Player ratings following a disappointing draw with Championship strugglers
Ben Amos– 6
The Manchester United loanee had little to do other than pick the ball out of the back of his net early on during what is likely to have been his penultimate match. Command of box and distribution was solid.
Josh Vela– 7
A good showing from Vela; he worked hard and was tidy on the ball. Blackpool offered little threat down his flank, opting to dominate the centre.
Matt Mills– 5.5
Mills looked a little off-colour as his Whites career looks more and more uncertain. He uncharacteristically missed a header or two and was unconvincing on the ball early on.
Paddy McCarthy– 6
Came close with two headers where he could have arguably done better, however he was good in defence and his passing was sensible.
Tim Ream– 6
Lost his very quick marker for their first goal, but apart from that was resolute at the back and exciting going forward. He played some lovely balls down the line. Should be starting for the USMNT!
Neil Danns– 6
A decent recovery from Danns who didn`t grab the headlines but added some strength to a very slight centre of the park.
Barry Bannan– 7.5
Looked a little eccentric at times, but Bannan took the game by the scruff of its neck and got stuck in. He wasn`t afraid to go for a clever pass and boasted a phenomenal range. However, he did miss an absolute sitter- half an open goal from 5 yards out.
Liam Feeney– 6
Didn`t really get into the game before being substituted. His corners were distinctly average, as was the rest of his game. Nothing too bad, though.
Tom Walker– 6.5
Walker excites me. He has an element of unpredictability; when he gets the ball he`ll either lose it or beat a man. Worked hard down both flanks and created a few chances.
Rochinha– 5
You can tell he is a quality player. However, he was bullied by a physical Blackpool midfield featuring the bustling Jamie O`Hara.
Adam Le Fondre– 7
Worked really hard up front and was incredibly unselfish to tee up Barry Bannan, which unfortunately (through no fault of his own) ended up to be the wrong decision. He`s not just a poacher.
Emile Heskey (on for Rochinha)- 7
Made a big difference, and won headers despite being man-handled by a very physical Blackpool defence. He produced a clever leave for Le Fondre and several delightful knock downs.
Craig Davies (on for Walker)- 6
Added more physicality as well as pace. Should`ve got a penalty after being head locked by Blackpool`s Dunne. Reacted brilliantly after he headed the ball out of Joe Lewis` hands and somehow did not receive a booking.
Eidur Gudjohnsen (on for Feeney)- 7
Added a little flair late on and headed in a true poacher`s effort.
Man of the Match for me has to go to Barry Bannan whose cross eventually found the head of Eidur.
I`d also like to point out the terrible behaviour of the Blackpool players who firstly did not deserve a point out of that match and secondly were overly physical and rugby tackled players at corners. Following our goal they screamed at the ref for offside despite having players standing on their line!