After the second goal went in I thought we were on to run up a cricket score - Maxi's finish for his second goal was second to none and his movement and intelligence is something this side has missed. Like everyone else, I echo the questions as to why he hasn't featured more, he does go missing in games but like Kuyt tends to pop up with the goals, he's worth having when this current crop a struggling to hit the net.
The turning point was Flannagan's back pass, in fact he looked dodgy from the off last night and to me hasn't looked the fullback he showed at the tail end of last season. However, when a team is on form it is easier to shine for a younger lad like Flannagan, when we're in a rut it can't be easy for the young ones, especially when the experienced players around you are struggling. But, Flannagan had a nightmare and has looked like an accident waiting to happen IMO recently. And that accident happened last night.
I thought Skertel was good (again), and again I echo the sentiments that he looks for more accomplished and assured when Carragher isn't playing. Moment of the match for me was Skertel's pass to Bellamy! I personally hope Jamie doesn't start against the Bitters on Sat'day, he now makes our entire back four look edgy and his moaning probably doesn't help them either.
I didn't think Henderson was as good as people made out, although he actually looked better at right back and tried to get forward more from there than he has done in midfield.

. Apart from Bellamy's cross for Maxi's first goal I thought he was average tbh, don't get me wrong he worked hard and when we're down to 10 men it's more of a 'hand to the pump' job and that's probably why Bellamy wasn't able to threaten as much in the final third as he could have.
Shelvey is starting to grow on me, slowly. He's still raw and needs much coaching as does Carroll but he does have talent and looks to oppose himself in the final third more so than the likes of Henderson and Downing do, this is a big plus for him IMO and if he can continue to improve he could turn out to be quite the player.
Kudos to Carroll, the amount of stick he's gotten from the media, commentators, neutral fans and some of our own has been shocking, so it's good to see him shut some of these c.unts up for a while, at least. He worked hard and got his just rewards, made up for him.

Champions of England 2020.
YNWA