Given More crucial saves and punches, as usual. Will be upset that he conceded two at home against the second-least potent team in the league (28 goals in 32 games before today). But neither goal was his fault. 7
Zabaleta Returned to right back for the first time in months. Not as good as we're used to - looked as if he was still carrying his hamstring injury from Thursday night, and struggled for pace against James Morrison. Went off with five minutes left. 5
Onuoha Confident and competent again. Won almost every header and looked good with the ball at his feet. Made some Dunnesque saving blocks too. And don't forget his second goal of the season. 7
Dunne Not at his best today. Given a difficult time by Marc-Antoine Fortuné and was caught out a few times. Distribution was rather reckless too. 5
Bridge Another rather mixed game for Bridge. Never looked fully comfortable against a good but not exceptional WBA side, and was beaten more often than he would have liked. Did start the move which led to Elano's penalty though. 5
de Jong Did an important job breaking up the play and retaining the ball for us. But West Brom still controlled possession, despite his presence. 5
Kompany Like Zabaleta, playing through injury and it really showed. Was very sloppy in possession, beaten to most 50/50s, and gave away too many careless freekicks. His playing through the pain is a real credit to him, but he needs a long rest. 4
Ireland Our best player, again. Some delightful movements and touches in midfield, including a glorious pass to Robinho for the opening goal. Could have got in some good shooting positions were it not for the ball not quite breaking for him, and then set up Sturridge again selflessly in stoppage time. 8
Elano Another clever and creative performance from the right wing. Made the most of his great understanding with Robinho, forged years ago at Santos FC, with some great passes. And yet another perfect penalty - now nine in nine for us from the spot. 7
Caicedo His one contribution of note was impeding Scott Carson for Nedum Onuoha's goal. Just doesn't have the quality to lead the line - too often he lost the ball under his feet, or failed to make the run that Ireland/Elano/Robinho were demanding of him. 5
Robinho At long last, his first goal of 2009. It was a gorgeous finish, one that not all of the players at the club could have executed. Visibly boosted in confidence by the goal, he worked harder than we may have expected, even if he faded slightly in the second half. Good to have him back though. 7
Subs:
Sturridge Some good moments, although at times he over-complicated and lost the ball. Took his goal well, having missed a similar chances minutes before. 7
Fernandes Brought on to firm things up and generally suceeded. Disappoint to his his introduction booed, again. 6
Petrov Should have had an assisst when he set up Sturridge late on. Injected some much needed pace into the game. n/a
1 comment:
These ratings are all over the place, if Zabaleta was a 5 then Bridge must have been a minus 5, Zabo dealt with his pressure much better, even though he was not his normal self. I also think Given could have done better on both goals and definitely should have done better on the free kick.
If Sturridge is a 7 then Fernandes must have been the same, Sturridge scored but was terrible apart from that, De Jong deserves better than a 5 to, he was important breaking things up and also helped out the terrible Bridge on many occasions.
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