Sean Orrick was at the London Stadium today for TF to assess the boys in black and white. Here’s what he saw (allowing, that is, for the seats being in a different postcode to the pitch…).
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Nick Pope – 6 – Excellent save towards the end which will be at the forefront of the mind for many of us. Distribution okay, but I think he’ll be questioned for the first goal. Got caught out by the first touch and neither really committed himself nor stayed put.
Kieran Trippier – 9 – The assist for the Isak goal was world class. Thought overall he brought calmness when we were under pressure and showed immense leadership, an essential member of the team.
Jamal Lascelles – 6 – Had quite a battle first half with Antonio, but settled second half and no complaints with his performance.
Fabian Sch’r – 7 – A quiet game for him – wasn’t able to give us as much going forward as usual, but looked comfortable. Is a better player with Botman alongside him but assumed the senior role today.
Dan Burn – 6 – Unlucky not to score first half with a header. Targeted on the left side late on in the second half and didn’t get the cover he probably needed.
Sean Longstaff – 7 – Looked tired today, which is completely understandable after the heroics of Wednesday. First half showed how much we rely on him to be on it and improved second half. The rest will do him good over the international break!
Bruno Guimar’es 7 – Close to being given a 1 for stupidity early on when he arguably was very lucky not to get sent off (so say my WhatsApps, hard to quite tell in the ground!). Another who looked tired in the first half but different player second and a big reason we went ahead and asserted control. He’s a class act.
Sandro Tonali – 7 – Industrious, and I think still finding a natural role in our midfield. But a very clever player, and you can see that in the little touches and interplay with Trippier
Alexander Isak – 9 – Two goals, should have been three – God he deserved it. He’s world class. Played across the front line to try and get into the game first half, and the skill and movement put him above every player on the pitch today.
Elliot Anderson – 8 – Arguably asked to play out of position today. Thought he was excellent: strong, composed with the ball and a constant threat. Impressed by his versatility, switching with Isak and playing the nine for a period. A mature performance and so much more to come from him.
Miguel Almir’n – 7 – Busy as he always is and went close with a trademark cut inside and shot in the first half. Replaced by Murphy towards the end.
Subs
Murphy – 6 – Not on long enough to really get into the game.
Wilson – 6 – Came on just before the goal and, following it, I think we all hoped he could conjure up his usual magic but it wasn’t to be.
Sean Orrick
