A dominant display (62% possession) from Eddie Howe’s men and a wonder-goal from Fabian Schar secured a convincing 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest today, seeing us kick off our Premier League campaign in style.
We had to wait until December for a Premier League win last time, so let’s enjoy winning our opening fixture – the first time we’ve taken maximum points on the opening day at SJP since 2012!
Here come the ratings on the first day of what we are all hoping will be a really special season:
Nick Pope – 7 – Didn’t have to make a save all afternoon as Forest failed to register a shot on target. However, he caught the ball well from crosses, seemed quick off his line and I was particularly impressed with his decisive distribution, both with feet and hands. Martin Dubravka has a difficult task of getting the starting position back.
Kieran Trippier – 7 – Our on-field captain today. A solid display from the England man, astute on the ball and positionally fantastic. His set pieces were sometimes poor by his usual high standards, but he linked up nicely with Almiron in the first half and had more touches in the opening 45 than any other player.
Fabian Schar – 8.5 – Swept up well at the back and produced a truly mesmeric strike, similar to the one he scored against Burnley at home a few seasons ago. Looked focused, perhaps due to the impeding shadow of Sven Botman; who had to settle for a place on the bench.
Dan Burn – 8 – Huge credit must go to Howe for picking his tried and tested centre back pairing. Burn was solid as always, mopping up effortlessly at times and showing a decent turn of pace the odd time Forest looked to get Johnson away on the break. Howe will find it difficult to drop him for Botman after that performance!
Matt Targett – 7 – Beaten a few times and committed the odd foul that gave Forest a chance to get back into it from set pieces. Despite that, he was still reliable as ever on the ball, often overlapped Saint-Maximin to good effect and kept at it defensively despite the odd lapse.
Bruno Guimaraes – 9* – You can just tell he is simply a world class midfielder. Seems to navigate himself out of every tricky situation effortlessly and makes the game look easy. Dictated our tempo all afternoon, played several stunning ball behind the Forest defence and battled away brilliantly at the other end, too. A truly sublime performance from a footballer who seems to have it all!
Joe Willock – 8 – Full of energy all afternoon and took his chance with both hands in Shelvey’s absence. Compliments Bruno and Joelinton very well, completely nullifying the Forrest midfield with his non-stop pressing and his ability to win the ball back high up the field. Made some good forward runs and was top for tackles (4).
Joelinton – 8 – Forest couldn’t handle his power – few can! – but his passing ability has also improved considerably, as he moved the ball quickly and showed some lovely touches. Great assist for Wilson’s goal and unlucky not to score himself after a fantastic run – although he should’ve done better with the shot! A huge presence who will be integral to our success this season.
Miguel Almiron – 7.5 – So much endeavour and running as always from the Paraguayan, who constantly forced Forest into errors with his non-stop pressing. Failed to mirror the quality he demonstrated in pre-season at times, spurning one big chance. However, he did create a few big chances and looks much improved. Does need to work on that weak foot, mind, as he can look a bit too predictable at times.
Allan Saint Maximin – 8 – A mature performance from our French magician. Got the better of an inexperienced Neco Williams all afternoon and showed improved decision making, which was nice to see when he’s often criticised for holding onto the ball too long. Also felt he worked much harder, looked fitter and showed improved movement, bursting into the box on a few occasions when he’d typically stay out wide.
Callum Wilson – 7.5 – A quiet afternoon for our number 9 but took his goal beautifully. A majestic touch in the second half highlights what he offers in the box. Lacking some sharpness at times but this will come with time. A third consecutive season that Wilson has scored in the season opener.
SUBS:
Ryan Fraser – 6 – Made some promising runs in behind, nearly picking up a pass through on goal from Callum Wilson. A great option to have off the bench.
Sean Longstaff – 6 – Some will have been surprised to see Willock start over our Geordie midfielder this afternoon. Overhit a pass through to Wilson late on in the game, but I predict he will have his best season in the black and white this year under Howe’s guidance.
Chris Wood – N/A
Jacob Murphy – N/A
Sven Botman – N/A
How good or poor were Forest? Time will tell.
We relied on a Schar thunderbolt which doesn’t happen often, and a bit of clever Wilson improvisation.
It is early days for us as well so the performance just got the job done imo.
The problem is keeping Wilson fit, we nee someone else as astute as him in front of goal, Bruno’s forward positive passing ability is fantastic to watch so Maddison and a forward are required, unfortunately Almiron’s end product, decision making and no right foot ability are glaring obvious, can’t fault his work rate but he needs more.
Joseph(Quote)