A chaotic FA Cup tie in Birmingham but one we came through impressively in the end, as a Joe Willock brace and Callum Wilson goal on his return to the starting line up sends us through to the fifth round.
Here’s our comments and ratings out of 10 for each Mag involved tonight:
Starting XI
Pope (7) – Restored to the starting line up and could do nothing about the goals but came up with some big saves. None bigger than a full stretch dive at 1-0.
Livramento (6) – Not quite at the levels we’ve come to expect and could find himself out of the side for Trippier. Ran a lot but also didn’t seem to fully commit to a few tackles. Needs a rest
Krafth (7) – Fully deserves a new contract. Ultimate squad player who filled in seamlessly. Assured on the ball and never lets the team down
Burn (6.5) – Worryingly went off with an injury. Was booked in the first half after being turned far too easily. Wasn’t his best game.
Targett (5.5) – Did nothing to suggest he can force Hall out of the starting eleven. Poor clearance set up Birmingham’s second.
Longstaff (5) – Was a yard off the pace all game. Wanted far too much time on that ball and struggled to pass the ball more than five yards. Did get the assist for the winner.
Miley (6.5) – Couldn’t replicate his performance from the Bromley game but good to see him complete the full 90. Will be better for the run out. Nice dribble in the second half a highlight
Guimaraes (5) – Pretty anonymous. Was hassled and harried by Leonard all half and wasn’t a surprise to see him hooked at half time. Never got to grips with the pace of the game.
Osula (8) – Announced himself to the world as one to keep an eye on. Bagged a couple of assists (not sure how he didn’t score with the second one!) and was a constant threat all game. Less involved when moved to centre forward but looks like the backup for Murphy on the right wing, showing some brilliant touches, quick feet and a burst of pace.
Willock (9) – Much better. Direct, quick and clinical. Everything we have come to expect from Willock which has been missing this season. Needs to use this as a platform to kick on for the rest of the season
Wilson (7) – Barely did anything but showed his predatory instincts. Good strikers have the knack for knowing where to be and there are few better than Wilson. Good to see him get minutes under his belt
Subs
Tonali (8) – Makes the difficult look easy at times. Dynamic of the game changed with his introduction. Broke up attacks with ease and his presence instills confidence in those around him
Murphy (7) – Should’ve sealed the game when one on one with the keeper but was otherwise his usual threatening self. Very much an old school winger and we love him for it
Schar (6) – Caught on the ball a couple of times and was lucky to get away with it. Never easy to come on as a centre half and be up to speed
Isak (NR)
Tonali a mile ahead of anyone else on the pitch, our second string are nowhere near good enough, great old fashioned cup tie, Birmingham city wouldn’t get away with some of these challenges under VAR, as for the pundit who thought that milley should have got a red, your player went to ground to try and injure milley and fortunately for us he didn’t and came off worse.
MorpethMag(Quote)
Always difficult to assess individuals when there are that many changes.
Osula seems like he can dep for Murphy, less impressive as a no 9
Miley and Willock can dep our midfield.
Targett and Longstaff are not going to feature long term.
Krafth continues to always put a good shift in.
PremAndUp(Quote)
There were not many who appeared to be ready for the first team probably due to the fact that they lack minutes in real matches playing together.
The exceptions were Livramento, Willock.
Osula, Krafth and Pope played with some credit.
Possibly due to over exertion Schar had his sloppy hat on to start with and Bruno was again way off the pace and lazy in possession, we are fortunate to have Tonali who showed Bruno how to remain calm and control the game.
I also wonder why referees are allowing players to get away with so many blatant body checks, we also had Van **** the other night elbowing Ricarlson across the throat something he seems to do regularly yet escapes punishment.
Joseph(Quote)