I've been away so only just watched the game through the miracle of Sky+
I would echo the general sentiment that it was a very encouraging performance. We played some nice football and should win a lot more than we lose this season.
That 'win more than we lose' process could of course be hindered somewhat if we continue to defend set pieces as badly as we have been doing. This is clearly a coaching issue and look forward to seeing evidence of it having been addressed this afternoon.
A few things that struck me about the game:
Astonishing moment #1. Ritchie's miss. I'm not going to cane the guy because he is a class act who is way better than L2 and it didn't affect the result. That said, that was worth a WTF!!??!!**@@
Astonishing moment #2 Comazzi's first yellow.
Astonishing moment #3 Comazzi's second yellow. Have a fucking word with yourself ref.
Astonishing moment #4 Kerrouche's miss after their keeper went all 'Nicky Hammond' on us.
On the subject of the latter, I have to admit to being a fully paid up member of the Kerrouche fan club. I love his attitude and his style of play. It is extremely refreshing. [humble pie]I had consigned him to being a squad/bit part player on the basis of a Youtube clip. The rationale being that You Tube clips tend to make average players look brilliant. In my opinion, even in his You Tube clip he only looked average therefore the real thing must be rather less than average. Note so self: Don't take any notice of fucking Youtube clips. Only judge a player on what he does on a Town shirt. Nothing else matters[/humble pie]. Others take note!
Other observations:
Lanzano - I find it very hard to trust a GK who wears a short sleeved shirt. It brings back too many memories of Fabien Barthez. Prove me wrong son, prove me wrong. Better still, chuck that number you hacked off at the elbow, go and see the kit man and ask him nicely for new, long sleeved shirt.
Magera - I think that once he gets his fitness levels up he will prove to be a class act who get us goals at this level. Some of which, might even be Fjortoft-esque, if that volley/half volley which smacked against the post is anything to go by. Showed good signs of linking up with Kerrouche as well.
Andy Scott - You pathetic fucking wanker. I'm saying no more than that.
Prior to this game there had been rumours of Di Canio having lost the dressing room which I admit I gave some credence to. This performance and the reaction to the goals proves to me that they are just that - rumours, and nothing more.
Yes, we are a work in progress but we are definitely on the right track.
Oh yes, astonishing moment #5. Did Di Canio actually hug the fourth official after our third goal? Yes, I've just re-watched it. He did indeed. The guy's nuts
All in all that made for pretty pleasant viewing.