Non Multa Sed Multum

"Not many, yet much!" i.e. Not quantity but quality.

I thought this was an appropriate phrase to represent our win today against a resilient Reading side fighting for survival in the league.

As the Yak decided to go walkabout after the ACN and was hence fined and suspended we were without him upfront.With Anichebe injured (and Faddy at Birmingham!) we were with only 2 fit strikers and Moyes decided to go with AJ upfront alone. Manny, Ossie, Arteta, Cahill and Carsley made up the midfield and Yobo came in at CB and Lescott moved to LB.

The match started very scrappily and as early as the 1st minute, Reading had a free kick which Hunt struck well to make Howard save well to his left. Reading seemed to have the better of the possession as we contrived to a lot of hoofball...Hunt especially was making life tough for us. Reading had the better of the chances too as the 1st half drew to a close.We threatened the Reading goal just before the half-time whistle but i was sure that the lads were in for a earfull from Moyes at the break.

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I was relieved to see Vaughan come on at the start of the 2nd half but was surprised that it was at the expense of Manny as I thought he actually looked ok... thought Ossie should'a come off. Vaughan almost made an instant impact as he crossed from the left and both Cahill and AJ were too late sliding in the 6 yard box. The pace of the game was much better as we made better runs forward. Reading were not totally out of it as they had a few chances of their own.

Then at the hour mark Ossie chipped the ball into the box and Reading back line got the offside trap wrong as Jags headed in from the back post over a helpless Hahnemann.After that we peppered their goal but didnt manage to score.To their credit,Reading never gave in...and were denied by a combination of Jags,Howard and just plain luck as they even hit the post once.Vaughan had an amazing over-head kick saved by Hahnemann.AJ was put through on goal...rounded Hahnemann yet somehow shot into the side netting when all i thought could happen was see the back of the net bulge.

The last bit of the game was nervy but we managed to hold on for the win.

With the other contenders for 4th place facing tough games this weekend..RS against Chelski....City against Man Utd....and Rovers against the Arse....we did well to win today.Villa won impressively against Newcastle and Pompey beat Bolton so we arent free from the chasing pack yet...

The Team assessment is as follows.

Howard:Had a decent game..few of his kicks were poor but didnt have much else to do to be fair
Neville: Terrible passing from him today but thankfully we didnt pay for it.
Yobo: He was a rock at the back today...so glad to have him back
Jagielka: Has turned into a soild performer for us at the back..doesnt hurt when he pops up with a vital goal like he did today..was my man of the match...closely followed by Yobo.
Lescott: Did well bombing forward on the left..almost cost us at the back one time thought.
Carsley: Made some tellin tackles as always...never one to shy away from the tough stuff.
Arteta: Inconsistent from set pieces but still essential to our progress...great to see his comments about loyalty to the club.
Fernandes: Was a bit sluggish but hoped he would get some time on the pitch to regain his form.
Osman: Works hard but when Pienaar gets back...he may struggle to start.
Cahill: Missed a few times today and looked jaded...guess flying half way across the world to play for his country takes its toll on even him.
Johnson: Worked hard but his miss in the 2nd half was disappointing.to say the least.
Sub:
Vaughan: Do we need any more evidence that he needs to start...livewire on the field..nearly set-up and scored one.

So we head into the week with a UEFA Cup away game awaiting us..hoping to have the Yak,Vic, and possible Pienaar back for that game... maybe even Baines... let's aim for a win the 1st leg to ease the nerves and a great home game a week later... COYB

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Michael Hunt
1   Posted 10/02/2008 at 10:26:16

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Agree 100% Santosh, spot on for me.

Very good point re Vaughan, pn performance alone he deserves a starting place now...I’m 100% sure he will score at least one against Brann (and break through Man City’s stubborn defence). Considering the issues the current issues with Yak as well, I’m hoping Moyes turns to James Vaughan immediately rather than off the bench. Off the bench works best with Vic, but Vaughan is a different kettle of fish.


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