Vital Reading takes a look at the players’ individual performances in the six-goal thriller played against Wolves on Monday afternoon.
Vital Reading takes a look at the players’ individual performances in the six-goal thriller played against Wolves on Monday afternoon.
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Adam Federici – 6 – Feders couldn`t do anything about any of goals that went past him, but maybe could have asserted himself for the third more when it`s played into that area – the Millwall mistake may have made him slightly nervy about coming for those though. Made a good one-on-one stop early into the game, while his distribution was also fine.
Chris Gunter – 6 – The prospect of being faced with Sako is a tough one, but Gunter dealt OK with him. The only time I can remember him being beaten was for Wolves` third goal. Keeping a close eye on Sako meant he couldn`t really help Blackman in over lapping.
Alex Pearce – 5 – Strangely poor game from Pearcey, who has been a consistent figure this season. He looked clumsy and not at all comfortable with the direct runners from midfield. While you cannot blame him entirely for Wolves` first, he should have risked attacking with a man free at the back post.
Michael Hector – 6 – Being watched under the watchful eye of the Jamaica head coach, he had a decent game. He looked composed enough, but commits too many silly and naïve fouls. Good header for his first goal for the club.
Jordan Obita – 5 – No one needed to tell the young left-back he made a mistake, but as Mick Gooding said, he will learn from it and never do that again. Apart from that, he had a good game, it was just a shame we didn`t see him venture forward more.
Oliver Norwood – 7 – Man of the Match – The new signing continues to impress and while he couldn`t make many of his trademark switches, he still used the ball very well, playing forward when possible, keeping us flowing. Very unlucky not to score his first goal with a superb thirty yard effort.
Hope Akpan – 5 – He has been in good form recently, but there were showings of the old Akpan in this game, not being urgent enough with the ball. Wolves` aggressive pressing did not help him and it was no surprise he was brought off at half time.
Nick Blackman – 6 – I`m not sure why fans are saying he had a poor game, as he was still one of our better players. I agree the end product wasn`t there at times, but when we are struggling, he looks capable of creating something.
Simon Cox – 7 – Close call for MotM with Norwood, but Cox again had a good game. His link-up with Murray is still not perfect, but showing good early signs. His role in Taylor`s goal was crucial, having the confidence to face up to his defender, before slotting a perfect pass through.
Jake Taylor – 6 – He didn`t see much of the ball on the left-wing, but his work rate was good and helped out Obita when necessary in the first half. Great finish for the goal, but unfortunately had to go off injured.
Glenn Murray – 6 – The on-loan forward had a decent game, but does seem slightly selfish when it comes to within thirty yards of goal. On two occasions he took the shot from range, with Cox nearby, but it was a great strike for the goal, albeit deflected. Still, his hold up play was good and is showing good signs of link up with Cox.
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Danny Guthrie – 5 – Brought on at half-time to improve us in possession, but lost the ball for the equaliser five minutes in. He did get better as the game went on, but he still doesn`t look match fit.
Jamie Mackie – 6 – Moved out to the right when he came on for Taylor, but didn`t really see a lot of the ball. Adkins reverted to a diamond late on so had a central role and from here, set up Murray`s equaliser. Still not totally convinced by him yet though.
Aaron Kuhl – 6 – Good little cameo appearance from the 18-year old, who looked composed on the ball and kept his passing short and simple.
