Originally Posted by Virtuoso

Well, the equaliser was very fortunate as Simpson's cross took a huge deflection but we definitely deserved something from the game as we dominated the 2nd half.

Rodrigo wasn't as impressive as last week in all honesty, a bit slow on the ball and agreed that I haven't seen any evidence for the claim that he's a "box-to-box" midfielder. Not discounting him at all yet, got a chance to break through but as ever, it won't be easy. With regards to Sam Hewson, I don't think playing as a support striker suits him. He's like a Scholes, needs to be running into the box from a deeper position to really be leathal otherwise he's holding the ball up and bringing others into the game - not really the best suited role for him.

Have to say, Welbeck's not been so impressive playing for the Reserves since he moved up from the Academy. It's not a matter of a lack of talent, for me it's because we're playing him as a lone striker with little support and that forces him to come very deep and therefore he isn't as effective. Same problem has surfaced in the Academy for Macheda, both Welbeck and Macheda struck up a great partnership earlier in the season playing for the Academy but since Welbeck's gone into the Reserves...neither of them have adapted to their new roles as yet. Both only young so plenty of time to learn. but for the interest of both sides...playing with 2 strikers would be beneficial rather than converting creative midfielders into forwards.

Piqué was superb playing in midfield when Rodrigo was taken off and Hewson was far more impressive playing in a deeper role too...really showed some great long and short passing.