by Brum Royal »
17 May 2017 12:33
I have to say I've been to a lot of the big games in our last 10-15 years and that was as vociferous and raucous an atmosphere as I can remember. Not just the volume, but the sustained length of it, the fact that all four sides of the ground joined in at times and just the sheer collective "we will not let you down lads, just keep going" mentality that came through with it. Whilst we've had good atmospheres in the past, that one last night just had an extra something to it. Proof that although we can be a bit reserved at times, we do have it in us on occasion.
As for the players:
AAH - An Absolute Hero. Three top drawer saves, that tip over the bar on the move is one of his best (and certainly most important) of the season. Plus a huge moment of bravery to dive at Martin's feet to grab the ball.
Gunter - one of his best games this season, kept Fredericks quiet for the last 20 mins after the switch
Blackett - did well on the whole, wasn't afforded much protection from left midfield at times and for a patch in the middle of the first half Fredericks got given far too much time and space to run at him. Surprised me going forward too - some very neat little tricks and touches to jink his way through, but just lacking a left foot and a quick cross that would have come from Obita had he been playing (that isn't a criticism of TB, just a comparison between the two)
Illori, Joey & Moore - a big blue and white wall that made a huge number of blocks and tackles and were generally immense
Evans - shut Cairney out of the game and restricted him to the odd pot shot from open play. Very, very good. Loved Noel's assessment of him on the radio
Williams - absolutely everywhere, winning tackles, driving us forward, could have had a couple of counter attack goals but for better passes to him. Amazing energy levels.
Swift - had the big chance to put us two up but generally all action and played almost as the third striker at times
Yann - took his big moment, and was absolutely outstanding at both ends of the pitch
Grabban - some excellent moments of hold up play coupled with a few moments of not releasing the ball quick enough to allow for counter attacks to flow
The subs all played their part as well, GMac did a decent job at right back although seemed a little slow to get into the pace of the game, stood his man up excellently at times and did well not to concede a foul or penalty under some intense scrutiny from Piazon's theatrics.
Ref was pretty good too I thought. Got most things right, didn't fall for Fulham's play acting (as did Atwell on Saturday), let the game flow.