Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8
With everyone outside of Shane Long and Moussa Djenepo to choose from, Hasenhuttl put forward a pretty predictable starting eleven. You could tell he wasn’t too happy early on, but the team got better as the game moved forward. His tactics were present throughout the game, with the team pressing high in the right areas. Pushed his starting eleven to the brink, regardless of his 5 sub luxury, not bringing on his first substitute until the 80th minute. Managed his team to an immediate success in which should be a fun end to 2019-20.
Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 7
Very little to do in the first half, outside of a half-hearted shot from 20 yards. A couple of clearances could have been more solid, but hard to point out any issues otherwise. One save at his near post from the left hand side was of note, otherwise, it was probably a boring outing for him.
Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 6
We saw a fairly reserved Ryan Bertrand in the first half, in terms of only a few runs forward, which was likely by design. As the game went on, he ventured forward and had two or three chances to shoot which he was miles off target. Worked hard until the end of the game and was lucky to escape without a yellow for a couple of questionable tackles.
Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 6
A couple shaky clearances knocked off some rust, but Jan grew into the game. Defended well, with two big blocked shots in the second half, although he started one of the Norwich attacks with a very questionable pass. In possession he was slow to make decisions, but a shut out in a return to football is worth noting.
Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 8
Started and amazing counter-attack from midfield, dribbling the ball all the way into the Norwich 18, and set up Danny Ings for his rocket off the top bar. Did not have to defend much in the game, but looks like a leader from the back.
Yan Valery, Right-Back – 5
Valery picked right up where he left off with a mistake which nearly put Norwich in during the first minute of play. The Canary’s took away his options early and made him very uncomfortable with the ball. Made another couple questionable clearances, and did not deliver much attacking from the right side. Going to be an interesting positional battle with Walker-Peters in the final 8 matches.