Just back from the game (repost from last night for the day shift)

MASSIVE WIN!

Great workrate and team spirit throughout. Other than their goal, switching off from a clumsily conceded set piece, we kept Blackburn very quiet. Didn't create loads of chances but should still have scored more and made lighter work of it. Olsson and Grabban missed what looked like sitters in the first half and keeper made a great save from Jerome in the second.

Annoyingly the teams changed ends after the toss so all goals scored down the far end. Haven't seen them back but Johnno's looked a screamer. Was right behind it and kept rising right in to the top corner. Beautiful.

First time I've seen us under AN and was very impressed. Intelligent interplay and well structured. Moved the ball quickly with intent.

Atmosphere in the away end was a bit flatter than I expected but was tremendous once we went 2-1 up. Great scenes of celebration at the end with the players having a group hug/huddle before applauding the fans. Tettey was loving it, dancing a little jig to the crowd's chants. The players looked focussed on the job in hand - delighted with the win but not over-celebrating - summed up by a brief clap and fist pump from Alex Neil.

Player ratings and thoughts:

Ruddy 7, didn't have much to do, good reaction save to stop an OG from Bradley in second half.

Whittaker 6, clumsily gave away FK for their goal. Overlapped well but final ball in to the box was poor.

Martin and Bassong 8, pretty much rock solid. Kept Rhodes and Gestede quiet. Good distribution and look like they enjoy playing together.

Olsson 7, got forward well, solid defensively.

Dorrans 6, neat and tidy on the ball, didn't threaten/create too much going forward.

Johnson 10 (MOTM), broke up everything when in DM role, always on hand to build the play, was fired up and showed tremendous desire. Just as good when Tettey on and pushed forward, brilliant winner.

Howson 8, drove forward well, looks like he's getting back to his best, set the tone with great pressing.

Wes 9, his best game I've seen for a long time. Involved in everything, didn't lose the ball much, a constant threat linking the attacking play.

Redmond 6, final delivery below what is expected, didn't threaten too much.

Grabban 7, worked tirelessly but should have scored in first half.

Overall a great win and roll on Sunday.....

Posted By: JD3, Feb 25, 08:50:49