Jamaal Lascelles put in yet another match winning performance in on Saturday, but it was the skippers gesture after the game to fellow teammate Joselu that was equally as impressive, showing yet again what an admirable young captain he is.
Joselu was a handful up top, but ultimately almost cost us the points, missing a hat-trick of big chances against his former club.
Lascelles gave a hug of reassurance to the Spaniard after the full time whistle, with Joselu visibly disappointed and relieved to see us win a game he should have put to bed.
Speaking about the incident, Lascelles said:
“That’s what team-mates do.
“If it was down the other end and I’d let a goal in and he went down the other end and scored, I’d have gone up to him and said the same.
“He knows himself he should’ve scored a couple of goals today, but good team-mates get each other out of the sh*t.
“He’s done a great job for us. He held the ball up well, he kept finding himself in dangerous areas and he’s been a real threat for defences in other games as well, so it’s certainly not one of them when I’m going to have a go at him.
“He knows he should have put a couple away, but it’s no different from one of us losing the ball or not making a block at the back.
“It’s what team-mates are for. He’s been a great player for us so far.”
Lascelles continues to show maturity beyond his years both on and off the pitch and this really was top class work from the skipper.
This group of players have each others backs – a trait of vital importance for when the going gets tough over the coming season.
