Impressed with Luiz. Targett supported well. Grealish got in the game. Defense seemed stronger even if Sheff Utd looked understandably off the pace. More positives than negatives for me.
Agreed on Luiz and Targett, two of their better games for us. Both lasted the 90 mins well which I was surprised with.
The water break/first two subs seemed to throw us mid second half. Up to that point, Grealish was dominating, Davis causing problems and AEG offering a decent threat out wide. Bar Hause trying to play them in for a goal, the game kind of petered out for a finish. Smith unfortunately has no imagination when it comes to subs, like for like swapping of AEG/Davis for Trez/Samatta was pointless. If ever there was a time to go with two up top that was surely it. Didnt agree with taking off AEG and Davis at that point when there were far more obvious changes. Sheff Utd were organised but Im not sure they were all that bothered. 2 more points dropped Im afraid but performance wasnt that bad.
Nyland 4 - inexcusable error for the ghost goal, didnt have a save to make that aside
Konsa 5 - Can see why he was brought in at RB but Im really struggling to see the potential in this guy. Spends a lot of time on the floor, average with the ball, ball watches repeatedly and not great in the physical contests either.
Hause 4- gave away a daft free kick for their 'goal', out of position in fairness to the guy but almost played them in for a goal in second half. Not good enough at this level. Daft selection at RCB by Smith and one we wont get away with against better forwards.
Mings 6 - up against some very average forwards but did ok. Far too keen to hit the ball long in my view particularly with Grealish on the left flank in front of him. Makes rash decisions quite a bit which werent punished this evening but will be in future
Targett 7 - Not a player I particularly rate and had a horrible game against these earlier in the season. But tonight he was solid defensively and used the ball well, was his pass that sent Davis clear in second half
McGinn 4 - tried hard but was unsurprisingly a long way off the pace and should have been replaced much earlier.
Luiz 7 - Again not a player Im a fan off but saw out the pace well tonight and held his position well. Used the ball well too but could have demanded the ball a bit more from our centre halves
Hourihane 6 - good from set pieces and loose play. Made a few interceptions but a standard enough Houri performance
AEG 7 - looked very lively I thought, not everything came off but worked hard and caused problems.
Davis 7 - lack of goals remain a concern but his ability to hold up the ball gives us an obvious out ball that disappeared upon his replacement. Cant fault his shot that Henderson pulled off a huge save to keep out
Grealish 7 - drifted in and out of the game at times but 20 min spell after half time he was by a distance the best player on the pitch. Involved in all our positive play. Shame it didnt continue
