Shinji Okazaki

[shen]

Think he knows now that being on the floor isn't the way to do a job.

 

He actually went to ground many times looking for the foul. Don't really know what you're on about. He did fine with Ulloa on the whole though, which is comforting in Vardy's absence.

[AKCJ]

Can't help but love him.

 

Great goal today and worked his arse off.

 

Thought we'd miss Kante in the middle but Inler and King were superb.

[Countryfox]

I think there's a lot more to come from him and look forward to seeing him progress but we still need more cover in this area if we want to finish the season strongly.

[The Doctor]

Big thing today is that he showed he could be an effective line leader in the absence of Vardy

[filbertway]

Thought his performance was along the lines of all his other performances, spent a lot of time on the deck. Only difference is he looked tidy when presented with a chance, real nice play to rinse alderweireld (had to google that one). Looks really good with the ball at his feet in the box and seems like he could play the out and out striker role. The rest of the time, he looks incredibly weak and gives away possession to easily.

[AyewJoking]

if mahrez rinsed an opponent like that, the world would cream its pants.

[filbertstreet]

what's the shinji chant? couldn't make it out

[les-tah]

Shinji is a very god I act sub!!! Ulloa is not!!

[Fox92]

if mahrez rinsed an opponent like that, the world would cream its pants.

 

Agree.

[filbertway]

He took his goal really well against Everton as well. Seems completely wasted being asked to battle and hold the ball up when he loses it so easily. Give the man the ball in the box though and he will work some magic.

[theessexfox]

Showed some class touches after he scored and the song for him was brilliant too.

[Suffolk exile]

How can you not love a guy who celebrates with a smile like his!

Thought he changed the game for us today - Ulloa was much better with alongside him.

[Babylon]

Two games he's really got forward more he's had much more impact. Can see why he did well in Germany when not having to drop deep and play back to goal.

[Daz93]

I think Alderweireld is still looking around for which way he went.

[Raj]

if mahrez rinsed an opponent like that, the world would cream its pants.

Yep that was pure class ..and what a lovely smile when he scores!!!

[Charl91]

That dummy was ****ing disgusting. I bet Alderweireld has got PTSD after that one.

 

Brilliant play there from Okazaki. One of my favourite goals this season.

[Thracian]

Glad to add my congratulations on one of his best performances to date. His goal might have looked a bit clumsy but he made the run deep into the box to which King could direct his first-time pass and, having had his first effort blocked, was sharp enough to react first and gobble up the rebound.

 

That sort of devilish impact in the box is what i want to see more from him. He's got a low centre of gravity, displayed some previously unseen close control and the bravery/determination to make something from nothing which is one of the important things we've been missing at times...someone to grab the poacher's goals.

 

Elsewhere he remained busy but no-one's ever doubted that. But his movement and that of Gray (and Dyer to a lesser extent) offered more passing opportunities and more options for moving forward than we've shown of late which, together with Gray's set-pieces meant some action in our goals column again, and very refreshing it was too.

 

Around 7.5/10 for Shinji (mindful of his goal) which is damn good for one half.

[Vlad the Fox]

I don't think I've ever seen a player look so happy when he scores.

[Raj]

I don't think I've ever seen a player look so happy when he scores.

Hes like a kid living the dream...its great to see...genuine happiness!!

[Thracian]

I don't think I've ever seen a player look so happy when he scores.

 

 

Haha I said the very same to my missus. He was absolutely high on it.  

[StanSP]

wasn't Alderweireld the 1 that got dummied by Mahrez for the equaliser at home earlier this season?

[inckley fox]

He actually went to ground many times looking for the foul. Don't really know what you're on about. He did fine with Ulloa on the whole though, which is comforting in Vardy's absence.

 

I was just thinking this too, that he actually spent most of his time on the floor again. I was watching the game with a friend who was screaming at the guy for this reason for much of the second half, and with a small but admissible degree of justification. Good goal though, and enough to suggest that he should be the support man ahead of Ulloa.

 

Ulloa, for his part, held the ball up at times and made a few decent defensive clearances, but it was noticeable that he was a total passenger for the final ten minutes, and this contributed to the backs-to-the-wall nature of the closing stages.

 

Considering we conceded a goal during this period - as unjust as it might have been - and considering Ulloa's utter lack of effort in the first half of the last game was a major factor in us conceding the initiative to Bournemouth, I'd say that Okazaki should definitely get the nod next game.

 

Still, a second striker should be a priority in the transfer window if we wish to push for the top four. Okazaki might pip Ulloa, but I've seen little to suggest that he's the definitive answer.

[GaelicFox]

Ulloa just looks slow and lazy at times , which is probably just a visual thing !

As a plan B when reverting to 4-4-2 We could do with a proper big OX who gets around quickly and in people's faces and holds the ball up well , Felleni anyone ? (Que bullets)

A gelded Costa type !

[foxfanazer]

Changed the game today. Actually forced himself into the game rather than just running around like a headless chicken. Great run for the goal too

[ian_marshall]

Looked a lot better playing off the shoulder running onto the channels rather than playing with his back to goal. Today's performance reminded me of his early performances in a City shirt.