Sun Aug 07, 2005 1:54 pm
Fairly impressed yesterday - I think it is important that we don't do post-mortems on our performances too early this season. There is time for us to gel, and as long as we get the rub of the green a few more times this season than last (just like yesterday), we can look towards the play-offs.
There are plenty of positives to take from yesterday - however, the concerns still linger. I'll address the concerns later, but we can take an impressive and relatively assured debut from Fox, a future partnership of Gerrard and Bennett blossoming, the potential of the likes of Kris Taylor, and the ability that Fryatt has to absolutely terrify any centre half in our league.
Oakes - Carried on bravely. The best keeper we have had since Walker. Still worried about his distribution, but his positioning is good, he is a fine shot stopper and he isn't afraid to go in for a challenge. Top marks for carrying on as he did yesterday - but would agree with Bernie, if he had have been knocked out at all (or if he'd have admitted to being knocked out) he would have had to have been taken off, and would have been out of Tuesday's game and next Saturday. He wasn't put into the 'recovery' position by anyone, including Whitney and the Rotherham physio and doctor. So I'm guessing it was just a heavy daze and a heavy knock.
Pead - Fine on the ball and in the tackle - however, his positioning leaves a lot to be desired. With Wright or Wrack (not sure who gave the ball away), he was at fault for their goal as he was absolutely no where. It meant Gerrard was pulled out of the middle, leaving Fox and Bennett with 3 players to watch. Great stop on the line for a certain goal, and improved in the second half.
Gerrard - Assured, and not at fault for their goal. He was let down by Pead and Wrack or Wright. I thought he handled the experienced threat of Burton and Butler very well. Burton was only really noticable in the build up to their goal, which is testament to Gerrard.
Bennett - Typically strong in the tackle and he revelled in his position of responsibility at the back. Is clearly learning from someone like Westwood, as I don't think he stopped talking all game yesterday. As Leamore said, the only time Butler got away from him was when he scored. And even then it took a fantastic header from Butler to get the goal.
Fox - Could turn in to a decent little player for us. He was the biggest concern I had in the build up to the game, however, he coped with the pace of Campbell-Ryce very well, only being beaten once or twice. Also, when Wrack could be bothered, they worked well together, often doubling up the tricky winger.
Osborn - Didn't move much out of the centre, but was solid when called upon. Constantly harried their midfield when in possesion, and he was vitally important for everyone around him, keeping them on their toes - particularly when decisions began to become rasher and rasher.
Standing - Looks so impressive when on the ball. He has got the ability to drop his shoulder and take a couple of players out of the game at once. Created a couple of chances that perhaps should have been converted. Performed well as captain.
Wrack - At times he looked like the Wracky we know. At times he was busy and worked well with Fox and Pead. However, in the main he looked overweight, lazy and simply not bothered. There was no urgency on his part as there was in every other position on the pitch. Too often he was second to the ball when really his experience should have taken over. So many people were asking "3 years?" and stratching their heads. Not surprising really...
Wright - Not his best game. Only beat his man once or twice and posed no real threat to Rotherham.
Taylor - My man of the match. Very busy and looked decent in the 'Surman' role. He got in to plenty of good positions, and wasn't afraid to have a shot on goal when there was nothing else on, instead of running in to a culdesac like so many of our players have and do.
Fyratt - Looked in great shape and tore Rotherham apart for our first goal, and again a couple of minutes later. Only suffered when we inexplicably started to play long ball, as he was being marked by two neanderthals of centre halfs. As was the case at times last season, the defence had no answer to him when he got the ball at his feet and ran at them.
Leitao - Busy and totally committed. The goal was a bit of a fluke - but its about time we got those things going for us!