MOM and Match Ratings v Arsenal

[Bulletspur]

SC's MOM got 6/10 from me.

Damn, I was thinking about this in bed last night having just seen the final 30 minutes again.

I must say that everyone was probably right in that I under-appreciated his performance. I did, however, wonder how I had missed Benny's MOM performance.

We drew 3-3, and it could easily have been 5-5. VDV is an attacker, BAE a defender. That kinda simplifies it a lot, but does rule my gut feelings.

I feel that VDV scoring two goals, wonderfully avoiding the Hudds rocket (how many times have players got in the way of goal-bound shots this season?), forcing a fine save and sublimely turning players for another late chance (he didn't get enough on the shot), as well as his all-round aggressive leading role was enough for MOM.

Benny is a defender and we let in three. He wasn't to blame for any of the goals, but he did play the player onside for the first goal whilst "marking space", along with Dawson obscured Gomes view for the second, and was standing still, marking space for the third (and not "effecting" the situation as Gareth Southgate put it about Charlie). Now he did put in a sublime ball for Lennon to get the penalty and another cross to Crouch could have won us the game. In fact he produced 4 great long balls in the last thirty minutes albeit he was not under much pressure. Overall he played well and annoyed Wilshere.

I really need to see the whole game again, but I still think I was correct in making VDV my MOM.

I think it was more the fact that you gave BAE a 6 marking as oppose to say an 8 or a 9 that triggered the debate. No problem in giving VDV mom as I also gave him mom, despite BAE being one of my very favourite players.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

I find it funny that you don't seem to take issue with BC

What a fucking grass.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Yeah my bad, I misunderstood the terminology. Either way it would've been interesting if they'd speed-trapped Lennon, he was going insanely quick.

That was one of those, where the speed and timing of both the the pass and recipient rendered it virtually impossible for Sagna to deal with I think.

He had Lennon marked goal side, couldn't really be doing much more when, ping, Ekotto delivers the perfect pass for the blisteringly quick Lennon.

 

[garyhopkins]

I think it was more the fact that you gave BAE a 6 marking as oppose to say an 8 or a 9 that triggered the debate. No problem in giving VDV mom as I also gave him mom, despite BAE being one of my very favourite players.

Yes, absolutely. I totally agree that I under-scored his performance (but I probably did the same for others) I am just perplexed that so many people felt Benny was MOM. He played well, particularly in the second half, but I can see no reason to make him MOM. Perhaps his performance was better than some people expect, whilst VDV's was what we expect?

Anyway, just watched the second half again (missed the re-run of the first half) and it is great to watch when you are relaxed and much easier to judge performances. I should definitely have given Kaboul a 6. Lennon ran a lot more than I thought (all over the pitch) and was far more involved than I remember, Gomes saves and punches were crucial, and the Hudd produced lots of delightful balls that didn't always come off, but were causing many problems. I'd definitely have to up all their scores along with Benny.

One thing for sure, it was a cracking game! The second half had just one goal, but lots of great play.

 

[Gilzeanking]

I've just had a look at the 2nd half again (I recommend all Scers to grab a copy of this sensational spectacle ).Unusual for me. I always pay attention to posters who check matches back after all the blood and thunder of the actual live match .Great help to clarity.

Firstly the crowd were simply incredible...I reckon the speed and drama of the play was heavily affected by that wall of singing and noise . :clap:

BAE was outstanding...personal fave Kaboul was rusty .VdV lifted by the crowd imo was back to early season form (thank fuck cos without him in form goals are a real problem...but will he produce vs West Brom ?)

The forwards tried , yes they tried , can't fault the effort...but warmth towards the decision makers who decided no investment in striking options was necessary...has not increased :bang:

 

[jonnyp]

Gomes 6.5 - A couple of good saves.
BAE 8 - Good game Benny
Corluka 6.5 - Good pass for Rafa's first
Gallas 7 - Not his usual self in the first but the man never gives up. A true professional.
Dawson 7 - Like Gallas.
Bale 6 - Pretty quiet until his injury.
Modric 7 - Needs to score more.
Huddlestone 6.5 - Pretty poor first half, great goal though. Got better as the match went on. We do look better when he has the ball at his feet though. No one can switch play around like he does for us.
VDV 8 - Great game by Rafa, worked hard, scored and created chances.
Crouch 6 - Tried hard.
Pav 6 - Some nice touches and worked hard.

subs
Lennon 6.5 - Good run for the penalty. Wish he could start runs like that more often though.
Sandro 7 - Some good involvements, won a few balls and could've scored.
Kaboul 6 - Nice pass for Modric's chance. Not at his best yet though. Good to see him back nonetheless.

 

[StartingPrice]

What a fucking grass.

Fair cop, Guv'Nor