Where did that come from? Wigan are poor but I thought we were absolutely outstanding tonight, in every single way. We did everything tonight that we've been failing to do all season. We were determined, aggressive, and ruthless. Even in the first 30 mins when it was more even I thought we were doing a lot right, and had put a couple of quality moves together.
To have almost the entire first team taken out, and then go and win away 5-0 takes some doing. Some of the moves we put together were superb, not least the one for Virtues goal. In fact, we've scored some fantastic team goals this season, we just haven't done it anywhere near often enough.
I don't always do individual player comments but can't help myself this time ☺
Maxwell - good positioning, and pulled off a great save in the second half. Reliable.
Gabriel - I'd be delighted if we signed this guy permanently, he's a very good player and would be a real asset. Still improving too. Solid defensively and a threat going forward.
Husband - I've always said that I think we can do better, but I'm going to swallow my pride tonight, I thought he was outstanding, and my MOM. Seems he's not giving up his spot for Garbutt without a fight and I say good for him. Made a good claim to keep it tonight.
Ekpiteta - clean sheet and a goal. What more can you say, perfect evening for him. Possibly our best signing this season? I feel a lot more comfortable when he has the ball now than at the start of the season, seems to have thrived under Critchley. Maybe his best success story so far.
Thorniley - I think his two appearances recently have really made a case for keeping him. And I wouldn't be unhappy if we did. Some players may have had a don't care attitude after being told they can leave but he's really stepped it up instead. Good attitude and certainly given Critchley something to think about.
Williams - I know he's not for everyone, he's not as composed or cultured as others, but I think he's a useful player to have. He puts himself about more than any of our other midfielders and sometimes you need that. Played well, especially in the first 30 mins which was much more a battle.
Robson - did the simple things well and seems to compliment Williams.
Virtue - still a bit rusty but improved as the game went on. His goal was another example of doing something we haven't done all season - getting midfielders forward into goalscoring positions, and it was a great finish. He can get goals and offers us something different to our other midfielders. I can see him becoming a regular. Most successful sides get goals from midfield.
Lubala - he can be frustrating to watch, you just feel he's about to really take someone on and then he doesn't. I think a regular run in the side will do wonders for him, and he's certainly got the right attitude, but perhaps lacking a little bit of confidence? He also tracked back well and overall good performance. Justified selection ahead of kaikai imo.
Yates - nine goals now, from really struggling to get his first goal for us, he's stealthily becoming a 20 goal striker for us. Can never fault his effort and seems to be finding that knack of being in the right place at the right time.
Madine - gave their defence a torrid time. Held the ball up well and linked up with others. He's the lynchpin, I think we're a much better team with him in it. Won the flick on for the fourth goal too.
Difficult to rate the subs, but I will say that Simms looked very good. Finally we have someone that made some great runs - we've really missed that because Madine and Yates often play with their back to goal. Could be a KDH quality signing.......or I might be getting carried away bit.
Also, great to see Apter get on the pitch, a BFC youth player, and won the corner for the fifth.
Overall, it was a perfect night and I can't fault them. Excellent performance from a depleted team, and this really needs to be held up as the standard we need.