by handbags_harris »
24 Oct 2010 11:53
Far from a fluent display but in the end 4-0 flattered Burnley. It got to the point where it was embarrassing watching them try to play with 10 men at home, asolutely acres of space for McAnuff, Long, Antonio, Tabb etc to exploit. Burnley were utter tripe, I can only remember two or three cohesive attacks all game. Federici had very little to dom particularly first half, one save to make where he actually dived too early as the shot was slightly mishit. Second half we had a couple of scares, at 3-0 a free shot from 10 yards straight at Federici after good work down the right and at 2-0 a loose ball smacked back which whistled just wide. Other than that, a remarkably comfortable afternoon.
Mills and Khizanishvili were pretty solid and dealt with Iwelumo all day. Harte got roasted by Eagles** once after about three minutes and then was as comfortable and reliable as I've seen him thus far, Griffin was decent if unspectacular. In midfield, what a welcome return to action for Tabb. With him in midfield we were so much better than in recent weeks. No disrespect for Armstrong there, but he is a left back after all really. Karacan and Tabb harrying and closing down worked a treat, Howard just behind Long worked better than previously, Long up front was very good and actually got into goalscoring positions for once, and won the penalty. He would have gotten a shot away if it wasn't for the challenge, and was borderline red card territory if you ask me. McAnuff looked much more potent on the rightm HRK on the left was ok if a little lacking in quality at times.
** What is it with all the raving over this bloke? I have seen this guy play against Reading for Watford once, Sheffield Wednesday once as a substitute, and Burnley on at least five occasions and he has looked distinctly mediocre every time.