Dimi_Konstantflapalot
Well-Known Member
Was at the game tonight, genuinely thought we would hold on for the win, guess that's the vast lack of experience showing. Despite the loss I thought we were ok for the most part, both us and Palace made a concerted effort to play passing football without a real cutting edge. We were quite comfortable in possession up until the edge of the Palace centre circle, whereupon we were devoid of ideas of how to transfer possession into a shot on goal.
Murphy 7 - Made a few decent saves and seemed fairly reliable under a cross and from corners. Was very vocal throughout in marshalling his back 4 and seemed to communicate well with Cranie and Keogh. Didn't have much chance with either goal.
Christie 6 - Gave an assured performance up until the 85th minute onwards, when he seemed to switch off. Skinned by Zaha for the winner and seemed to lose concentration when it was needed most at the end. However, won his fair share in the air and cleared his lines well, though would have liked to have seen a few more forward runs to support Juke and ROD.
Keogh 8 - Our MOM for me. Won everything in the air and was first to every cross and through ball that Palace mustered. Looks composed on the ball and distribution was close to flawless.
Cranie 6 - The less noticeable one of our current CB pairing, always going about his business quietly and efficiently. Noticed a few mistakes creeping in tonight, the occasional misjudged header or slightly careless positioning. Nevertheless, won his challenges and remains an indispensable team member, just needs to make sure he doesn't cross the fine line between composure and complacency.
Hussey 6 - Defended stoutly though was caused a few problems by Scannell's pace. Again, like Christie, wanted to see him overlap and push forward more but otherwise a solid performance.
Clingan - 7 Good performance. Very rarely gave the ball away and always ensured he kept ticking over, retaining the ball and frustrating Palace. Passing range was also good, only issue was he did sometimes look to pass when a hoof would have sufficed to clear the immediate danger.
Bigirimana - 7 First time I've seen young Gael and I was suitably impressed. Mature head for a 17 year old. Odd misplaced pass but otherwise good, always looked to show for the ball. Agree with previous posts that he could do with playing a bit further forward, both him and Clingan play quite deep almost doing the same role.
Thomas - 6 Didn't get involved as much as he should have, let the game pass him by too much. Looked comfortable on the ball and put in a couple of well timed tackles.
McSheffrey - 5 Not on for long but didn't look hugely willing to take his man on, a lot of sideways and backwards passes to Clingan and Bigi, without moving into space for a return.
ROD - 6 Full of running and willingness to chase but end product with the ball not good enough. Should have done better with his 1 chance, and still can't read Jukes knockdowns and flick ons.
Juke - 6 Felt sorry for him, worked hard on his own with minimal help and support, and wasn't given much from the ref either. Should have done a lot better with his chances, composure in front of goal needs work. Big hearted performance from at least someone who cares.
Subs:
Ruffles - 6 Did alright for his first pro game. Looked a bit startled and nervous early on as expected, but grew into the game and showed some neat touches.
Anyone agree/disagree?
Murphy 7 - Made a few decent saves and seemed fairly reliable under a cross and from corners. Was very vocal throughout in marshalling his back 4 and seemed to communicate well with Cranie and Keogh. Didn't have much chance with either goal.
Christie 6 - Gave an assured performance up until the 85th minute onwards, when he seemed to switch off. Skinned by Zaha for the winner and seemed to lose concentration when it was needed most at the end. However, won his fair share in the air and cleared his lines well, though would have liked to have seen a few more forward runs to support Juke and ROD.
Keogh 8 - Our MOM for me. Won everything in the air and was first to every cross and through ball that Palace mustered. Looks composed on the ball and distribution was close to flawless.
Cranie 6 - The less noticeable one of our current CB pairing, always going about his business quietly and efficiently. Noticed a few mistakes creeping in tonight, the occasional misjudged header or slightly careless positioning. Nevertheless, won his challenges and remains an indispensable team member, just needs to make sure he doesn't cross the fine line between composure and complacency.
Hussey 6 - Defended stoutly though was caused a few problems by Scannell's pace. Again, like Christie, wanted to see him overlap and push forward more but otherwise a solid performance.
Clingan - 7 Good performance. Very rarely gave the ball away and always ensured he kept ticking over, retaining the ball and frustrating Palace. Passing range was also good, only issue was he did sometimes look to pass when a hoof would have sufficed to clear the immediate danger.
Bigirimana - 7 First time I've seen young Gael and I was suitably impressed. Mature head for a 17 year old. Odd misplaced pass but otherwise good, always looked to show for the ball. Agree with previous posts that he could do with playing a bit further forward, both him and Clingan play quite deep almost doing the same role.
Thomas - 6 Didn't get involved as much as he should have, let the game pass him by too much. Looked comfortable on the ball and put in a couple of well timed tackles.
McSheffrey - 5 Not on for long but didn't look hugely willing to take his man on, a lot of sideways and backwards passes to Clingan and Bigi, without moving into space for a return.
ROD - 6 Full of running and willingness to chase but end product with the ball not good enough. Should have done better with his 1 chance, and still can't read Jukes knockdowns and flick ons.
Juke - 6 Felt sorry for him, worked hard on his own with minimal help and support, and wasn't given much from the ref either. Should have done a lot better with his chances, composure in front of goal needs work. Big hearted performance from at least someone who cares.
Subs:
Ruffles - 6 Did alright for his first pro game. Looked a bit startled and nervous early on as expected, but grew into the game and showed some neat touches.
Anyone agree/disagree?
