BerlinWaller wrote:Phillips scored important goals but he didn't really contribute in build up play or put a shift in.
Nonsense this. Phillips made some fantastic contributions to our overall play, whether it was running in behind to stretch the opposition defence or linking up with Weir and other midfielders. Also our top assister currently (although I can't see that lasting long with Crowley!). That said, I thought Mellon did very well. Lots to like in his all round game - similarly to Phillips - and I think he's a great replacement. Couple of naive moments but they'll iron out soon enough I'm sure. Super impressive overall performance for his first ever professional start.
We have some set of midfielders now, blimey. Hard to think of much to add regarding Crowley, what a player! I think he'll continue to thrive given the freedom Derek likes to give to creative types in possession. Really delighted to see things come together for Love. He's got ability (Louis van Gaal gave him a few Utd appearances!) but has looked off it for much of the first half of the season. Picked up a bit in recent matches and was brilliant down the right yesterday - the goal seemed to send his confidence even higher too. I think Simeu at RCB helped massively as well there. I like Rawson and thought he did a great job yesterday in the middle guarding the box, but he's a bit uncomfortable stepping out into those wider areas when playing RCB. Someone more mobile and better on the ball like Simeu really helped sort things. He's also super aggressive and very physically dominant - another great January signing.
Following on from that, good tactical work from Derek yesterday. Lots of difficult movement from Bristol Rovers to cope with. At times we kind of had a lopsided defence with Gibson sitting deep with the centre backs to help deal with Sinclair pushing up. Simeu being able to shift a bit to the right helped give Love some attacking freedom, which worked out nicely.
BerlinWaller wrote:Leigh flattered to deceive and should have been a top player for us. A flop for me.
Again, nonsense sorry! Was great for us last season. Offered a lot defensively, one of the few players we had who could win a header, and gave us loads of drive going forward. Decent return of two goals and four assists as well. Always worked super hard. There's a reason Ipswich went for him.
Is this just a shop window from Crowley? Who knows, I'd love him to stay for longer but if he helps keep us up this season, I'll take that!