Just back from the game and what can I say? Top performance. The scoreline in no way flatters us. It could have easily been 4 or 5 at half time.
Artur: kicking was much better today and can't remember him having any significant save to make.
Shaw: Solid. Very consistent at the moment and today showed that he can really defend when he needs to.
Lovren and Fonte: won a few good headers, never looked troubled. One of the easiest afternoons they have had all season.
Chambers: skinned a couple of times in the first ten minutes and got heaps of it from Poch! After that he was great. A couple of cracking crosses and a real threat going forward. Took a couple of knocks in the second half but was immense. He is going to be some player.
Cork, JWP and Davis: bossed the midfield. Get Cork signed up. JWP has looked a little lightweight/off the pace for me of late but today had a much, much better game. Strong and assured and the usual great dead ball delivery. Davis: his usual workhorse performance, excellent again. Replaced by Morgan (hard luck Newcastle!).
Rodriguez: Two goals, chased everything down, tireless work. Should have had at least one more. Off to Brazil? Yes. Replaced late on by Big Sam.
Lambert: best game he has had for a while. Awesome performance. Put JRods first on a plate for him and scored himself. Standing ovation. Off to Brazil? Yes.
Replaced by Gaston.
Gaston: First two touches were awful but the pass for JRods second was brilliant and was rightly applauded by plenty of his team mates.
Which brings me to my MOTM.
Adam Lallana was everywhere today.
He was quite simply, a class above every other player on the pitch. Cracking left foot finish. He is worth the season ticket money all on his own and I haven't said that about anyone since MLT.
If he stays fit and doesn't go to Brazil I will eat my own pants. For me he is an absolute shoe in for an England start. Applauded off by a fair few of the Newcastle fans. He was that good.
All in all a belting afternoon.
I can also recommend La Tavernetta Italian Restaurant opposite the Civic Centre. Good food and a nice bottle of Rioja. Don't tell them I sent you though. I think the waitress is still blushing from some of the banter.
Happy days. Enjoy MOTD!
COYR!
