05 Aug 2018 14:22:29
I looked at the side at 2pm yesterday and hand on heart I was both surprised and disappointed to see Murphy included in the starting line up and no Soudani on the bench ( injured perhaps ?? )

We came out of the blocks in a very lethargic manner and the goal we conceded was a throwback to the defensive frailities from last season from corners and balls into the box and for a short time there was a horrible feeling of deja vu.

However as the half progressed we seemed to settle into the game a little more and thanks to Osborn clearing off the line got to half time and were beginning to look the better side.
Guedioura I felt looked to be well on his game with Dias and Carvalho showing signs of their undoubted class.
Murphy to me seemed to offer very little threat in the lone striker role.

Clearly words must have been said during the half time break and to be on level terms within a minute was outstanding.
The headed goal ( we scored TWO all last season) was very very well taken by Murphy after good work on the left to leave me and plenty of others with egg on the face syndrome.

Pretty well from then on we bossed the game and seemed to have plenty of the ball withiut looking too threatening in front of goal.

Grabbans introduction injected a little more pace and on a couple of occasions mangeged to chase down and retrieve the ball when it looked a lost cause.

Good to see Figuerido having a run out thoufh in truth he had relatively little to do.

A point against a decent side away from home with a squad who haven't really had too much time together has to be viewed in a positive light and the old saying win at home and draw away is not too far off the mark.

On the Murphy topic I have to be honest and say that I still think we have better options in the squad for the starting line up which, I accept seems at odds with the scoreline yesterday, based in the main on his lack of pace .

All in all a decent start from a side who will undoubtably grow this season and I eagerly anticipate the Baggies on Tuesady who will be in a dangerous mood after yesterday.

As always...

COYR

1.) 05 Aug 2018
05 Aug 2018 22:50:45
I like creepy.👍

2.) 06 Aug 2018
06 Aug 2018 11:59:11
Thank scouse