DJ Barry Hammond

Given how good Sakamoto’s been, I’m surprised we seem to be leaving the left flank open.

Don’t even go there! That must not happen!

The one against Birmingham got a lot of coverage didn’t it - refs watch these things too.

So… decisions are done and in the book. How do you think we’re setting up? Someone needs to go wide right - is that Mav, with KDH going left and Winks stepping up into a two man midfield?

You can guarantee if the roles are reversed we’re calling the ref a willy puller.

I don’t think so - it’s the exact example of the sort of tackle the rule makers are trying to eradicate.

Yeah, because players should know that a referee can look to ‘balance’ a situation. I don’t think we should be too harsh on the kid though - he’s made a mistake - it’s now on his teammates to pull him out of it with a BIG 45. It’ll be interesting to see how we setup for the second half!

Yeah, that’s a red. Ironically, if the penalty doesn’t happen, he may have got away with the yellow.

It’s where and how he catches him isn’t it - refs are looking for that sort of contact. And I know ‘winning the ball’ is not necessarily a consideration these days and that it’s a tackle that could be considered ‘dangerous’ - but I’m still not sure I want that given as a foul.

Oooooo… I’ll take it, but you’d be furious if that had gone the other way.

Given Casadei’s threat in the air, I’d have liked an earlier cross there. Important period of the game here - could do with a sustained period of pressure.

Cassdei did well there! No booking either.

We’re perhaps a little too set back at the moment. I’d like us to be a little closer, a little more physical in midfield.

Impressive shot to hit the ball given the thrower would have 6 fingers!

They were always going to have a fast start - we’re doing ok, starting to get more control now.

They’re overrated - you look up and the sun’s still there!

Great save!

I do hate a crap sun coverage on the pitch.

For me, Trafford isn’t close enough to the ball to get a decision in his favour. The vast majority of the fouls awarded to goalkeepers are when they’re in touching distance of the ball. He’s nowhere near it here - I’m not convinced he’s getting to it even if there was no ‘bump’ - and that’s what goes against him. I’d therefore class this in the ‘good decision’ category.

Who is going to be talking about this prospect the most? Girona fans and fans in Spain. Of course, on the whole, they’ll make a comparison and then declare their side as potentially a greater achievement. For me, it doesn’t matter, because it’s not as if our achievement will ever be forgotten is it?

I’m sure Enzo mentioned before Christmas about needing outs before signing players. Can’t imagine Iverson was on a big contract and it’s a loan, so I doubt his move has pushed the dial much.

He’s no Cambiasso ☹️

So Birmingham have a 12 point deficit to Sunderland right now… if he can get the ball rolling, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mowbray reels that in. Not convinced by Beale at all.

I see ETH has started copying Enzo!

Indeed, if we can get through this round, the path to going deep in the competition would look a little more doable!