Player Ratings v West Bromwich Albion
By Wasim
February 8 2009
This was an important game and thankfully we came away with the three points to ease our relegation fears. We started the game well, with a nicely taken goal after poor defending by West Brom. We then gifted them a goal, but quickly took the lead again. We dominated the first half, and we sat back far too much in the second half.
Perhaps we were so not used to being two goals up at half time that we played the wrong game tactically in the second half, but we got the points and that's what matters.
Positives
* New additions playing well.
* Now 4 points clear of the bottom 3.
* Up to 13th on the log.
* Players back from injury.
Negative
* Two goals conceded against the premier league basement team.
Player Ratings
Steve Harper (6.5) - I think he could have done better for their first goal, but otherwise not a bad performance. Won't be happy having conceded two goals though.
Steven Taylor (7.5) - Scored the crucial third goal with a good header despite a defender being on the line. Also made some decent runs going forward. There were however moments where his defending looked shaky, none more so than for their first goal.
Fabricio Coloccini (6.5) - A fairly decent game by Colo. He made one or two key blocks and wasn't at fault for their goals, so coupled with the win, he can be a happier man tonight, after some not so great displays recently.
Sebastien Bassong (6) - Allowed Fortune to turn and score the second, but otherwise had a tough afternoon as it was a very open game. Did get the better of the WBA attackers too, so positives and negatives for Bassong today.
Jose Enrique (7) - Seems to be much more confident now. Played some good balls to the guys up front and wasn't afraid to go forward either.
Ryan Taylor (7.5) - Provided the quality corner from which his name sake scored, and also did well for us on attack. He certainly seems a good addition and something we definately needed, with his set piece reputation.
Kevin Nolan (8) - He had a very good game which was great to see. Along with Butt, they bossed the midfield of West Brom, and deserve a lot of credit for us getting the 3 points. He got stuck in, offered a threat on attack and also passed the ball well.
Nicky Butt (7.5) - Helped us dominate the first half, while his calmness was good for the team. He did however give the ball away in the build up to their first goal. He recovered well though after that.
Damien Duff (8) - Gave us the perfect start with a well taken goal, and also looked a constant threat when on the ball with his direct style. Happy to see him have a good game. His work rate was excellent as always.
Shola Ameobi (6.5) - He would claim the assist for the first goal, and although he wasted many opportunities, he was a hand full and did do the odd good thing. He may have many critics, me inlcuded, but I'll say today wasn't necessarily his worst game. Should have been replaced earlier though because he ran out of steam towards the end of his stint.
Peter Lovenkrands (8.5) - For someone who hasn't started a competitive game in months he looked sharp, and good on the ball. He's pace was a thorn in the Albion side while he also took his goal well. He made some great runs, and I'll be happy to offer him a long term contract if he keeps performing like today.
Substitutes
Mark Viduka (7) - We could immediately see what we've been missing when he came on. Just happy he is back.
Xisco (N/A) - Nice to see him get on, even if brief.
Man Of The Match: Peter Lovenkrands
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* Shola Ameobi is still being selected
Lovenkrafts, Nolan and Ryan Taylor, you were spot on as far as I'm concerned.
The future's bright, the future's Black and White.
Quote:lostmekeys
i thought steve taylor was again poor. and he took another dive, sooner or later he'll become a target for refs. he always manages to either foul, handle or dive with no subtlety whatsoever in every game. it won us a pen last week, but it'll surely cost us somewhere along the line when a ref assumes he has cheated. someone should be having a word with him
You bring up a good point there. A way to perhaps counter that, is to bring Jonas back in the team, and have Ryan Taylor playing at right back. Steven Taylor should be our first choice replacement centre back, and at centre back he won't get the chance to dive and to get the ref against him.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
bassong had a go at enrique for not comming back or staying on his man ... saw this at least 3 times !!!
signed on a free .... from ger many ... peter lovenkra ands ! magic
