I haven't had a look at the player ratings, they are, like all of our comments, entirely subjective. I watched much of the game, and actually felt that we played with more freedom and purpose, due to the fact that expectations are quite low, we haven't been impressive, Mourinho is as glum as anything, and we seemed to play as if we have nothing to lose, well to a degree.
In my opinion, Matic, Pogba, Rojo, Shaw, Jones and Lindgard all excelled. I'm pleased for the team and the fans. Rojo has a good, positive energy about him, a bit of a warrior.
However.. and I am not bringing a downer on things, it highlighted a few things as games do. I actually think Martial, aside from his finish, had a very poor game last night. I worry about him, because I think he is looking for an ideal role, and the ideal goal all the time. It was a great goal, but he always wishes to score like this (open body up, right-foot into other corner..) and maintaining this will just limit his potential. His game must evolve if he wishes to be a No 9 for a club like ours. He doesn't look focused to me and his decisions need to improve. This is important for him and the club.
Lindgard was busy, and positive. He brings energy to the team, and it's interesting that he has more of an impact that Miki, Martial, Mata, Fellani.. because he can run from the middle third, to the final third, commit players, move them, out of position etc. None of the four mentioned either cannot or do not do this. And they have no excuse because they all have licence to. I hope Lindgard can find that maturity his game needs. He's nearly 25 years old!!!
Pogba was terrific, fabulous for the game of football, a joy to watch. I can't see why he gets his criticism, so much is placed on his shoulders, every time he plays. Miki, Martial, Mata, Fellani etc need to help Pogba sometimes rather than continually wait for him to dictate and shine.
We desperately need at least one wide player. What we would do for a Leroy Sane type, out wide, and prepared to go outside his marker, and stretch the game. We play too narrow and it's tough. We rely too much on inspirational moments (look at the Watford victory... Ashley Young was inspired), and you can't win games, week in, week out on inspiration. We still do not have an attacking strategy and that's a concern. But.. I am so pleased with a performance where we seemed a little brighter and played with fewer inhibitions.
No one seems to realise that the reason Pogba was free to go forward is because we had Matic and Herrera covering him in case we lose a ball. I think that's the midfield 3 we should stick with.
