Another poor away day for Eddie Howe’s Mags, as poor defending and a totally lacklustre second half saw us lose 4-2 at Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Here’s our marks out of 10 and comments all players involved in yesterday’s defeat:
Pope (5) – Conceded four and nearly embarrassed for a fifth in injury time as Mbeumo robbed him of the ball. Tough conditions for a keeper but will be disappointed.
Livramento (6) – Some good reads in defence and carried the ball well, breaking forward with pace. Made a decision to pull out of the tackle on Schade for the decisive fourth goal which would’ve been a penalty and red card. Only concern is his limited technical quality, which sometimes impacts his ability to create.
Schar (3) – A bit all over the place. Struggled in the conditions, as evidenced by losing the flight of the ball for their 3rd goal, but was also done by Mbeumo for their 4th . Sloppy in possession at times too, inviting pressure with a few poor giveaways.
Burn (5.5) – Could’ve been a bigger score line if not for some crucial challenges and a goal-line clearance, but positioning was poor for their fourth goal and he struggled with their pace in attack.
Hall (5) – Allowed Mbeumo to come onto his favoured left foot far too easily. Tough week defensively for the youngster, but his deliveries into the box are improving and he played a lovely ball in behind for Barnes in the first half. In possession he showed quality, but have to mark him down for defensive frailties.
Longstaff (4) – Big opportunity starting ahead of Tonali but unfortunately failed to capitalise. Rattled the bar early but after that offered nothing in possession and was unusually poor off the ball too.
Guimaraes (5) – Uncharacteristically sloppy in possession at times and definitely nowhere near as influential as against Liverpool. Time to persist as a number 8 rather than number 6?
Joelinton (5) – Robust without offering anything tangible in possession. Almost half way through the season and he’s started every game, yet seems he hasn’t quite found his best form.
Murphy (7) – Feast or famine. Two first half assists showed what he is capable of but also fades out of games just as quickly. Upgrade desperately needed, although he was one of the last players to blame for today’s defeat.
Barnes (6) – At fault for Brentford’s second goal with a poor giveaway then redeemed himself with the equaliser. Was the biggest threat in the first half and created a chance Murphy headed over.
Isak (6) – Got his customary goal but butchered a chance to put us 2-1 up when he rounded the keeper but waited too long and was dispossessed by Flekken. Couldn’t get into the game in the second half.
**Subs:**
Tonali (5) – Failed to add much off the bench. Howe would’ve been hoping for much more.
Gordon (5.5) – Came on in his favoured left wing position and provided plenty of energy. Had one opportunity but ballooned it over the bar.
Wilson (5) – Pretty anonymous. Relies on service into the box and received none. Looks a long way off his best form, although this will happen after so long out and a lack of pre-season.
Almiron (4) – Did nothing to convince anyone he shouldn’t be the first one sold in January. Rare opportunity but wasteful when in good positions, firing one decent chance well over. Attitude can’t be questioned but it could be his final game for us.
Trippier (5) – First touch was a free kick in a dangerous position which didn’t beat the first man. Didn’t get much better either.