by 10539.4 Miles Away »
31 Mar 2018 04:52
Game of 2 halves (well a quarter and three quarters really). Our forwards were really good first half, especially Aluko and Barrow who kept asking the questions and putting them on the back foot however I thought our defence was decidedly shaky, Iluko and Blackett in particular. I messaged my brother at half time suggesting Blackett should look for another job, it wasn't just one clearance it was short, poorly chosen passes that got us under pressure multiple times.
And then something bloody amazing happened at half time, Clement with some obviously inspired words of wisdom and the defence looked like a bloody wall, Blackett outstanding second half, Iluko and Moore played the half that we all they had in them, think Gunter gave his man too much space a few times but that was guts and commitment. Great stuff.
Genuinely think our 2 biggest problems are confidence which is understandable given the run, and, more importantly, fitness. Granted the team gave their all but we really were knackered way too early, get to the end of this season, have a proper pre-season next time round and I think this team can really push for the top again.
Final note, it doesn't show on the highlights but as they were preparing to take the penalty Blackett signalled to Mannone which way to dive from the edge of the box, he very deliberately did it and he made sure Mannone had seen him. Well done that man!