Another opening day defeat to Spurs, but plenty positives to take from today’s game.
After watching the full 90 from the Gallowgate, here’s my thoughts on each player’s performance and my marks out of 10.
NUFC XI – (4-2-3-1): Dubravka – Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett – Diame, Shelvey – Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy – Joselu.
STARTING 11:
Dubravka– 6 – Almost pulled off a miraculous save to stop their first goal which was millimetres over the line, but could do nothing about Alli’s header. Over hit quite a few passes out of defence, although it is good to see how calm and confident he is on the ball – albeit a bit risky at times.
Yedlin – 5 – Was caught out for their second, with left Alli unmarked at the back post. His pace and energy in support of Ritchie is effective, but he has a tendency to switch off positionally or struggle with diagonal balls over his head.
Lascelles – 6 – Dealt with Kane pretty well and put in some important blocks and clearances. Not his best game, with us not looking quite the same without Lejeune, but didn’t let us down.
Clark – 6 – Put in a superb block early on to deny Lucas’ goal-bound shot. He’s no Lejeune and doesn’t offer nearly the same quality or composure on the ball but he can, but he didn’t do badly at all. Think Fernandez or Schar will replace him in the long run, mind.
Dummett – 6 – Switched off for a split second to allow Vertonghen to drift in behind him for their goal. Other than that he was solid enough. Struggled to get forward, leaving Kenedy a little isolated at times, but does a job at the back. Was more solid than he was been over pre-season.
Diame – 5.5 – Lost the ball in dangerous areas on a few too many occasions in the first half and looked rusty. Was still effective in the way he won the ball back and battled in midfield, but it was a rare off day given how well he’s performed in 2018 so far. Smashed the post in the second half.
Shelvey – 6 – Pretty tidy on the ball and showed his class from time to time, but didn’t really have the space to get into the game as much as he would’ve liked.
Ritchie – 7.5 – A bundle of energy, covered well defensively and put in an absolutely inch perfect ball into Joselu for our goal. He could not miss – and that’s saying something! Looked back to his best and was rightfully frustrated to have been taken off.
Perez – 6 – He was a 7/10 in the first half – linking well and causing problems between midfield and attack – but he was a 5/10 in the second, running out of steam and struggling to make any impact on the game. He’s got talent, but he needs to take the game by the scruff of the neck more as a number 10.
Kenedy – 8 – Was brilliant and my man of the match. Final product sometimes let him down, but he was the one player who was constantly driving us forward all game. Looked strong, skilful and full of energy and invention. Missed a big chance to make it 2-2 but barely fault him today. Top talent and someone we’re lucky to have back for another season.
Joselu – 7 – He’s tended to offer so little in a black and white shirt, but this was one of his best performances. He got himself a goal, he put himself about, linked up quite well at times in the first half and very nearly got a superb assist in the second with a brilliant ball in behind for Kenedy. A few loose touches here and there but much, much better from him.
SUBS:
Rondon – 6 – Looks a handful, although you could tell he was holding himself back a little and not yet fully match fit. Hit the bar with a deflected shot and gave us a big target to hit up top.
Atsu – 3 – Offered absolutely nothing unfortunately. Very sloppy on the ball. Looked lethargic and half asleep.
Muto – N/A – Can’t give a rating on 10 minutes but his movement was very good. Looked lively and didn’t hide.
It’s been very clear for a long time yedlin and dummett are very poor full backs and needed upgrading why oh why did we not upgrade at least on of the 2 usual suspects? Instead we spend our very last penny on a 5th choice cb that prob won’t make the bench most weeks. Only hope hayden can do a job there or maybe Darlow can play rb?
Nufc11(Quote)
If it was t for Kenedy, and Ritchie we would have looked worse
Steve(Quote)
Thank you for a fine assessment.
Putting the off-field problems aside, and the criticisms that could be made about the weakness that were not addressed, this team does have some promise.
Looking forward to what FF and FS can provide at the back.
Looking forward to seeing JS & S-Y paired together in the middle.
Would love to see Rafa use a three forward setup of YM – JR – MR.
I am thinking that CA & JM need to step up this year – they should feel the pressure of this being their last chance, or at least their last chance to keep getting chances with NUFC – without a few goals and the threat of getting a goal at any time, they may need to be moved on to re-set themselves in a different environment (but if they can’t make it under Rafa’s tutelage ?!?).
Still early days 😕 and Tottenham didn’t strengthen during the last window for a reason…
Peter(Quote)
I thought same old performance as last season struggled with Jos( although probably his best game) and Perez poor throughout fancy flicks and ineffective. I think start Rondon although he needs to shed 1/2 a stone and Muto I thought his movement and work rate, showed he has the attributes to play at 10 and would like to see him in against Cardiff. Ki into midfield for Diame and fernadez in for Yedlin rather than Manquillo. Ritchie very good work ethic and delivery, Kennedy good in flashes.
We need to go to Cardiff for a win and attack, if we go for a draw we will loose 1-0 and that will be a poor start.
Derek(Quote)
Watching the game from level 7 I agree with your assessment with the exception of Perez whoo I thought was completely ineffective
Return of the Gordi(Quote)
Perez poor throughout fancy flicks and ineffective, So we agree!! on all you know your Stuff!!HA
Derek(Quote)