MotM v Livingston

[Frankie 8,200]

Easy to criticise the players last night for a mediocre performance but I'd like to go against the grain a wee bit. First of all the awful conditions shouldn't be underplayed. Same with losing so many key players - Aribo, Kent and Morelos are three vital cogs in the machine.

 

Moreover, as much as we struggled at times, I think the players worked very hard and kept asking questions. Yes, genuine quality wasn't there for the most part but the attitude was good which is a positive. I also felt Barisic, Tav, Lowry, Sakala and Goldson had good games.

 

My own man of the match was James Tavernier.  Time and time again this guy leads from the front in terms of getting us into games and last night was another captain's performance.  It wasn't a vintage display by any means but I think it was his positive attitude that allowed us to really peg Livi back and finally get the goal.

[Sutton_blows_goats 4,453]

Slim pickings. I'll go for Sakala.

[the gunslinger 3,366]

Between Lowry, Sakala and Kamara for me. 

 

Went for Lowry lost the ball a couple of times but did things with the ball we don't see from the likes of Hagi or Kent who are theoretically far more accomplished players. 

 

 

[MacK1950 2,258]

Went for Sakala said that to my son before tannoy announcement.

From where we sit he was great to watch in second half.

[onevision 1,473]

Voted Sakala.

Lowery, Kamara and Tav had good matches.

[stewarty 1,896]

Sakala as he was a constant threat.   Hopefully he can dial in his decision making in the final third

[Bill 13,717]

I thought Lowry again looked good in spells but his influence on the game was actually quite limited compared with Tavernier, Goldson and my nomination Sakala, whose energy and directness were so refreshing. I actually felt Sands turned in another competent performance and is starting to settle in quite well. So pleased for Arfield.

 

Our midfield was quite wasteful at times, I can't remember Kamara making so many misplaced passes. I think Calvin Bassey's form is becoming a little concerning and we need to find a way to coax his confidence back to life. I'd like to see Balogun or Helander back in central defence, with Bassey competing for the LB role again. 

Edited January 27, 2022 by Bill

[MacK1950 2,258]

13 minutes ago, Bill said:

, I can't remember Kamara making so many misplaced passes.

Problem is it happens too often in games for me.

[Bill 13,717]

1 hour ago, MacK1950 said:

Problem is it happens too often in games for me.

It's hard to understand why Kamara has gone off the boil. He still shows his talent in phases but his concentration lapses too often for a fully established first team player. This started well before GVB arrived so it's not the change of manager. Perhaps he's too comfortable, needs competition.

 

[DMAA 3,606]

I’ve given it to Lowry because of the quality of chances he created, he could easily have been walking away with a few assists. 
 

Sakala had a major influence and was deserving of the award though, despite being a bit wasteful. And Arfield could get it for that goal alone, a moment of pure magic that won the game.