79Royal From what I heard, there were good performances tonight. At the very least, the 'first 11' will have to look over their shoulders.
Like the midfield pairing of ... oh ... errr ...Harper and Cisse?
Both Lita and Long were average at best. Lita gave up after about 60 minutes having barely threatened the goal - didn't force a save other than the handball, as far as I can remember. There was a pass put through which he waved on to the keeper. That said, first half he was very dangerous. I think we needed height and strength up front as Spurs didn't look troubled.
Now, midfield wasn't too bad. Rosenior played well first half and got forward while in the second, took up his increased defensive duties without much hassle. Convey was lightweight while Cox showed some real guts and strength. Defence didn't make mistakes and was punished by Keane's quick thinking. A Fed made two or three top saves.
Now, I'm not gonna do player ratings but pick three players who I felt impressed me. Cisse is a centre back at heart. Maybe. Some good tackles and a good positioning. Rosenior impressed - tidy, overlapped, did well. Cox was not a relevation but showed enough tidiness and enough skills for me to think he's worth a PL subs spot.
First half was ...
Fed; De La Cruz, Pearce, Ingi, Shorey; Rosenior, Harper, Cisse, Convey, Long, Lita with Long dropping back and right. Looked more a 4-4-2 than a 4-5-1.
Second half started with
Fed; Rosenior, Cisse, Ingi, De La Cruz; Cox, Harper, Shorey, Convey; Long, Lita
then Hunt replaced Shorey in central midfield.