Schmeichel - 7
Looked reliable as ever when dealing with long range shots and one-on-ones. Helped out by some poor shooting from Watford. Kicking sometimes wayward and did flap at one cross but will forgive that on a windy night at the KP.
Schlupp - 5
Got his head up early and played one or two good passes putting us on the front foot. Caused problems when going forward but ultimately needs to be reviewed for his defensive responsibilities; he stood his ground well at times to stifle Watford's wing play, but made glaring errors that could have put the match out of sight.
Morgan - 7
Another solid captain's performance. Morgan-esque.
Keane - 7
Dealt with high balls well in the wind. Looked more composed than in recent weeks. Hopefully this performance and the clean sheet will give him confidence for Sunday.
De Laet - 6
His positioning when we do not have the ball concerns me at times and I think his decision making around when to attack and when to sit needs improvement. Hopefully developing more of an understanding with Knockaert now that the wee Frenchman is consistently playing over Marshall.
Dyer - 7
Commitment and work-rate were again top notch. Scares the wits out of fullbacks. End product has improved no end. I just hope he can continue at this level.
King - 8
Worked hard, intercepted the ball well, played a good range of passes and kept the ball moving quickly.
James - 8 (Man of the Match)
Aways available, played simple passes to keep the ball at key times. Now playing a similar role to the one that Drinkwater played earlier in the season, but without the occasional wayward passes and with the ability to play an intelligent forward pass. The new Neil Lennon?
Knockaert - 7
Lacked a final key pass at times and did get lost in the game during Watford's good spell in the second half. However, did supply a good cross for the goal. Also, with Knockaert and Dyer constantly picking the ball up and sprinting at defenders we now carry a real threat going forward, and crucially, on the counter attack. Yes he is inconsistent, but so is Marshall. I say play Knockaert every week.
Nugent - 7
Should have scored at least one other goal, but the one he did get he took very well. Great to see him back on the scoresheet and hopefully now can hit form at a crucial stage. Again was used in a deeper role which I don't think worked too well. Perhaps that was more to do with Wood's lack of movement last night as their link up play was non-existent.
Wood - 5
Carrying a knock and recovering from illness, and you could tell. Barely managed to get in the game.
Player Ratings Vs Watford
posted on 10/5/13
Nugent played deep to stop the guys who scored last time. All wingers are inconstant we could not afford a consisiant own worth their weight in gold!
posted on 10/5/13
I broadly agree...
Schmeichel - 8
Looked like a challenge to beat. True, some of his kicks went too far, but that kind of distance on a kick will give Watford something to think about in the return leg.
Schlupp - 5
Pretty good going forward, a couple of near-disasters in defence. Pace and strength keep him out of trouble mostly, but I reckon a fit Konchesky would get his place back at Vicarage Road.
Morgan - 8
Vydra wasn't the same after Morgan got him. Commanding performance.
Keane - 7
Justified his place in the squad with a whole-hearted and solid performance.
De Laet - 6
Largely snuffed out going forward - It appeared that Zola had identified him as a threat. Very solid in defence though.
Dyer - 7
It's warmed up, so he's back. Usual Dyer, used his pace to good effect but often lacked end product.
King - 9
Got everywhere and clearly really wanted it. He and James as a pair more than matched Watford's midfield three.
James - 9 (Man of the Match)
Complete midfield performance, worthy of the Premiership. Looks increasingly like a class player.
Knockaert - 7
Joker in the pack; gave the ball away but also a potential matchwinner. Dispels the myth that flair players can't also work hard. Excellent cross for the goal.
Nugent - 6
Showed a lot of poor touches and spurned a great opportunity in the first half. Grabbed the goal just before (probably) getting subbed and hopefully that will renew some confidence in him.
Wood - 4
Wasn't at the races, but this is explained by illness. Will probably play a lot better in the return leg if he's fit.
Kane - 7
Made a nuisance of himself when he came on, challenging to start the next match if Wood isn't 100%.
Drinkwater - n/a
With King and James playing as they did, he can't argue. Is an interesting option if we choose to go more defensive in the second leg. (Which we probably shouldn't.)
posted on 10/5/13
You're right I didn't mention the defensive benefit of Nugent playing in a deeper role. Thinking about it, against Watford this makes perfect sense given their use of the counter attack. In that sense it worked well, Watford did get in behind but that was because of errors not because their broke from midfield.
I noticed at very early stage that the wingers were tucking in and keeping the play compact when we pressing them high up the pitch, and almost man marking their wide men when the ball was turned over.
It has to be said that Pearson has been spot on tactically for the last couple of games. Shakespeare admitted to repeatedly telling Nigel to take Knockaert off in the Forest game, and look what happened!
The plan has been spot on, and the execution of it by the players has also improved as they become more confident.
All good signs that things could be coming together at just the right time
posted on 10/5/13
All get 8/10 But Schmeichel should not take 90% of our free kicks...
posted on 11/5/13
I'm not giving anybody in that team less than 6 after that performance. Wood tried hard and Shlupp was generally good in attack and defence, has pace helping (yes I know on another day Shlupp's mistakes could have cost us goals).
Not disagreeing much with the other scores. James definitely MoM.
For those calling for Konch's return, how fit is he after an operation to cope with Anya, who is a very tricky customer?
I haven't seen what Kane adds to the team as he's been generally poor to useless, but Thursday's cameo was easily the best he's played. Hopefully coming good at the right time.
It will be interesting to see what the tactics are for both sides tomorrow. I doubt if we'll get away with giving Udinese reserves the chances they had on Thursday as Deeney will presumably be back?