What a great 3 points - I don't think many of the fans there were expecting that from us. Drinkwater & Perkins together in central midfield were outstanding in my opinion, though Gray will get the plaudits. Thought first half both teams defended terribly, you'd probably have to say the first goal for either side were particularly soft. Was it Addison that pinged the 50 yard pass that got Vaz Te in behind in the buildup to the first goal by the way? The winning goal was a truly brilliant cross from Drinkwater. To do that from a standing position like he did and pick Gray out was superb, and he took it with aplomb. We really should have killed the game in the 2nd half, Vaz Te had 2 chances right at the start of the half, and then towards the end Done, Vaz Te, Davies and Perkins all could have done better. Vaz Te's would have been a truly outstanding goal but for the save from Schmeichel. Fantastic result, and I felt thoroughly deserved. Really pleased for Andy Gray, I'm not sure he'll get too many more occasions where fans are chanting his name and he thoroughly deserved it for today's showing. Felt Dagnall was good in the first half, worked very hard and seems to fit within the 'Hillcroft DNA'. In my opinion, we should really start understanding Hill's interviews for what they are - making us out to have no money to stop other clubs pushing us for extra cash, and constantly taking the pressure off his players. Him and Flitcroft are doing an unbelievable job, long may it continue. Steele - 7 - solid, not really pushed at all. McEveley - 7 - Very shaky early on and one disastrous clearance in the 2nd half that he got away with, but drove forward well in the 2nd half and then made one fantastic sliding challenge late on. McNulty - 6 - Still shaky for me at the moment, doesn't seem quite as confident as he was a month ago. Foster - 7 - Good 2nd half. Hassell - 7 - Poor opening half hour, very good afterwards. Addison - 6.5 - Can see his function within the team. Substituted at the right time to avoid risk of being sent off. Perkins - 8 - Thought he was back towards his best today. Broke up so many attacks and drove forward, always wants the ball. Could have scored at the end but inexplicably chose not to shoot. Drinkwater - 9 - MOTM - Thought he was superb. 2 assists, great with the ball, strong in the tackle - we've missed him badly, I venture to say that Perkins missed him badly too. Vaz Te - 7 - Did a lot of defensive work, played a part in both goals, but missed some good chances at the start of the 2nd half, and then was denied a sensational goal at the end by Schmeichel. Hill's words clearly work to motivate him and make him work harder defensively. Dagnall - 6.5 - Solid, hard-working, fits in with what they want him to do. Ran out of steam and again, substituted at the right time. Gray - 8 - 2 goals, and for the 2nd time this season he gave Matt Mills a torrid time. Great to hear the fans singing his name, he's earned that - he's still capable of performances like that, but just not in back to back games. SUBS Done - 7 - Great runs in behind the defence, could be better infront of goal. Davies - 7 - Made a big difference from the bench to helping us keep the ball and threaten late on. Wiseman - N/A Hillcroft - 10 - Got the line-up right, got the substitutions right, great stuff. Long may they continue. As for the opposition, a team full of individuals with no cohesion whatsoever. Billy Sharp wouldn't do anything in that team because he'd get zero service. Schmeichel and Dyer the only players I'd give any credit to. We won the game because our midfield was so much more hard-working than theirs, simple as that for me. GET IN REDS!
Perkins and Drinkwater compliment each other I hope they both keep fit for the rest of the season decent read cheers.
Spot on mate Perkins and Drinkwater were fantastic. Perkins must be a nightmare to play against I lost count of the number of times he won the ball when their man was favourite. Yes it WAS Addison that put Vaz Te away for the 1st. I've seen us play Leicester at least 10 times and that was the first win.
