After the hiccup at Wigan last week it appears we are still suffering the effects of a cough at Upton Park. A spluttering performance with occasional glimpses of the flowing football we are capable of married to long periods of mediocrity and hesitation.
On the positives, I'm delighted that Freddie got his first goal for us and put in a man of the match performance for us. The defence, Neil aside was fairly solid again. Negatives are our lack of goal scoring ability and perhaps a creative spark in the middle of the pitch, my how we miss Scott Parker. I think Clatternburg's red card was a joke but frankly we would not miss Bowyer for 3 matches on his current form, I'd still rather than Noble and Mullins in there.
Which leads to the formation and tactics, I think Curbs made an error in taking Cole when we went 4-4-1-1 - Cole has already proven he is most effective when playing as a lone striker and Ashton is not yet fit enough to slip into that role. It might be that 451 becomes the formation of chocie for us, as let's face it Camara is simply not good enough. If that is the case, Cole should be first choice with Ashton on the bench to change it if necessary. I think we all agreed that if Bellamy was playing, Deano would be more effective but I challenge anyone who thinks that is the case when we play 451?
Anyway, on to the ratings
Green - 6 - almost got the penalty, not much else to do
McCartney - 6 - usual effective self
Upson - 7 - the rock continued his very impressive recent form
Ferdinand - 7 - solid again, could he follow Matty into the England set up soon?
Neil - 5 - caught out for the penatly even if it was a little harsh
Etherington - 7 - lively performance from Mr Etherington
Mullins - 6 - clean performance from Hayden
Bowyer - 5 - pretty por in my view, looks a bit knackered?
Ljungberg - 8 - best creative outlest on the field
Ashton - 6 - I don't think he was as poor as some fans are suggesting, in fact there were glimpses of his previous in there, think we need a little more patience with him
Cole - 6 - hard working and some nice lay offs