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John Brooker's avatar

A great review . I thought Smith Rowe did enough to warrant a nicer review, but all else was spot on for me. A crazy game of lows and highs left us elated. Cheers Owen

Owen Macdonald's avatar

Thanks!

I like Smith Rowe, and he's a smart footballer, but I think he struggled to exert the same influence today as in recent games, especially with Baleba and his teammates managing the space so well. Cairney suited the game a little IMO. Still, he's had a good run of games so all is still well with me!

Bruce Robertson's avatar

Well done again Owen. Spot on. Hope we can keep riding our luck. Listened to some very upset Brighton fans walking back in Bishops Park.

Ray Innoma's avatar

Excellent review Owen. Was Tete fit enough today to play instead of Castagne? I thought that Marco had said so in his Friday presser. Also since Bassey freelances, why can't Marco insert him back in the lineup? He got great reviews at AFCON and he isn't a one position player. Finally, Robinson just has not regained his game; it is sad watching him but maybe time (he'll be 29 in August) and injuries have caught up to him. He'll still play for the USMNT in the WC but Poch will probably sit him unless he regains his old form.

Owen Macdonald's avatar

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

I heard good news about Tete too - presumably Marco didn't want to rush him back a la Muniz and have him out for longer. Should be back for Old Trafford?

Cuenca's been decent and earnt his run in the team so I can see why Marco might let him keep his place a little longer. Can't imagine Bassey will be gone for long though. As for Robinson, surely the World Cup is factoring into why he doesn't quite seem his old self, and who can blame him? I'd be gutted if I missed my home WC by overexerting myself in the season. We have to trust he'll find his form again, and utilise Sess' versatility if he can't (a shame, as Sess deserves a shot further forward)

Simon's avatar

Thanks Owen, great review!

I thought the game was really well balanced, a fun match to watch, like two mid-card welterweights trying to knock lumps out of each other.

I think you are right to point out Kevin’s role, his industry causes the opposition issues, even if his final ball isn’t perfect.

The defence feels a bit flimsy at the moment, and although I’m a big fan of Cuenca, I’m not sure he and Anderson fit together perfectly as a centre half pairing. With Bassey looking in good form at AFCON, I’d be half interested to see a 3 at the back given a proper run out, but perhaps messing about with a system that’s brought a fantastic run of results is foolhardy!

Joshua Zook's avatar

3 word review has to be:

Harry Fucking Wilson🎤

Kozy's avatar

Cheers to the review!

I'm across the pond and watched on TV, but I've just seen Marco state the supporters were booing at half-time --- is this true? That is such a shocking (what's more profound than shocking?) action if that is truly the case!

wtf has become of supporters that they believe they are so entitled? I hope they were physically chucked out of the stadium by real passionate supporters.