It a funny anomaly.
Us being probably the weakest we've been in defence all year ( well on paper anyway). Probably forced Jackson to concentrate on a structured defence and Counter gameplan, which is exactly the type of football Popa and the Vuck struggle to play against.
By necessity, we were forced to inadvertantly to play to Vucks major weaknesses.
This isn't to take away from the victory, our ball movement was next level, just a step up. This is just my perception of what MJ was compelled to do, and how he executed ( along with the players) perfectly.
If this doesn't convert the non believers to back to back nothing will..
Great post. Agreed entirely. Watched the game back this evening and had much the same thoughts.
Much easier to watch now than live when l was hiding behind the lounge, shouting, swearing, shaking and sweating every moment of those last 15 minutes.
I'll just do a lineup rate f**k it
Danny - 7/10. Class with his distribution, didn't have much to do but when called upon, his experience and quality made things very safe
Doka - 9/10. Best game for us in our shirt. Playing on the left and won the battle against Arzani. Should've had an assist too. Defensively solid.
Hall - 7.5/10. Strong and solid performance. Really loving his consistency this season. Finally back to his best.
Kaltak - 8.5/10. Brick wall. Would not trade him for any other CB in the league. Wins everything in the air.
Paull - 7/10. Nearly cost us when Arzani nicked the ball off him but other than that l thought was solid and covered well on the left. Good tackler.
Roux - 7.5/10. Another quality, consistent performance. Aging like fine wine. One of the beat RB's in the league
Maxi - 8.5/10. Tremendous as usual. Always goes with the right option when under pressure. Recycles the ball, but never afraid to drive through midfield to set us on our way. Class.
Tapp - 8.5/10. An able partner for Maxi in the middle. A proper no.6 who does the dirty work and is also good on the ball taking the right option majority of the time.
Torres - 7/10. Worried MV on the counter, not his best game, but l liked his combination work with Doka. Those 1,2's created space and crossing opportunities
Nis - 7.5/10. Mr. Consistent. Just did what he usually does. The stamina on this man is insane. Should've scored but game was won so oh well.
Edmondson - 5/10. Barely had a touch first half but not entirely his fault. Had some chances on the counter but still adapting to the league
Kuol - 6.5/10. Should've tucked that chance away. Still not back to his best but did well to worry MV defenders and get 2 of em sent.
Di Pizio - 5/10. Glad that giveaway in added time and then foul didn't cost us. But he's young and will learn.
Barcellos - 0/10. Fastest red ever. Great impact.
Club staff - 100/10. To win this game and break such a long hoodoo after a physically and mentally taxing game 3 days previously is a credit to them. Well done all.
If you got this far, thanks. I'm done.