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David Gold believes Andy Carroll took a giant step towards convincing his critics he truly is a quality striker at Old Trafford yesterday (Sat).
The co chairman has been an annoyed watcher as the record signing has been abused by an army of Twitter knockers who have dubbed him everything from a waste of money to a donkey.
But yesterday – without receiving a single aerial ball – Gold claimed the big man showed himself to be far more versatile than many believe.
He told ClaretandHugh exclusively: “He worked tirelessly, showed great touch, held the ball up brilliantly at times and led the line very well indeed. Nobody could help but be impressed. He had an enormous game.
“The Twitter name calling has been shocking. Andy Carroll has a great deal to offer this club and full credit to the manager yet again.
“Everybody was saying that AC was going to become a misfit in his system but they have both showed they can make things work and I couldn’t be more delighted.
“Andy has a big future with this club under a manager who is showing that he has a number of ways of playing and that’s just brilliant.”
Even a top quality striker is only as good as the service they get. Simple as that. When Carroll gets good service he is top quality.
Can I say I am surprised how people are raving about Carroll’s performance. I saw the game and to be honest he did a few things well but to say his performance was very good – is to me an over statement. Carroll has ability but he cannot show it as a lone man up front. He must have a player up there playing off him and two wide players putting balls into the box. Its that simple. He was average yesterday, never looked like scoring. We would have been far better off playing Antonio up top with his pace and power. Bilic’s selection of Carroll in a 4-3-3 system simply does not work even of the chairman says it did. I think Bilic needs to see this soon.
Andy Carroll is very good with balls played to his feet. He has a good first touch he showed that yesterday. His link up play is exceptional and he is unselfish compared to some other strikers. A lot of strikers these days are like headless chickens charging about all other the place but not really doing anything when they get the ball apart from running with it and losing it because they are greedy and don’t know when to release the ball. Caroll however will always look to play in a team mate if they are in a better position.
To be fair to AC, for about 25 mins of the first half, he did not get a single ball played to his feet. In fact, West Ham’s first touch of the ball, I think, was from the back an attempt to bypass the entire squad and hit him in the head. Glad, they sorted that out at half-time.
How come it seems Gold is the only one ever who speaks out for AC. Dont remember Sullivan ever bigging AC at all.