At the other end of the pitch, Randal Kolo Muani made his first start and completed an hour’s shift. “Yeah, happy,” said Thomas. “I think, again, good steps going forward, good to get 60 minutes get into him. I think he looks good. Of course, there's much more to come. He's not physically where we want him to be, but a good first step.”
Asked about Randal in his post-match press conference, Thomas added: “It was pleasing to see his first 60 minutes. He's still building his physicality and sharpness. I'm pleased with what I saw, but it's the first steps, so there's more to come. I think at times I like some of the movement, the interactions with the front four, but that is an ongoing project or process."
Meanwhile, there was a tweak in the forward areas with Mo Kudus moving inside from the right into the ‘10’ role with Brennan Johnson starting on the right and Xavi Simons on the left of the front four, with Randal up top.
“We tried to mix it up a little bit,” added Thomas. “I think another one we need to praise is Brennan Johnson. I think the way he came in and solved the task… I liked his directness. I think he was positive going forward, very good defensively, very happy with him. We needed him with what he can do, and then try to have Mo in there, because we think it fits with Mo and Xavi, and then Djed came up a little higher.”