That was absolute madness. Referee was a disgrace and his decisions absolutely had a massive impact on that game. That tackle on Tav not resulting in a booking. The penalty that should never have been. Correctly awarding 2 penalties to us. Setting all of that aside, there are a few things that I'd take from that game.
We didnt look too good at the back. McGregor was a bit flat footed, but made up for it with a superb save in injury time. I thought both centre halves were dodgy at times and looked more than a little ropey on a couple of occasions. Tav's injury is going to hurt us for at least a couple of games and it's frustrating that we don't have Patterson available to come in. Really idiotic from him and he should be begging forgiveness right now. Balogun isnt really an option there so you're looking at Jack being a makeshift right back, which hurts us in midfield.
The midfield didnt impose themselves on the game. Davis' lack of pace is an issue these days. He still has a great range of passing and his positioning defensively isn't bad. He just isnt involved often enough and is vulnerable to opponents exploiting him with a bit of movement and pace. He was unlucky with the penalty that should never have been given against him, but he isnt entirely without fault in the incident - he gets too close, puts his hands on the Antwerp player and that gives him the encouragement to dive. Kamara is a great midfielder but again there's a lack of pace. He needs somebody beside him who is going to give the midfield that movement. Today it wasn't Aribo - goal was great but his possession was terrible. Mistakes nearly cost us and his contribution beyond the goal was virtually non-existent. Arfield was also pretty poor in that attacking role.
Up front? Morelos put in a fantastic shift. Involved in 3 goals and played well despite being starved of service for so much of the game. Roofe wasn't great before his injury. Kent coming on was the difference maker. His play gave Barasic confidence. His 1-2 with Morelos for the goal was brilliant. Kent was the game changer tonight because he not only brought ability himself but he also brought others around him into the game.
Negatives from the game have to be the sometimes poor defending, the often poor midfield play and the lack of good quality chances we created for periods of the game. The 2 injuries are also major concerns as there are now serious questions about who comes in and who fills bench places? Positives? The spirit shown to fight back and not to let the heads drop after the shocking refereeing in the first half. The performance of Morelos has to be a massive positive - his involvement in the goals was very pleasing and his understanding with Kent was particularly nice to see. Kent changed the game because with him on it allowed others to play their natural game.
Big questions for the gaffer to answer over the next few weeks but getting out of that game with the win, and with 4 away goals, has to be a positive given the way the game went overall. Seems strange to say after scoring 4 but we really need to sort out our midfield and attacking play and make sure the defensive errors don't become a regular occurrence.
