In honor of
@Eccles Blue, and because it was true, I went for Stones.
Did a strong job defensively, probably saving a goal from Bellingham, but was brilliant at helping create midfield overloads and linking up play. As the game went on at 2-1, he got himself further and further forward, yet was still doing the recovery work.
No, he didn’t score any worldies, but he was the lube and the glue at the same time and put in a very strong performance.
Now, I can only hope he isn’t injured, because he spent a portion of that second half laboring, especially after a saving tackle he made in our box.
Shout outs to:
Ortega - always well positioned for their shots and strong work on punching crosses and most of his footwork.
Gvardiol - while he sometimes looks a little clumsy, he always seems to get the ball under control and use it. His goal was well-deserved and has been coming all season. He got a bit lucky (think Rooney shinner!) as the ball ran away from him, but bobbled up so he caught it sweet as a nut.
Grealish - looked up for the battle with Carvahal and made some strong moves with the ball. Sadly, he’s still not getting the surprise shot away and is telegraphing it, which means they usually get blocked. I’m not a huge fan of the impact he normally has for such a key player, but much improved tonight.
Bernardo - the goal is cheeky as fuck, and a stroke of genius. Did an enormous amount of running and was excellent at keeping the ball, especially in their half, away from our goal, helping relieve pressure.
Foden - struggled to impose himself in a clogged midfield and wasn’t protecting the ball as needed when he wanted to let it run across his body for the burst forward. Notably, it wasn’t that kind of action that actually sprung him for the goal, but simply driving inside (like Rodrygo & Vinicius for them) and taking on the shot…this time not hitting it centrally straight to the keeper. It might be a bit premature to say, but that shot (left foot curler into the top corner from the edge of the box) is starting to look like his trademark. Long may it continue.