Frustrating game to score as we played fantastically against a team in the league above, so a bit of context needed
Marosi - 7 - was actually better off his line than he has been in a while, when he actually came for it. I also thought his long range kicking was poor. Great save when they were through one on one too.
Dabo - 9 - shocked there wasn’t any interest in January (that we know of). Looked very comfortable against Championship opposition and is looking stronger offensively every game. A real threat on the ball and still does his defensive duties.
Pask - 7 - Montero had the beating of him all game and constantly looked on the back foot, albeit his pace helped him recover at times. Few wayward passes too, including a few dodgy cross field attempts. In his defence; he was against their best player and a Championship team, after only a few first team games - it’s a big game to come into. Got better as the game went on and did well in the air.
McFadzean - 9 - yes he makes the odd mistake, but he’s a class above L1 and tonight showed that. He didn’t look phased or worried by their attackers once. Absolute leaders performance once again.
Hyam - 8 - solid, reliable yet understated performance as always. Didn’t look out of place at all. Not on the ball as much as usual tonight though.
Mason - 7 - looked rusty on the ball. Defensively sound though. Potentially could have done more to stop the cross/goal but at that stage of the game he couldn’t risk being skinned and he had closed the angle somewhat. There was only place it could go - I bet their player couldn’t do it again.
Kelly - 8 - always offered himself as always and looked comfortable as ever in possession. I think his influence dipped after about 30 minutes, in my view due to not having Walsh helping to control the game alongside him. Shipley isn’t that sort of player and Kelly couldn’t keep doing it alone against a Championship team. Also, he really is awful at shooting!
Shipley - 6.5 - too anonymous which is even mor evident when playing in the deeper role. Needed to get hold of the game and struggled a bit tonight. When on the ball he was effective and positive, but wasn’t on it anywhere near enough and I think was a reason we lost control of the game for half of the first half. Still dangles the foot too much as well.
Westbrooke - 6 - anonymous too. Although to be fair he’s never a lone 10 - he isn’t creative enough and tonight wasn’t quick enough on the ball either. A lot of his passes were anticipated by Birmingham too. Him in that position is another reason we lost momentum for a while. Shame as he’s a good player technically. Worked tirelessly to close down their defenders.
Bakayoko - 9 - I put it on another thread, but tonight all of his attributes combined and looked a real force. His link up play was great as was his movement. Plus he scored. Real shame he got cramp as we lost impetus. Their defence didn’t like him and Biamou buzzing around them at all.
Biamou - 8 - tricky one. Missed three glorious chances. Excuses could be made for all of them to be fair (e.g. Dabo’s cross was slightly behind him), but nonetheless he should be converting them - a clinical striker does. Had an excellent all round game too, he also linked play well and caused issues for their defence with his movement and harrying. Looked quicker than I remember him being too.
Subs
Allen - 8 - looks a really good player, more creative than I expected.
O’Hare - 7 - lively again and his movement caused issues. Wasn’t on the ball and running at them enough tonight though. Good interplay with Walsh - those two are brilliant technically.
Walsh - 8 - short cameo, but performed well in it. Wanted the ball constantly, and used it well, constantly. Incredible player, still can’t believe some wrote him off earlier in the season.
Godden - 6 - not jumping on the bandwagon but he was poor tonight. Not too sure what his strengths are yet. His lack of pace was too evident tonight and his movement (which was great when he arrived) seems to have gone backwards.
MR - 9 - went for an attacking line up with two big strikers and it worked fantastically. Changes were positive and influenced the game (Baka/Godden was forced). Maybe the way we played tonight against a Championship opposition when allowed to be more attacking will help remove some of his cautiousness in league games.
SBA - 10 - great support as always and no trouble from what I could see. Just fans wanting to support their team.
