It wasn’t pretty but it didn’t need to be as a late goal secures our passage into the quarter-finals! How did I rate the lads tonight in what can only be called an unconvincing performance?
Jordan Pickford – 7
Thankfully Jordan wasn’t called into action much tonight but when he was, he was more than equal to it. A fine Gray strike was flying towards the top-corner before Pickford got a strong hand to it in his highlight of the evening. Comfortable in possession as ever, Pickford produced a professional performance.
Seamus Coleman – 6
Our captain returned to the side this evening after an absence through suspension and put in a somewhat average performance. The trademark runs down the right wing are pretty much gone now as Seamus approaches his final years meaning his defensive ability has to be stronger – sometimes being caught in possession. A solid six for our Irishman.
Yerry Mina – 7
Before his injury, Mina put in a performance that we’ve come to know and love this season; commanding the box well and stopping any potential danger. Luckily for Coleman, Mina was there to pull off a brilliant double tackle after being caught napping on the ball and we can only hope his injury isn’t too severe.
Mason Holgate – 8 – MOTM
I couldn’t be happier giving Holgate the MOTM after a commanding performance at centre-back. Looked slightly more convincing defensively today but his awareness to pop up in the box to convert our first was intelligent to say the least. Following Mina’s injury, we may be seeing Mason in the team for a few games to come…
Lucas Digne – 7
Despite not having much defensive work, Digne receives a 7 due to his constant threatening crosses and set-pieces into the box that proved to be troublesome for some unconvincing Watford defenders. Unlucky not to score following his deflected free-kick striking the bar, another respectable performance for our Frenchman.
Andre Gomes – 5
Sloppy in possession, a consistent lack of composure and clumsiness in the challenge have pretty summed up Gomes this season. He’s had a couple of brighter games but in combination with a rib injury, Andre has been way below the standard he set himself on loan last year.
Fabian Delph – 6
Didn’t really impact the game tonight but looked composed as ever. The problem with starting Delph and Gomes in a midfield together is that we lack urgency and the drive forwards that Davies brings in abundance.
Moise Kean – 6
*sigh*. Only 45 minutes for our £30 million signing whilst being played out of position and replaced by Walcott. It really makes you wonder what he has to do to play for longer considering his clear threat and ability with the ball at his feet. If he’s not going to be getting minutes anytime soon, will he begin to question his place at the club?
Alex Iwobi – 7
Desperately unlucky not to score after rattling the post with a brilliant effort, Iwobi’s game could be seriously improved by his finishing. Due to his desire and pressure to get forwards and into the box, he has to become much more clinical when one-on-one with the goalkeeper but other than that, a fine performance from the Nigerian.
Richarlison – 7
A 7 is probably slightly generous after a fairly absent performance but his last minute settler is enough to earn him some recognition. An excellent Tosun pass was latched onto well with a composed run and finish to seal our passage into the next round. Has to improve his ability to take a man on and his link up still leaves much to be desired.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6
I don’t like writing one-sentence summaries about players but Jonas Lossl probably had more of an affect on the match than Calvert-Lewin.
SUBS
Michael Keane – 6
Replaced the injured Yerry Mina but was tested very rarely by a toothless Watford attack. Now Mina is injured, Keane has to improve his form if he is to retain his place once the Colombian regains his full fitness.
Theo Walcott – 7
Never has one player produced such a collective sigh than Theo Walcott replacing Kean at halftime. However, Theo did look threatening down the right-hand side and produced a fine cross to find Holgate for our first of the evening. As good as he may have been once he came on, Kean needs a full game under his belt.
Cenk Tosun – n/a
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