Originally Posted by
tomm
Etheridge - 7 - Didn't have too much to do, but looked confident and kicking was fine
Connolly - 6 - Really struggled for the first 30-40 minutes, but that's understandable with him being out for so long and up against quick opposition, but improved thereafter
Morrison - 7 - Looked assured and solid as ever before the injury
Bamba - 8 - Had a fair bit of defending to do, and led really well after Mozza went off. Had a fair few of those 'how the hell did he win that?' moments. Must have telescopic legs or something.
Manga - 8 - As good as Bamba, shone after moving into CB after Mozza's injury
NML - 5 - A few glimpses of confidence in the second half after we went 442 and looked better, but still looks nothing like the player from the first dozen games or so. Can't beat his man any more, and when he did have space his crossing was poor
Grujic - 6 - Really struggled to get into the game, with a few loose passes, which is a shame as he's had his best few games for us prior to last night.
Hoilett - 7 - Great set pieces, and one or two excellent crosses, but didn't have many clear chances after a long shot in the first half. Still worked brilliantly hard tracking back. We need to be careful not to burn him out in the run in as he works so hard.
Ralls - 7 - Like all the midfield three struggled in the first half, but got a bit more time on the ball in the second half.
Damour - 7 - Made more happen than Ralls, and one of his better performances for a while
Zohore - 8 - Looked up for it, worked hard. Would have been a 9, but he blazed a shot wide when he could have played Madine in for an easy chance at 0-1.
Subs
Halford - 7 - Solid. Though I'd fear if he had to face a truly quick or tricky winger - there was one point in the second half where Ipswich played a ball into their winger and he ran about 30 yards deep out of fear for being outpaced!
Madine - 7 - His introduction massively improved our performance, which was pretty poor in the first half, though that can also be down to the switch to 442. Showed signs of an emerging understanding with Zohore, and definitely not just a battering ram, can hold it up well and play on the floor.