Another solid outing for Eddie Howe’s Mags as we kicked off our tour of Japan with a 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds thanks to a goal from Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy brace, Nick Pope penalty save and second half strike from Lewis Hall.
Here’s out ratings and comments on every player involved
Pope (8) – Showed what we missed last season with some crucial saves, non bigger than the penalty save. Swept up well and looks set for a big season
Livramento (6) – Gave away a penalty and was caught in possession a couple of times. Few marauding runs but one of his quieter games
Krafth (6) – Exposed a couple of times with runs in the gap between him and Tino but otherwise looked solid without being spectacular
Burn (7) – Imperious in the air and marshalled the defence well. Looks much more comfortable at centre back
Hall (7.5) – Took his goal well (via a deflection) and made some good darting runs forward. Few flashes of brilliance and generally confident on the ball, but was caught in possession which almost cost us a goal
Longstaff (5) – At fault for the goal as he watched his man run right by him and aside from one typical Longstaff run into the box he looked very rusty
Joelinton (7) – Typically robust performance in the “Bruno” position as the central of the 3 in midfield. One impressive diagonal shows a range of passing not often seen
*Willock (8.5) – Very impressive considering the lack of football he’s played. Direct and powerful with a hand in the opening two goals with a sharp forward pass and pressing that forced their error. Keeping him fit is imperative this season.
Murphy (8) – His productive pre season continues with two goals and an assist for Hall. Has likely leapfrogged Almiron is the pecking order on the right wing. Positive, direct and full of confidence.
Barnes (7) – Could’ve had a hat trick and on another day probably would have. Took up some great positions and will be a great back up to Gordon if he can stay fit. A little rusty but is getting sharper with each game.
Isak (7.5) – Took his goal in typical Isak fashion and played well. One or two wasteful moments and could’ve scored more than one, but pressed from the front and linked the play well by coming short. Fitness concerns remain as he can’t be expected to play 90min each week.
Subs:
Almiron (5) – Played out on the left wing and was largely anonymous. Needs a big performance in the remaining friendlies if he expects to start come the start of the season.
J Miley (7) – Another promising performance from the elder Miley brother. looked tidy in possession and claimed an assist for Murphy’s second.
Sanusi (6.5) – Typically energetic performance and looked tricky and direct, albeit without much end product. Definitely deserving of a place in the senior squad and one to watch with his pace and trickery.
Vlachodimos (6) – Relatively untroubled and did everything required with a minimum of fuss. Solid back up to Pope
Parkinson (5) – A lot of running but didn’t have too many opportunities to showcase his abilities
Harrison (6) – Couple of tidy passes and looked good positionally. Deserves another look this pre-season
Turner-Cooke (5) – Struggled to get involved as the game became a bit more disjointed
Heffernan (5) – Late cameo to replace Burn. Not enough time to make any sort of impact. Nice for him to get some first team minutes.
