Brief and unbiased match review.
Very poor first 30 minutes, continuing on from where we left off in the 2nd half vs Spurs last weekend. Offered nothing going forward and it didn't really look a wise decision to play Deulofeu up top against their huge defenders. Their goal fully deserved on the basis of us being so off the pace, and poor defending by Baines to get beaten so easily to the header. Then the key to the match: Hauling off the ineffective McCarthy and bringing on our only real potent goalscorer, changing shape, putting players back in their real positions (Deulofeu out wide, Holgate full back). A richly-deserved equaliser came from Mirallas, who looked like a switch was flicked on in his head as soon as his mate Lukaku came onto the field. Lovely neat build-up play for our goal and a calm finish. Second half much more possession, tidy football, players expressing themselves nicely - great shows by Holgate, Gueye, the centre backs and Mirallas - and our pressure finally paid off with Barry's brave header. Unlike last year, once in front we didn't really look like falling on our sword and taking just a point. Great victory, onto the next one please.
MOM: Mason Holgate, well played son.
