Welcome back Niall McDonald after grabbing some late winter /early spring sun. CandH’s ratings man hands out the marks.
Hart: This comment said “some regulation saves, no disasters” before disaster struck, again. Inexcusable 3 Zabaleta: Found plenty of room to get forward; some robust challenges 5
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Rice: What a calm, assured performance, both in defence and coming forward with the ball 8 Ogbonna: One of his more haphazard games – just about got away with it 6 Cresswell: Stuck to his task despite looking to carry a knock for the last 30 mins. A lovely cross for AC at the death 6 Noble: Some crisp passing in the first half 6 Kouyate: A mix of harrying and gangly, driving runs 5 Joao Mario: Still too laconic for me 5 Fernandes: Looks to have developed physically, did well for an hour before tiring 5 Masuaku: Well shepherded in the first half, posed a little more threat after the break 6 Arnautovic: Led the line manfully with not much support, moved wide right when the cavalry arrived late on 6
Subs Hernandez: Another short cameo from the bench 5 Lanzini: Immediately involved, dropping deep for the ball and always looking forward 6 Carroll: A superb strike and how vital might this goal be come the end of the season? 7
…and CandH Facebook man Sergy Novysh hands out his ratings
Hart: Well, it’s time to say “Thank you (for one decent game) and goodbye, Joe”. Adrian should regain his place in goal for the remainder of the season. 0
Rice: He is real quality. If you compare him to any of Stoke’s defenders you will see a huge difference. No panic, no wayward passes, reads the game perfectly well. Helps in attack when needed. 8
Ogbonna: Had a deja-vu moment in the second half, when he was too slow to react and prevent a dangerous run and cross on the right flank (great, that Stoke didn’t capitalize on that unlike Burnley). Made few other mistakes, but overall a solid performance. 6
Cresswell: Great game for Aaron, probably best I’ve seen this season. Few good shots and crosses, played with passion and desire upfront, but didn’t forget bout his defensive duties either. 8
Zabaleta: Had a great game too. Been everywhere on the pitch, made a few fine runs and passes to Arnie. 8
Noble: Looks like we have our own Ngolo Kante. Good performance from the skipper. Never stopped and never ran out of steam. 8
Kouyate: Battling performance. Made Shaqiri look nervous and helpless on few occasions. Tracked back well to help defense when needed. 7
Masuaku: Decent work with the ball, unstoppable runs, great link-up play with Cresswell. Pressed the opposition well in their own half. 8
Fernandes: Had a slow start and made few mistakes, lost almost all of his encounters with Stoke players. Looks like he lacks physicality. Upped his game in the second half and scored good goal from outside the box. Unfortunately Arnie affected the goalkeeper and goal was rightfully disallowed. 5
Joao Mario: Can keep the ball well butlooked lost on the pitch in the firs half. Showed some good skills and drawn few fouls in the second. 6
Arnautovic: Real leader on the pitch. Undoubtedly Hammer of the Year. Did what he usually does: ran at their defence, caused havoc, tracked back, scored great header (was fractions offside). Without Arnie we would’ve been in a big big trouble. 8
SUBS:
Hernandez: Played well and scored a decent goal (disallowed for debatable Carroll’s handball). Should start ahead of Fernandez in home games. 7
Lanzini: Wasted a promising free-kick, but played with passion and desire just like the rest of the squad. 6
Carroll: Saved us a point and prevented relegation rivals from getting all 3 with a SUBLIME finish. Thank you Andy. I think we all should be ashamed of making jokes bout you bars, hospitals and stuff. You’ve earned a pint or two today! 😉 Apologies. 9
FANS: Today was a great example of what can be achieved if instead of running onto the pitch and attacking your own players/board/fans everyone unite and support the team untill the end. It is a draw, but this draw worth more than some victories. COYI 10/10
