7
Bowen: In and out of the action but high energy display 7
Rice: Scored a fin first penalty of the season and always the midfield guvnor 8
Soucek: Great to have a player with whom you know the ball is always safe. Another fine midfield display 7+
Lanzini: Saw more from him tonight than in many previous games before he was subbed 6+
Lingard: Brilliant performance – fantastic runs and so hungry for a goal he had a near row with Dec. Superb and shows we can live without Mikey 9
Subs:
Noble: Very decent performance, no wasted balls – well done Nobes 7
Benrahma: Lots of nice touches and passes in the short time he was on the pitch 5
Fredericks: Very late arrival but on the spot for the third goal No rating
Pretty well spot on Hugh. Lovely to see how well we coped without a focal point centre forward. There were many times I could not spot who was the false nine. Quite amazing how we managed to compete, let alone win, with a shapeless formation of players just running and kicking the ball. Still, we can afford to experiment now we’re safe.
Loving it all.
COYI
Would give Fabianski an 8 thought other than a single moment he was outstanding with saves and distribution 😀
I like the ratings with the exception of Lanzini and Noble. I love the way Lanzini plays the game, when he is on the ball you feel as if something magical is going to happen. I thought he was at least a 7 tonight. I still don’t get it with Noble, he had no pace and no legs and I just cannot see how he scored so high. It is time to move on from him and Fornals would have given us so much more. I was so happy to see players like Diop and Lanzin in the team tonight. I don’t rate Lindgard but everytime I say it he makes a fool of me, I hope it continues.
You don’t rate Lingard?
Making a fool of yourself mate
Does it most posts. Finds a few players he doesn’t fancy and never lets up with the criticism. Strange how quiet he goes when they do well. His usual victim is Fredericks, but can’t really go there today so Noble gets it again. He slated Dawson something chronic and promised us he would soon prove how bad a player he is. How’s that working out? I hate pessimists.
Well, my turn to be the contrarian.
I thought Rice was brain dead for much of the first half. Seemed determined to be the play maker when he had Lanzini in front of him. Better second half.
Otherwise pretty much with your scores, including Noble who is clearly still the Captain.
Hugh, a 5 for Benrahma, he got an assist man
Lanzini scored a wonder goal against Tottenham earlier in the season but normally he flatters to decieve in his general play. Knocked off the ball quite easily. Benrahma who also is slight in frame seems to achieve more though, definitely by way of assists. When he came on for lanzini a few nice touches yes but also created the first goal by drawing the defenders on to him on the left and then assisting Fredericks for his goal.
Coufal’s goal is coming he has gotten into some good shots don’t thinks he has scored a lot in how career but really hoping him & Benrahma will get one soon. Cresswell has gone under the radar for some imo at LB & LCB getting forward is passing & deliveries 6 assists 15/16 Cresswell. Potter has a lot of choices but if we go back 3 Cresswell should definitely get called up for run imo. Johnson I’m loving, imagine if not for injuries! Made is debut a very good defensive display again Man City around two years ago. I hear a lot say well his not left footed we need a left footer but I like a good inverted FB WB. He imo has looked better on left then right reminding me a bit of James Justin who I wanted from Luton & is smashing it now. I think BJ like Justin could play in mid & CB too has the build & pace plus technical ability. Just don’t sell him for peanuts!!! Fabianski massive saves from McGoldrick, showing we need to be preparing for life without him whether in a year or three. Won’t be able to replace with a free. JLingz great really gave us a spark was more at CF at times then Bowen imo but Bowen played the whole game & one of the fee Moyes didn’t have a critique ford😉 Benny great assist Fredrick’s WB & winger role suit him 2nd PL goal making his argument to hold onto him! Rice good to see him sink a penalty & handled Lingard talks well they embraced after. Imagine Moyes & squad could tempt Lingard in to staying & happy days to be a hammer! Great squad spirit throughout, Johnson getting his time & everyone chipping in ⚒
I feel more comfortable when we play a back 3 plus w/backs, as the central defenders have less width to cover to defend, and we play more measured stuff in transition. Lots of accolades, but I have a special one for Ben Johnson – this young man is a diamond!