I always avoid posting immediately after a defeat as it is just too emotional and raw, so now having calmed down a bit - I thought we were decent and the teams were evenly matched. We lack guile and the cutting edge to open up teams, so Gerrard was keeping it tight and hoping for that magic moment to occur, which unfortunately for us never materialised.
For what its worth, here is my thoughts on the players;
McGregor - Sad that the goal came from his poor clearance, but he has been our best player in the Europa cup and we would not have got anywhere close to this stage without his incredible saves in previous matches.
Tav - Felt that it was almost the opposite of his normal performances where he defended well (for the most part) but was less effective going forward. Although the majority of his dead ball deliveries were poor, he did put in the free kick for Goldson's header. (Would still take him off the set pieces though).
McAuley - Did what was expected of him defensively. Booking was a joke.
Goldson - One of his better matches in the last wee while. Hopefully getting back to that dominant form that he displayed earlier in the season.
Barisic - Brilliant to have him back. He looked a touch off the pace early on and his passing was ordinary, but got better as the game went on. Put in some dangerous crosses without seeing anyone breaking their neck to get into the danger area. He brings the balance to the team down the left and prevents us from being so predictable i.e. everything getting played via Tav and (usually) Candeais down the right. Hope he stays fit and we get to see the player that he was at Osijek.
McCrorie - Seems strange that he has had virtually no game time to date, so to be thrown into such a vital match would seem to be down to the circumstances of Ejaria's absence. Overall, he can be pleased with his performance and hopefully pushes for a more regular role.
Arfield - Trying to have him play the Candeias role really negated his goal scoring threat from the centre. Scotty put in a good shift, but it was probably the poorest match that he has had for us.
Coulibaly - Carries the ball forward well, but is unable to play even a simple pass. It can't all be down to his injury, he seems to be seriously lacking in technique.
Jack - Our best player by a country mile. Always composed on the ball, and makes himself available to receive it, even when under pressure. Didn't deserve to be on the losing team tonight. Another joke of a booking. Thought that he was pulled off to prevent him getting a red card.
Middleton - Has some great touches and for a young guy is able to spin his defender very competently. Did a lot of good things only to let himself down with his final touch or pass.
Morelos - Did his normal shift for the team without ever receiving the necessary support to break down the Vienna defence.
Grezda - Felt that he should have come on at half time for Coulibaly. Another player who will get better playing more football and getting some match time into his legs.
Lafferty - Huffed and puffed, but never looked like he was close enough to the goals to bring any threat.
It has been a great run and although I will now have to cancel my trip to Baku, I've enjoyed our run. Now we need to focus on the league and keep the pressure on.
WATP, RTID