Thought we did okay without having to exert ourselves too much. Second half we looked better, but I think largely by virtue of having more or less our current first choice CM. First half I thought Gardner did well, but Bacuna and Herd are not of the required standard in midfield.
In principle a player like Herd could suit us, as he allowed Gardner to make a few forward runs, but ideally we need a Premier League quality version and someone who can pass the ball. Bacuna is either an okay winger, potentially decent wing back, or mediocre fullback or central midfielder.
Grealish did alright. He glides round the pitch, but ended up crowded out as he was really our only player with guile in the first half.
Zogbia was a positive for me. Great goal, looked quite lively. Still got major work to do on his fitness, and still frustrating at times, but that threat of genuine quality is something we could do with. Richardson played well again too.
The onus on passing the ball has been the most positive thing about the two games thus far. It's not always worked and we're still missing something in midfield, but we're moving in the right direction. That said, I'll be curious to see how we play against Parma.
