1) Forward Masterclass
With Falcao and RVP up front, supported by Mata and Rooney in AM, we definitely were on top for most of the 90mins. If we can stay healthy and keep up this sort of play, we'll be very formidable given we will more often than not outscore our opponents. Falcao, for one, didn't score but had the first assist and made the decisive tackle that led to our 2nd goal. Mata was surprisingly effective, assisting the 2nd goal. RVP scored the 3rd with a sublime header. Rooney was MOTM with 2 goals and provided the 3rd assist. Impressive.
2) Wings Feature Again
Both Young and Valencia and slowly making the wins their own once more. Credit where it's due, Young is improving with each game and to see him marauding down the left wing with confidence again is a clear indication of his revival under LVG. Tony V while not as impressive, is slowly regaining his athleticism. More to come please.
3) Carrick The One Man Show
At DM, Carrick is playing the role vacated by Blind with aplomb. He adds such composure to our midfield and covers well for our lousy defence. Truly the DM role is so understated and underappreciated yet so vital to our successful season this far. I'd had hoped more people would notice the great work Blind and Carrick have been doing. In fairness to Rooney, who's played as a CM-DM, he's tracking back very well too. Clearly he was our player with the best stamina.
4) Defensively Frail Still
Evans and Jones were not the worst defenders on the day, but the mere fact tht young Paddy McNair was played in the centre of the defensive trio said it all about LVG's confidence, or lack of, in those two. Jones can be a monster at defence when he gets his groove back, but while doing well most game, that clumsy lazy leg that gave a penalty really shows he's still got to try harder. Evans also put in an ok shift but nothing to shout about. Still prone to contributing a few nervy moments here and there. McNair is one to watch for the future along with Tyler Blackett. In LVG's 3-5-2 formation, the trio that's worked best so far with ironically the most composure IMHO is Smalling-Rojo-Blackett/McNair. And still that doesn't fill anyone with full confidence.
5) DDG
Speaking of confidence, the standout player of the season is David de Gea by a mile. He's really turning in stellar performances left, right and centre. Hopefully his contract situation gets sorted soon and I hope he will be with us for the rest of his career. This season, the number of times I've messaged, "OMG DDG" is now countless.
Well Spurs away are up next in this Christmas period bonanza. I hope we grind out a win at White Hart Lane.
GGMU!!!
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