Progress

[Spargel]

Good, compact performance and managed point without playing too well. Not big fan of Turner but we was outstanding today, as was Onuoha. Far better second half after substitution. Big test on Sunday but can go into game with confidence.

Ratings (from online stream)

Gordon - 6 did well first half but at fault for goal
Onuoha - 8 - subdued Bale well
Ferdinand - 6 - thought he stodd off Bentley a bit too much before injury
Turner - 9 - outstanding, some great interceptions
Bramble - 8 - one mis-kick on halfway line, otherwise solid
Henderson - 7 - quiet but harried well and more involved second half
Cattermole - 7 - closed down well, unlucky with booking
Riveros - 6 - quiet but did nowt wrong
Zenden - 8 - very good, showed his experience
Richardson - 6 - didn't get involved, gave away a lot of free kicks
Gyan - 8 - little support but battled and took his goal superbly
Subs:
Bardsley - 8 - closed down well and Bentley was subdued as game went on
Welbeck - 7 - couple of good runs, worked heard for team
Malbranque - no rating - only had five minutes, nearly won penalty

Was worried when saw teams before kick off and first half we were poor in possession. Fair play to Bruce for having courage to change it at half time, much improved second half.

Another decent performance on Sunday hopefully and then have slightly easier run (on paper). Having seen every game (live or on internet) except the Mags game this season, cannot comprehend how we lost 5-1 from what I have seen in other games. Occasion must have got to us and Mags played to their best.

[Komodo]

Good defensive performance but we had very little to offer.

Stand out players for me were:

Turner - Cracking first half performance.
Onuoha - Got better as the game went on and finished very solid.
Zenden - Always looking for the ball and our main outlet of creativity
Gyna - One chance. Bang.

I thought Henderson was poor and I'm going to go as far to say I think he's very over-rated. Yes he's still young but he doesn't seem to have enough bottle in the final third. Very little creativity from him today and when he had space to attack the defender he never did. No shots, nothing really. Furthermore his distribution, particularly in the first half was well below par.

[The Butcher]

Steady on lads...ffs...Turner was canny but still has faults with his game ie pumping it when there is no need...9 is just silly, we done well but the midfield was still woefully lacking any guile, good result but signs of struggle are still there.

Haway the lads

Bruce IN....

[Spargel]

We were away from home to a Champions League team who play with pace on floor when they get chance. Under those circumstances, thought Turner was outstanding.

[T_Bone]

Originally Posted by Spargel

We were away from home to a Champions League team who play with pace on floor when they get chance. Under those circumstances, thought Turner was outstanding.

Agree.