by CavershamRoyal »
01 Dec 2018 20:31
Quite enjoyable, though the ref was genuinely terrible (at times for both sides - Baldock basically got punched in the throat with nothing given, and Jaakkola grabbed the ball whilst it was at least a foot over the touchline with no corner given). Point was probably fair, though Stoke had the better chances.
Jaakkola - 7, made a couple of very good saves. Didn't have a clear view of their goals but didn't really look like he was at fault. Better distribution than usual.
Yiadom - 6, got forward well and made some very nice dribbles, though occasionally found wanting defensively.
Ilori - 2, really not a good performance. Big fan of his but not a lot went right for him today. At fault for the second goal and nearly gave away a couple more.
Blackett - 6, good in the air, didn't do a lot wrong. Solid if unspectacular, and certainly looked better as a CB as part of a back 4 than last season.
Gunter - 6, had a torrid first 10 minutes or so but improved and was a good attacking outlet in the second half. Don't think he's really a LB, but made to look poor due to lack of cover from Swift and GMac.
Bacuna - 6, some nice passes but not a particularly memorable performance.
Swift - 5, not as terrible as I think some here are making out but was playing extremely deep and didn't offer anything defensively. In a confident team he'll be exceptional, but he may be a luxury in a relegation scrap.
Rinomhota - 8, really like the look of him. Tackled well, passed well, great run and cross for the first goal. Was unconvinced when Clement first played him, but think he's more than earned his place.
McCleary - 7, better second half than the first where he drifted all over the place. Very reliable and a much better option than Aluko.
McNulty - 7, glad he scored. Harried and won a lot considering his size but had no protection from a poor ref.
Loader - 6, definitely didn't look out of place but was pretty well contained by Stoke. Some nice touches.
Subs:
Meite - 8, missed him starting today. I like both of Loader and McNulty but neither provide the physicality that Meite does.
Barrow - 6, extra mark for the goal. Otherwise an unspectacular cameo.
Baldock - 5, didn't really get into the game