Player ratings v Palace

[Thracian]

Weale 7.5 (As a goalkeeper I love the guy. He never complicates the job but his handlin of crosses was superb, he made the odd save and once again he looked calm and unflappable)

Neilson 6 (It sounds harsh to mark him so low when our defence kept another clean sheet but his list of mistakes was endless. He even took a throw-in and chucked it straight over their goalline. Another time he guided a touchline free-kick straight out of play and so it went on. His big plus was staying involved as he always does and just doggedly getting a foot in here and a header there).

Hobbs 7 (Palace didn't offer a lot near goal but he and Brown shut and bolted the gate well enough).

Brown 7 (see above).

McGivern 6 (A little disappointing given comments about his brilliance in training. Looks to have good close control and swerved one free-kick quite viciously and not too far off target. Alert and dogged enough but perhaps a bit nervous).

Oakley 5.5 (Every time I focused on him he seemed to be making a mistake. Even simple passes went astray. Needs to recover his form and accuracy quickly).

King 7 (Seemed to play the Cleaning role tonight. Just did so much tidying up with a little pass here, defensive header there. When a defender was lured out of position it was he who filled the gap and when tempted to dive into a defensive tackle he realised the danger of missing, stayed out and waited for a better moment. His efforts did much to stop Palace attacks developing and to send them down blind alleys).

Wellens 7 (More of the playmaker tonight. Still up and down with the accuracy of his passing but well involved bearing in mind he and King had so few passing options at all in the first half because no-one was making the runs we had an abundance of in the second).

Fryatt 4.5 (Inconsequential really. Offered very little for the midfield to aim at. And his penalty was one of the worst I've seen him take).

Howard 4 (Looked like his batteries had run out. After one bad pass he just looked at the culprit and stood there as if saying, you run for it. Our side looked rejuvenated when he was replaced although he wasn't the only one to go off.)

Dyer 6 (Quite lively at times but never threatened to change the game for us).

Subs:

Gallagher 10 (Two goals, one the reward for staying alert and the other a sublime goal to tell the grandkids about. Shots, movement, energy, everything he did was positive. I just hope he can deliver more of the same).

DJ 7 (He might have missed a wonderful chance but he made that opening so well, would have made another had he received a better pass and there were two or three other runs which were a nightmare for Palace to deal with and created acres of space around him. We really need to utilise his abilities more. His movement is top class.)

Waghorn 6 (Again, his willingness to hit the accelerator and make defenders rush was a pleasure to see. Didn't have lots of opportunity but our three subs made a previously untroubled defence look much more vulnerable).

[Finnegan]

Don't really think DJ was worth a seven. His movement off the ball was alright but every time he had it at his feet he lost it. I sit in C2, right above the corner he chased a few balls into and whenever he got it he just passed it awry with a tame, timid little tap. His finish one on one was about the calibre he showed last time he was in the side, too.

On top of that I think your marks for Howard and Fryatt are a little bit knee-jerk. They weren't top draw but Fryatt especially wasn't astronomically worse than anyone else in the first half and he was at least full of running in the second.

Of your harsh marks I'd say I only agree with Oakley, think he was a little weak.

[lildave3]

Weale - 7 - Most consistent player this season, really impressed with him.

Neilson - 6 - Did ok tonight, still a couple of dodgy bits but on the whole...ok.

Brown - 7 - Monster. Lovely flick to Gallagher when he won the pen too.

Hobbs - 7 - Standard Jack.

Mcgivern - 6 - Loves a big clearance don't he!

Oakley - 6 - Little sloppy at times.

King - 8 - Bloody love this man.

Wellens - 7 - Upped his game once we went 1-0 up.

Dyer - 6 - Meh.

Howard - 5 - I love you Steve, but nothing is happening.

Fryatt - 6 - Not great.

Gallagher - 9 - Changed the game really, two good goals in different ways + won a pen. Shot a couple of times when he could/should have passed though.

DJ - 5 - Shoddy.

Waghorn - 6.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Weale - 7 - Solid enough, dealt with crosses well and commanded hios box, apart from one flap as a result of miscommunication.

Neilson - 6 - People that make this guy out to be the spawn of Satan need to relax. Got caught out once or twice but isn't as woeful as he has been described.

Hobbs - 7 - Dealt with pretty much everything coming his way, did nothing wrong of note, but nothing spectacular. Solid.

Brown - 8 - Anything Palace attempted aerially was dealt with by him tonight. First time I've seen him play, and I can now understand why so many people like him on here. More of a captain than Oakley imo, always shouting and organising.

McGivern - 7.5 - Looked very good I thought, considering this was his first start at this level (?). Dealt with things in a no frills manner and cleared virtually any danger. Decent enough.

Oakley - 4 - Offered very little bar a few shocking set pieces.

King - 6 - Worked, hustled and bustled, but created little. Looked more agressive than the previous times I've seen him though.

Wellens - 7 - Very good at breaking down and distributing the ball. Some neat ideas.

Fryatt - 4 - Not his night tonight. Struggled to get into the game, looked a bit sluggish, and hesistated in some rather nifty positions.

Howard - 4 - Poor.

Dyer -5 - When he gets the ball and runs, he will scare defenders, he just doesn't do it enough, which is a shame.

Subs:

Gallagher - 9 - That second goal was absolutely gorgeous. Kept the ball on the deck, although his set pieces were nothing to write home about. Still changed the game in our favour, and always looked a threat.

Campbell - 6 - Did more than Fryatt in his short cameo, but really should've buried that chance. Once he gets the conmfidence I'm sure he will.

Waghorn - 5 - Hustled with no real effect. Always playing on the last man though.

[kam6]

Weale - 7 - did well, commanded area well.

Neilson - 5 - Did ok defending, not sure about distribution

Brown - 7 - did well in the air, although did look a bit shakey at times

Hobbs - 8 - think he did brill. heading everythng, distribution and positioning was great

Mcgivern - 6 - good enough start, good attacking, not great positioning

Oakley - 7 - good, but keeps the flank exposed, supose thats cos of tactics!

King - 7 - did well, got stuck in .

Wellens - 7 - gotta have him play week in, starts everything!!

Dyer - 7 - started well our only lively player in the first half!

Howard - -1 - shit, what more can i say?!?!? cant head, cant move, cant read the game. play off the subs bench please!!!?!??!?!?!

Fryatt - 6 - held up ball well. should have scored peno, but he starts plays and holds up the ball, good skillful player

subs

Gallagher - 9 - GREAT game, came on, challenged, got into spaces and good passing. well done for winning the peno and scoring the rebound. fantastic goal, need a leicester player to shoot from distance more often.

DJ - 5 - ok sub, not enough time to shine.

Waghorn - 4, didnt do much, i like the guy, but didnt do enough!

[Thracian]

Don't really think DJ was worth a seven. His movement off the ball was alright but every time he had it at his feet he lost it. I sit in C2, right above the corner he chased a few balls into and whenever he got it he just passed it awry with a tame, timid little tap. His finish one on one was about the calibre he showed last time he was in the side, too.

On top of that I think your marks for Howard and Fryatt are a little bit knee-jerk. They weren't top draw but Fryatt especially wasn't astronomically worse than anyone else in the first half and he was at least full of running in the second.

Of your harsh marks I'd say I only agree with Oakley, think he was a little weak.

Me harsh? I thought of giving Howard a 3!

Our attack first half had not one worthwhile shot. And the movement was awful.

The contrast second half was dramatic.

[maddog]

The first half everyone was totally fooking shit.

I was even thinking, i wonder what would have happened if we got Warnock as manager

Then Pearson, on paper, makes another hideous tactical change, bringing off our only player with attacking intent Dyer, our best player in the first half for me, for Gallagher who has been poor since he joined, and isn't a winger.

But then we go on to win 2-0.

Amazing.

Weale 7- Best keeper we've had apart from Fulop.

Neilson 6- Gets forward really well, i like that about him, he does make errors though.

Hobbs 7- Nice

Brown 7 Very nice, recovered so well from his disasters.

McGiv 6- Not as good as Berner.

Oakley 5- As usual he gave the ball away, drifted out of his position leaving us with no right winger, and wasted a free kick+corner.

King 7- Didn't notice him but people are saying he played well on here, for some reason i never see him.

Wellens 7- He's our best central midfielder.

Dyer 7.5- The only player in the first half with attacking intent. Harsh to be subbed off.

Fryatt 4- Shit

Howard 3.5- Foooooook off.

Subs: Waghorn 6, Campbell 7, Gallagher 10

Pearson 3 in the first half.

But 9 in the second half so he averages 6.

Is he a managerial God, or was he very lucky tonight, probably the latter but still a great win.

[scinnell]

Im tired of this can people stop getting on Howards back at the end of the day hes a leicester player, We need to back all of are players and stop slateing them. He could be not scoring because some selfish fans are destroying his confidence.

[Finnegan]

Me harsh? I thought of giving Howard a 3!

Our attack first half had not one worthwhile shot. And the movement was awful.

The contrast second half was dramatic.

Agreed, but that's a team effort as much as down to just two players.

[Mikey]

Weale - 7.5

Neilson - 6

Hobbs - 7.5

Brown - 7

McGivern - 6

Oakley - 6

Wellens - 7

King - 7.5

Dyer - 6

Fryatt - 6

Howard - 5.5

Subs:

Gallagher - 9

Waghorn - 6

DJ - 6

[Guest]

Weale - 7 - Solid as always

Neilson - 6 - Thought he got some flack unnecessarily to be honest. Not bad, but not a world beating performance either.

Brown - 7.5 - Hugely impressive tonight, nowt or nobody was gettin past this guy

Hobbs - 7 - As Weale

Mcgivern - 7 - Impressive debut, massive boot on the guy

Oakley - 6.5 - Again gave up posession too easily sometimes, but like the team a much improved second half

King - 7.5 - Carrying on where he left off Saturday.

Wellens - 7 - Better later on but a bit hit and miss in the first half

Dyer - 6 - Okay tonight, couple of nice runs but not his best performance

Howard - 6 - Needs a rest me thinks

Fryatt - 7 - Despite the missed penalty, some of his control and little mazy runs were top notch. I'm not holding the missed peno against him either cos frankly, it could've turned out worse. Just needs a goal to get a bit of confidence back I think.

Gallagher - 9 - Sublime, that is all

DJ - 6

Waghorn - 6

[Ozwin]

Gallagher - 9

Did a Gradel. Completely changed the game, chuffed for the bloke that he's off the mark and clearly was brimming with confidence afterwards.

[caz123]

Im tired of this can people stop getting on Howards back at the end of the day hes a leicester player, We need to back all of are players and stop slateing them. He could be not scoring because some selfish fans are destroying his confidence.

Well said mate

[Scow]

Weale - 7

Again, didn't really have much to do, but did what he did well.

Neilson - 6

Surprised to see him back in. A willing trier as always: decent in the air, good blocks and interceptions, but his ability lets him down.

Hobbs & Brown - 7

Lee gave them some problems in the air, particularly for the latter. Both were solid again nonetheless.

McGivern - 7

Steady, defended well - not as accomplished as Berner though. Good back up.

Oakley - 4

Possibly harsh but he had an absolute 'mare. He gave the ball away so often and wasted several promising attacks. His simple pass to Waghorn that went out of play late on summed up his performance.

King - 6

A bit lost in the first half like the rest of the midfield; improved in the second half and was more involved in our play.

Wellens - 6

See King.

Dyer - 6

His pace offered a threat occasionally in a sluggish team.

Fryatt - 5

Ineffective.

Howard - 5

His threat was nullified once again, and like Fryatt, was rightly taken off.

Subs:

Gallagher - 9

Terrific impact. Injected a much-needed spark into our play and the goals should do him a world of good.

DJ & Waghorn - 6

Offered useful pace and mobility against a defence pushing up seeking an equaliser.

[Alf Bentley]

Weale 7 Mr. Solidity, consistently good judgement, instils confidence

Neilson 7 No subtlety, but a very good defender unjustly slated

Hobbs 7 See Weale comment - great prospect for a v.young centre back

Brown 7.5 Top effort tonight and his passing has improved greatly

McGivern 6.5 V.sound debut

King 6.5 Nice touches but needs to impose himself more

Oakley 6 Nice touches but seriously under-performing

Wellens 6.75 Improved throughout, hopefully back to his best soon

Dyer 7 V. unlucky to be subbed (but it worked!), much improved recently...more to come, I hope

Fryatt 5.5 Uninspired

Howard 5.5 Hard work as ever, but not creating for team just now...

Gallagher 8.5 Firecracker, hit-and-miss but a few hits are worth a lot! Play him in "the hole" PLEASE, he'll do opponents' heads in and create time/space for others, as well as his own threat

Waghorn 6 OK but no real impact

DJ 6.5 Decent movement, forgiveably poor first touch for chance

[Alf Bentley]

Apologies for repetitively repeated repetition: 25% computer malfunction; 25% brain/alcohol incompatibility; 50% generally impatient, defective personality.

[Finnegan]

Apologies for repetitively repeated repetition: 25% computer malfunction; 25% brain/alcohol incompatibility; 50% generally impatient, defective personality.

It's alright chap I cleaned it up, haha, I don't think I've ever seen someone post something SIX times in a row. How did you even manage that?!

[Alf Bentley]

It's alright chap I cleaned it up, haha, I don't think I've ever seen someone post something SIX times in a row. How did you even manage that?!

Honest self-assessment provided in previous post!

[Nod.E]

Weale: 7.5 - Good handling.

Neilson: 5.5 - Just always seems to do things wrong somehow. Can't complain about the effort he applies, though.

Hobbs: 7.5 - Couple of good headers. Did what was needed of him.

Brown: 8 - Not usually a fan, but tonight he was solid and seemed a man on a mission.

McGivern: 7 - Gave his winger too much time in the first half, but pulled it together in the second half and made a great tackle at the very end of the game.

Oakley: 6.5 - Nothing special, but he always looked for the simple ball, which at times proved effective.

Wellens: 7.5 - One or two good looking passes and broke up play in the middle.

King: 7.5 - Not usually a fan, but today everything he did seemed to come off.

Dyer: 6.5 - Not at his best, but not at his awful worst.

Fryatt: 6.5 - Didn't do much to add to his goals tally, but some of his little touches outside of the area were brilliant.

Howard: 6 - Nothing worked for him tonight, but he was unlucky at times, too. Always looking to do the right thing for his team. Definately should start for us, despite not scoring at the moment.

Subs:

Gallagher: 8 - He was good. Whenever he got the ball I expected something to happen. Some of his shots were tame, though. Made up for that aspect of his performance with his second goal!

Waghorn: 6 - Looked pacy, livened it up a bit.

DJ: 6 - See Waggy.

Whining bitch next to me: 0

[Candidcamera]

I am not qualified to add to this thread because I listened to the commentary but I think that the defence as a whole did well. Neilson in particular made several crucial tackles. No way of nowing how his alround game was. Also Howard seems to prepare the way for putting on the attacking options ( which didn't happenagainst Derby) - break them down. As far as I am cocerned this was a very good win.

[Jimmy]

Weale 7

Neilson 6

Hobbs 7

Brown 7

McGivern 6

Oakley 4 - anyone else would of been dropped by now, just fook off you useless git

King 6

Wellens 5

Dyer 5

Howard 6 - won most of his headers, without proper wingers that's all he can be judged on

Fryatt 5 - lots of running, shame it was into blind alleys, Gallagher got him out of jail after a terrible penalty, time for a Waghorn start me thinks

Subs

Gallagher 9 - actually looked to shoot when ever possible, was alert for the rebound on the 1st and superb lob for the second

Waghorn 6 - industrious but never got a clear cut chance

DJ 6 - 1 great chance he couldn't take looked lively and hungry to earn a start

[Simo86]

Weale 7

Neilson 6

Hobbs 8

Brown 7

McGivern 7

Oakley 5.5

Wellens 7

King 6.5

Dyer 7

Fryatt 6

Howard 6

Subs- Gallagher 9, Waghorn 6, Campbell 6

[lukielcfc]

First half performance wasn't great thought we were in for another 0-0. great subs from pearson once again.

weale 7 did what was needed nothing to spectacular. another steady performance

neilsen 7 steady game

hobbs 7 solid as per usual

brown 7.5 didnt give palace any breathing space won his fair share of headers against lee.

mcgiven 7 steady debut cracking free kick not too far away

oakley 6 dont help with him being put out wide hes not a winger!!!

king 7.5 played the holding role well today simple passes, moped up when needed too

wellens 7 quiet first half got into in more second half and got stuck in.

dyer 7 made sone lovely runs with the ball not much come of them tho thought it was harsh being subbed off but what do i know.

howard 6.5 worked really hard last night doesnt get the credit he deserves GET OFF HIS BACK AND GET BEHIND HIM!!!!

fryatt 6.5 despite the missed penalty worked hard with no real outcome rightly taken off both howard and fryatt need a rest

SUBS

gallagher 9.5 what can i say terrific performance worked hard, loads of energy, alert for the first goal. Quality technique and finish for the second glad hes broke his scoring duck well deserved!!!

waghorn 6 ran around rushed defenders into mistakes. not too many touches on the ball.

campbel 6 like waghorn ran around hurrying defenders should of scored maybe lacks in confidence bit more game time and he will score goals

pearson 9 purely on the half time team talk, seemed to get the lads going again reat subs, all had a positive impact

warnock 0 gave us a wave in the kop n still got called a w*nker = QUALITY

[milan_foxes]

Weale-7

Nielson-8 (alot better from recent games)

Brown-7.5

Hobbs-7

McGivern-7.5

Oakley-6

Wellens-4

King-9

Dyer-7

Howard-6

Fryatt-6.5

SUBS;

Gally-10

DJ- 8

Waghorn-6.5

[Guest Mee-9]

Weale-7

Nielson-7 (Still, Why do i feel nervous when he's playing?)

Brown-8 Excellent, dealt with everything palace had

Hobbs-7.5 Impressed me! Looks improving and solid

McGivern-7 Would have rather seen Bruno, but a good debut for the lad

Oakley-6 A few poor pass, Mediocre

Wellens-7 Looked sharp.

King-8 Played well, probably Man of the first half.

Dyer-7 Unlucky to be subbed, love seeing him run at the opposition

Howard-5 Have to feel sorry for him, trys hard, but NP should really drop him

Fryatt-4 Not one of his better games, Awful penalty

SUBS

Gally-10 Excellent, Sheer Class.

DJ- 6 Would like to see more of him

Waghorn-6 See DJ

Pearson - 7