Unusual game where we looked stronger defensively than offensively for a change.
VVD had a great debut obviously. Noticeably more vocal than our usual CB's, looks to want to lead as well as just play well himself.
Robertson also had a great game - looks a genuine quality LB, and a bargain to boot. Has only had 1 disappointing game for me since he arrived, and is clearly miles better than Moreno.
Karius had very little to do. A bit slow off his line a couple of times, although I think Martin Keown was exaggerating that supposed weakness in his game. I was more worried about him dropping that easy catch. He thought he was fouled, but he had the ball comfortably in both hands and needs to hang on to it, fouled or not. Stilll not convincing me as our long term no 1, although I would still play him ahead of Mignolet at this point to give him a chance.
Gomez had a good game.
Everybody else I thought was pretty average. Lallana was our best midfielder, despite being understandably rusty. Gini did well when he came on too.
Ox put in some good dead balls, but was poor in open play I thought. There was space down their left flank, especially first half, but he kept drifting in field and so failed to exploit it. On the couple of occasions he went wide, his touch was off.
Still, we know we are good going forward, and dodgy at the back, so seeing us look straight away stronger at the back with VVD in there was the main thing. That and the result.
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