Reid probably does just edge the Mom. He was very INVOLVED shall we say today. Set up the first, scored the second, tussled with Gronkjaer and Savage....but had a few lapses too.
The second half performance was engineered by Ferguson. He is THE key play at the club. We need him alongside Thomson in the middle now. Tugay either does something brilliant like the ball to Reid for the first, or something downright foolish. He is such a frustrating player to watch, because he does have natural talent, but simply gifts possession on too many occassions.
I have never been comfortable with Johnasson at the back. You just want him to get rid of the ball as soon as he gets it for fear of him doing something stupid. (Which in essence he does, albeit usually a hopeless hoof up the park). What options do we have though? Todd for me should be there on account that he has been the best of the 4 or 5 centre backs we've played...but alongside him??? We're pretty stuck for consistant options aren't we.
I think Gray should come back into the side for the next game, McEveley has been too vulnerable. Not discounting Jay's chances for the future but now we need experience.
Emerton was frustrating today. I don't think he had a particularly good game. Dickov was as tenecious as ever, and so too was Gallagher. I do like Paul Gallagher. He surely can develop into the poacher striker (although where was he on the rebound for Reids shot today!), He works darn hard....perhaps deserves a chance.
One problem I have is that Lucas Neill has been poor for some time now, but his position seems of least threat. Surely he must have played more games than anyone for us within the last year?? (Someone will no doubt correct me!) But is there any competition for right back? Surely this, along with a central defender is of paramount importance come January.
Summary...
FRIEDEL - 6 Not much he could do with the goals
NEILL - 5 Gave ball away/beaten too easily by Gronkjaer 1st half, needs competition for position
JOHANSSON - 5 Always looked nervous on the ball. Struggles at passing
TODD - 7 Best defender, didn't dive in
MCEVELEY - 4 Disappointing, DID dive in! Inexperience showing. But I still have faith in him.
REID - 8 Best game I've seen him play. Very involved. I still need convincing though!
FERGUSON - 8 Inspired 2nd half revival. Needs equally good partner in centre.
TUGAY - 5 Great ball for first, but as frustrating as ever. Has had his chance. Next...
EMERTON - 6 One of his poorer games this year
JANSEN - 6 Well taken goal, although done nothing fter that
DICKOV - 7 His determination brough about the equaliser.
Subs - THOMPSON - 8 For the time he had on, he without doubt influenced the game. Hope he is back and fit for next week.
GALLAGHER - 7 Worked hard, deserves a chance.