Tek – Thankfully wasn’t tested with any clear cut chances due to a very well organised rearguard. Positive to see him punching cleanly, and also coming out sharply to block an angle. A fresh start, I hope. 6
Bonucci – Imperious and unruffled throughout. 7
De Ligt – Solid performance and rarely in any danger. 7
Danilo – Untroubled and offered strength to a back three whenever Sandro bombed forward. 7
Sandro – Best game for him for many months. Got forward brilliantly, took his goal well and should have had another. Hints of the Sandro of old. 7.5
Bentancur – Strong showing, his intelligent spraying the ball wide and running into the box to draw defenders led to the opening goal. 7
Locatelli – Worked tirelessly and whilst I am unsure he is a good fit as a regista, he was a constant presence and quickly keen to move the ball on. Also tackled stoutly. 7
Rabiot – Gaining sharpness and avoided giving away too many silly free kicks, they couldn’t handle his strength when he charged forward. Much improved. 7
Juan – Created the opening goal, was dangerous every time he got the ball high up the field, good decision making and almost played a part in a superb team move to get another. 7
Morata – Worked tirelessly, won the penalty and scored a well taken chip after good work from Dybala. Could have added another with a gorgeous back heel from his strike partner. 7
Dybala – Still finding his rhythm, and I was worried of his penalty, but straight down the middle was good enough. Also held off two defenders to help the ball get to Morata for his goal and showed some finesse when setting the spaniard up for another chance. 7
Kean – Lively, expansive, powerful, and was unlucky to time his run a fraction too quick to have his goal chalked off. he stretches teams with his movement and the goals will soon come. 6.5
McKennie – Ambled about and didnt get involved, still looks well off the pace, perhaps mentally more than physically. 5
Ramsey – Showed some tidiness on the ball, kept the game flowing. 6
Kulu – Set up a good chance with a smart flick, good in possession back in his favoured RWF role. 6
Max – Selection and tactics worked out perfectly, and the goals moved us from cagey, to a far more comfortable side. Subs were well timed, pressing was constant and the rearguard worked very well as did the midfield. 6
It feels good to get some goals and our first victory, which was deserved though felt when the goals started flying in that we were a bit lucky. Praise is deserved for pressing home the advantage.
We made 10 decent chances I counted, and conceded barely any clear cut openings. I think Danilo needs to play as he offers assurances as the back allowing Sandro to fill in the huge hole we have on the left wing.
Given the form of late, this was just what we needed. Confidence somewhat restored, all that matters now is that we build on this against AC on the weekend, which be the litmus test of whether we have started to turn the corner.
