Originally Posted by
AucklandRover
Well – one of those “nearly” games, turning on a few key moments.
Their first goal was just bad luck – the deflection could have gone anywhere. The second was poor defending, but well-finished.
We scored two excellent goals, and after a strangely “flat” second half, we dominated the first period of extra-time.
Then came Dack’s horrible howler, the missed offside and a dreadful piece of goalkeeping – the incidents which combined to change the game.
I don’t mind the fourth goal; it often happens in that situation.
Overall, we tried to play a PL passing-game, while Newcastle went for the long ball and the counter-attack.
Disappointing, but quite a lot to admire in some of the individual performances.
RAYA – didn’t actually have much to do, but very poor for their third goal. If you can’t take the pace off the ball with a parry, punch it or tip it over. Basic ground-rules for the job.
NYAMBE and BELL – same report for both, really – looked a bit uncertain and shaky for the first 15/20 minutes, but both played very well after that.
LENIHAN – some excellent challenges and a superbly taken goal, but I still think he needs to learn a bit of composure from people like Mulgrew and Rodwell. Sometimes, it’s best NOT to make the challenge. He doesn’t do much “shepherding”. Two late tackles which could have been penalties.
REED, TRAVIS and SMALLWOOD – I thought all three were excellent. They controlled midfield for much of the match. I hope those who put Smallwood down as a matter of course watched this game without those biased spectacles on! Travis looked tired in the last 15 minutes. Let’s hope Reed’s injury is minor.
BENNETT- if he had a slightly better first touch, he would be PL standard. Is there a fitter player in football? I wish he would get more crosses in, but every team needs someone with his spirit.
BRERETON – I’ve been one of those supporting him, but I thought he looked completely lacking in confidence here. Looked lost. Couldn’t get a cross in and created little. Put him by for next season – perhaps after a spell in the U-23s.
ARMSTRONG – disappointing, apart from an expertly finished goal. One thing you DON’T get from Armstrong is consistency.
GRAHAM – very good again in that target-man role. I think we should have hit far more long balls into the area, but I accept that we are trying to craft goals in the modern style.
CONWAY – grew into the game after poor first five; lovely cushioned header to set Dack up.
NUTTALL – looked far more confident than Brereton. I am becoming more convinced that he COULD play the Graham role.
DACK – dreadful miss by his standards. The keeper had committed, so he didn’t even have to hit it near-post. He could have switched to the right and poked it in.
ROTHWELL – one run that came to nothing. Neither he nor Armstrong seem to go looking for the ball.