We take a look at the players’ performances from the cup defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday night, as some of the young guns managed to impress.
We take a look at the players’ performances from the cup defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday night, as some of the young guns managed to impress.
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Ali Al-Habsi – 7 – Probably would have been an 8 if it wasn’t for some risky passing out from the back. Some critics could say he is at fault for the first goal, but Joey should have done better. Some fantastic saves in the second half, most notably from Giroud’s header.
Tennai Watson – 7 – Another extremely mature performance from the young right-back, who is going to keep Gunter on his toes with some solid performances in the cup. Composed on the ball and reads the game well.
Liam Moore – 7 – The centre half had a solid game throughout and made some brilliant last ditch challenges. Did as best he could with a tough customer in Lucas Perez.
Tyler Blackett – 6 – The youngster reverted to centre back this game and gave a good account of himself. Moore had to bail him out a few times, but he didn’t do a lot wrong.
Jordan Obita – 6 – You have to sympathise with Obita, as he had the toughest job on the park in keeping Oxlade-Chamberlain quiet – unfortunately he couldn’t. He was getting targeted down that side, but wasn’t helped much by Harriot.
Liam Kelly – 6 – After his disappointment against Rotherham, Kelly bounced back with a decent performance considering the circumstances. He didn’t shy away from challenges and kept the ball ticking well – he still looks lightweight at times, but it’s clear he is a great prospect.
Joey Van der Berg – 5 – A rare, poor game from Joey, who looked completely off the pace. It was his mistake that led to their first goal and looked sluggish most of the night. Probably would have been more beneficial to play Williams or Swift, but I’m sure he will learn from his harsh lesson.
George Evans – 6 – He had a good first half, moving the ball well and giving McCleary and Samuel some good balls to feed off. He seemed to go missing in the second half though.
Garath McCleary – 5 – Maybe slightly harsh on GMac, but it was more that he wasted the good opportunities he had when he had space in the final third. He had lots of time to play in Samuel when down the right, and could have got the better of Gibbs when one-on-one.
Callum Harriot – 6 – The summer signing looked dangerous at times in the first half and came very close to equalising with his deflected effort. Like others, he went missing in the second half and was unsurprisingly subbed early on.
Dominic Samuel – 7 – Considering he had to lead the line by himself, Samuel did his chances of playing more league football some good with this encouraging performance. He was able to hold the ball up and show his pace in behind. He los his impact when dragged out wide, but I’m sure Stam will be more inclined to give him his chance now.
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Yann Kermorgant – 6 – He did what Yann does, holding the ball up and trying to get others into play. Had a good opportunity with a header on the hour mark, but couldn’t get it in the corner away from Martinez. Unlucky not to score from a free kick near the end.
Denzell Gravenberch – 6 – Came on in an unfamiliar position of right-back. Didn’t do a lot right or wrong.
Stephen Quinn – N/A – Came on with ten minutes to go, but great to see Quinny back out on the pitch after injury. Another good option to have in midfield.
