Just got in from the game lads - I'm from Nottingham so not a short trip at all. Sitting with the Forest fans though
Great game in the end, slow start but good seeing the lads never give up - so glad it didn't go to penalties! All in all pretty much the perfect game - lots of squad players getting run outs, debut for Mehdi Abeid (who looked very good - neat and tidy), entertaining game and a win. Oh, and did I mention the SAFE return of Ben Arfa!!!
Forest didn't actually play too bad - at 90 mins full time I would say they had shaded it slightly, in terms of chances. But wle were clinical up to that point. Extra time (particularly second half) was ours - lots of back and forth - end to end. Coloccini is a legend. Nuff said.
Ben Arfa despite it being first game back looked a class apart, always making himself available for the ball and full of running and intricate passing. He will honestly make the hugest difference linking midfield and attack - it was obvious seeing what he will bring. Marveaux needs to start games now - he is so composed and does not waste the ball at all.
There were still a lot of hoofing the ball up to Lovenkrands, particularly first half. But the likes of Marveaux, Abeid, Ben Arfa, Guthrie, and later Ameobi, Obertan and Ferguson all used the short passing game to good effect. We are starting to look pretty good in parts, I must say.
Ratings
Elliot - 4 Have read that he has been criticised a bit - and imo its justified. Harper wouldn't have been as slow. I am a goalkeeper myself and defo think he was hesitant, slow and just very average. Did not inspire confidence for me.
Simpson - 7 Not his biggest fan but he actually played well. Some good runs forward. Was definitely a cross!
Coloccini - 8 What more can you say that hasn't been said? Pure class, effortless - both defensively and bringing the ball out. Inspired leader, and scored at the perfect time. When behind you could visibly see Colo taking control and taking the ball forward.
Perch - 7 Controversial but he didn't actually do too bad. Thought he had one of his better games in fact (maybe its because my expectations are zero!). Did most things decently to be honest - although struggled on one of the goals. Still obviously not good enough but wasn't horrendous to be fair.
Ferguson - 6.5 Looks like a boy - Forest fans were giving him a bit of abuse behind me! Left a few gaps at the back in extra time, and didn't go on too many of his marauding runs he is capable of, but solid first game back. Good option on the left, won't let anyone down.
Gosling - 6 Quiet I thought - right to be substituted. Will get better I am sure.
Guthrie - 7 Ticked things over well - good passing range on show. Had a good run forward in extra time - didn't think he had the stamina for it to be honest!
Abeid - 7 very promising debut - some wayward passes but all in all a tidy game - kept it simple and did what he was supposed to. Good, mobile back up to Tiote.
Marveaux - 8.5 Quality player. Involved in a lot, excellent link up play, good crosser, controlling the ball, not wasteful, productive. A good find indeed. He will get better with time - I look forward to seeing him in the same midfield as Cabaye and Ben Arfa!
Ben Arfa - 7.5 Very solid first game back. Involved very heavily for the time he was on - wanted the ball and went on some good runs. Probably needs to work on his strength a little as wsn't able to hold off some of the people tracking him as he usually does. But this will come in time - good incisive passer and makes things happen.
Lovenkrands - 8 Did well - good leap for the header. Chased tirelessly, ball was being hoofed to him but he tried to knock it on. Penalty I was worried about but did the job.
Subs -
Obertan - 7.5 Much better as a sub in my opinion, running at tired legs. He beat his man a few more times than usual today, but most of his crossing was still low and hard, and got cleared easy. Played well overall though, good link up with Sammy, and peach of a cross for the winner.
Shola - 5 Same - always offside. Had one decent chance at the end but over the bar. Quiet and anonymous otherwise.
Sammy - 8 Very direct and full of running, another who makes things happen. He is deceptively quick, excellent feet and did well.
Pardew got his subs spot on - except Shola of course...
Overall a good game, glad I went down!! Seeing Ben Arfa happy, smiling and so close (the crowd at Forest is very close to the pitch) so at one point he was literally only a few metres from me!!
Well done the lads - I look forward to coming up and seeing another game at St James' soon!!
