Interesting match really. Same cathartic responses during the match, but I hope some of the comments made were just in the heat of the moment.
The way we set out, we had no real outlet to release the ball and ease the pressure off us when in possession. That's fair enough if you're going to Old Trafford, but once you pick up yellows (from an incidentally bastard homer ref) and you concede a clumsy goal it gets more difficult.
Fortunately we caught Man Utd on an off-day (relatively speaking) but I'm fairly pleased with that performance with the exception of Perch and Nolan.
People have been cutting Perch slack in the pre-season games citing them as time to adjust/gain fitness, but I'll be interested to see how that defence progresses if he continues to look as vulnerable as he has been. Yes, he was against Man Utd tonight, but a severely below par one with very little intent and aggression. A more hungry Aston Villa will crucify him next week if he plays as tentatively.
Nolan is captain and now has a monopoly on a vital position - the transition between midfield and attack. Not much has been made of him being given the captain's armband but I think it's a massive blow. Hughton's flexibility and willingness to change his mind if need be is a challenge I've been looking forward to - as all managers make mistakes, and I think he's made one with regard to Nolan. I hope he has the courage and lack of hubris to reverse his decision and strip him of it. Nolan profited with some cheap goals last season without really ever contributing to our footballing play, and I think we really need to make the best of the position - which he is currently wasting - if we are to stay up. New old Nicky Butt for me.
Jonas got a lot of stick, but ran his heart out and put in a big shift. That's not to excuse his poor final ball, but we all knew he struggled with that before this game but he did show some improvement and worked tirelessly to the end including a few decent balls we didn't make the most of - which is more than you can say for Nolan who disappeared after five minutes. Very little of it came off, but I still maintain he has promise and deserves our support and, even, continued patience. Good attitude and think he will do better in the future - especially as he provides us pace which we are very much lacking in.
Carroll obviously was really tenacious and performed fantastically. Hopefully he'll have a better formation to help him out next time.
Heads didn't drop and looking forward to the next game. :clap2:
