Definitely down the same path of being pleasantly surprised by the performance and result.
I thought Smith probably had his best ever game for us, with some genuinely good tackles to win possession or slow attacks down - he still gave the ball a way a few too many times but there were a few doing that.
Carrol looked strong and hungry, though I just cant see him being a regular goalscorer, perhaps having been spoilt by great strikers over the years I might be expecting too much.
Tim Krul's performance didnt surprise me one bit. He was outstanding two years ago, has been out on loan and he still looks good. He's got height, looks extremely comfortably coming for the ball (apart from the last minute foul and offside header) and he is a good shot stopper. I'm not sure what other basics they are to have as a keeper Tighty? His distribution I expect great things from. Last season during warm ups he'd stand midway into the oppositions half and take Harpers practice goal kicks and return the ball. He would regularly hit half volleys back into the goal keeping coaches hands without him moving one inch.
Having said all this that first 11 really should be putting in decent performances. Put aside the fact they are paid however many times more than the rest of the league, there are just some real proven players in there, international players. Looking at the team sheet is what makes me think (more if we dont offload anymore now):
If we cant offload players this summer we really should absolutely piss that league if those that stay can play to 60% of their ability. Having said that, we also wouldnt have gone down if they could have done that.
So just the small matter of needing the club to be sold, a manager to be appointed, a couple of players to come in and we'll be ready for the season....
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