Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:45 pm
I thought first half we were poor, although to take positives sonner passed the ball well, hall muscled down the wing and other then the two goals we were generally to a league one standard. Special mention to Forsell who i though was particularly lively in the first.
Although birmingham were a higher class there wasn't really to much of a difference, other then maybe the striking potentcy. Mooney won a few free kicks and whilst butler wasn't really involved in much, when he was -wasn't bad at all.
Second half, and a neautral wouldn't have known the difference between the two teams, We had chances , boertien overlapped and whilst we still lacked some potency we did pentrate, don't forget birmingham despite not looking it still had a solid premier league defence, that soaked our preussure well. Mooney led the line well and butler looked more active. When ishamel came on and boertian overlapped we looked a high league one standard, we lookd like we had width and looked aggresive like we would score goals.
The second half performance really changed my mind-set for this year. PLay like that and we shall be talking mid table and upwards.
Ince - Solid, Needs Kicking practice
Boertien - WHAT A SIGNING, this bloke shows higher quality then many left backs at walsall i've seen, very interesting to see if he doesn't get injured. He could be key
Gerrard- Nothing spectacular, not his best, not his worst,generally solid but looks mistake prone.
Roper - Very un-fit, did generally alright, other then that read gerrard.
Wrack - A surprisingly good performance, i thouight when mcsheffrey was on the list and wrack at right back, goals for city galore, in qracks defence mcsheffrey was kept quiet %95 of the time.
Dobbin - Another typical dobbo performance, solid at tackling,made a few good runs, had a shot blocked and got into positions a few times where he should of shot- were not arsenal you know dobbin. Still can't pass for anything.
Sonner- Was really impressed, spread the ball nicely, never lost the ball and generally ran the idfield very well, has a good set piece, and will no doubt set up a few next year. Good signing.
Fox - I thought had one of his better games, used the ball well, spread it nicely with some good long range passes, although still doesn't overlap, which is what's needed when attacking if we are to push for promotion.
Hall - Played well, especially second half, thought he muscled well. Not forgetting i've seen bigger midgets. He looks reasonably qucik if not eletric. Should provide some width and definetely set up and score a few.
Mooney - NIcely surprised actually, first half was slow and predictable but won a few good freekicks. I read his shotting record 1 goals in 20 shots and i can see why the chances he had he did nothing with, no excuses favoured foot or not. Second half really rose to the occation played well, held up the ball and yes looked far more interesting then butler.
Butler- Whilst not having a lively game, when he was involved did look ok. Still think he probably needs a bit more fitness and does lack pace. But when back to full fitness and is sharp again will be everything he was early last year.
Subs -
Nicholls - Didn't really have much time but had one good run.
Deeney - Same goes , looks lively
Carnerio - Looked more potent then butler and mooney put together, you never no he looks like a puff.
Ishy - A really good performance again, pacey, lively,looked interested, a few good runs and forced what was an excellent low save from a good premier league keeper. Definetely a key figure this year, even if he doesn't start often.
