We take a look at the players’ performances from the fantastic 3-2 comeback victory against Bristol City on Monday.
We take a look at the players’ performances from the fantastic 3-2 comeback victory against Bristol City on Monday.
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Ali Al-Habsi – 6 – Ali didn’t really have an awful lot to do, but has to be at blame for a poor pass in the lead up to their goal. I don’t get people that say he cannot play this passing game, as he has proved he is capable of doing it, despite the odd mistake. Made a crucial one-on-one save from Abraham at 2-0.
Chris Gunter – 7 – Luckily for Gunter, most of Bristol’s attacks came from their right side. A solid and professional job from the Welshman, who played a key part in two of the goals, setting up Kelly and laying a fine ball into the young midfielder to tee up Kermorgant for the equaliser.
Paul McShane – 6 – It wasn’t a good first half for the experienced defender, but it was improved in the second half, as he and Moore dealt with Abraham a lot better.
Liam Moore – 6 – Not his usual domineering and confident self, but like McShane, kept solid for the second half to allow the comeback without much threat from the hosts.
Tyler Blackett – 4 – A poor game from Blackett, who was being exposed by Freeman and O’Dowda all afternoon. It was rounded off when he gave away an early penalty with a needless clumsy challenge. As many have always said, it seems Blackett is not well suited to the left-back role and is much more useful as a left-sided centre back.
Joey van den Berg – 5 – Not a disastrous game from JVDB, but still looks as if he struggles with the pace of the game sometimes. His passing was OK, slightly risky at times, but did enough of a job. Not sure what he does to earn a place over George Evans.
Danny Williams – 6 – Not a good or bad game for Williams, who struggled to get us into the game. Should have done much better with a good chance in the first half.
John Swift – 6 – Great to see Swifty back on the pitch and he looked our most likely spark in the early stages, but he seemed to fade late in the first half and was unsurprisingly taken off by Stam, mainly due to his recent return from injury.
Garath McCleary – 7 – Maybe a generous mark, but GMac always looks our most dangerous player when he gets the ball. He looked sharp throughout and although he wasn’t directly involved in any of the goals, he was one of the few players that had the courage to take City’s players on.
Roy Beerens – 5 – Quiet game for Roy, who saw a lot more of the ball in the second half, but didn’t do anything of any note. He seemed more comfortable when Obita came on, but Harriott should be pushing for his place when he is back from injury.
Yann Kermorgant – 8 – Man of the Match – It was a frustrating first half for Yann, who did a lot of running and got himself about, but nothing to show for it. Really unlucky not to equalise late in the first half with a powerful header, but deservedly got his two goals and both were superb finishes that sent Royals fans into raptures.
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Jordan Obita – 7 – A good substitution from Stam to bring on the left-back, who naturally had more attacking intent that Blackett and wanted to put the ball in at any opportunity he got. His good cameo should earn him a start at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Liam Kelly – 8 – A fantastic impact from the academy graduate, who gave us a new injection of belief with his clever runs and cutting edge in the final third. Took his first professional goal really well and superbly assisted Yann’s equaliser. We may have a real gem on our hands here.
Yakou Meite – N/A – Not on long enough to make an impact, but used his physique to bully the Bristol defenders well.
