The Good
- The return of Studge, Coutinho, and to a lesser extent Origi. We need more quality options in attack and these 3 will bring that, assuming they can stay fit of course....
- Pedro Chirivella. Take a bow son!! 18 years old and looked the most accomplished midfielder in either team. He was confident in possession, composed on the ball, and calm under pressure. He showed exactly what we are missing -- a CM with good technique, passing ability, and vision.
- Despite losing, it was a good showing from the lads. On another night we'dhave been through, but these things happen. In a strange way, this is less depressing than the Sunderland game because at least the lads gave a good account of themselves tonight. Lucas, Ilori, Flanagan, and Stewart all deserve a mention for solid performances.
The Bad
- Brad Smith. Ok, perhaps it's a touch harsh because he wasn't terrible, but he did get skinned a few times in 1v1 situations and was caught out of position on numerous occasions. Basically he made all the same mistakes that Moreno gets berated for making, but he lacked the pace and energy to marshal the entire left touchline on his own the way Alberto does....
- It probably seems odd listing Lucas in both the good and the bad, but that's what he was. We saw his best - a consummate professional leading his young teammates from an unfamiliar role and putting his body on the line for the cause. We also saw his worst - committing stupid/unnecessary fouls that put us on the back foot and ultimately concede goals and lose games....
The Ugly
- Christian Benteke. It's getting near impossible to continue to defend the big guy.... His general play was good -- he got involved in the buildup, showed some nice touches, and asserted himself in the box to win some headers and get on the end of some crosses. Unfortunately, he squandered every chance he got and forwards are ultimately judged by their productivity in front of net. It's not his fault we spent 32M on him, but he is proving to be yet another in a long line of recent expensive flops.....
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