Gabe has had some time to dwell, and gives us his thoughts on last Saturday’s starters.
Mark Howard (9)
Last week, I claimed that Mark Howard wasn`t being tested enough from the opposition…well that changed.
Howard was absolutely world class! In the first half he was pretty much kept quiet not having to make single save. But in the second half the Dons came racing out of the blocks and Kieran Agard tested Howard with an acrobatic save that was destined to curl into the top corner.
Soon after the Dons got an equaliser that ended up being a scruffy goal as initially Howard got down well to stop Colclough but the rebound was bundled in.
Also just after the referee controversially gave a penalty to the Dons after Lewis Buxton pulled back Agard, when the contact was clearly outside the box. However the decision wasn`t going to distract Howard and the experienced goalkeeper pulled out a phenomenal reflex save to tip it onto the bar then coolly as you like collect the ball from the bounce down. A brilliant performance from Howard and I’m sure he now has everyone`s backing as number one goalkeeper after a performance like that. More of the same please Mark!
Lewis Buxton (4)
Personally I felt he looked the weak link in the team. Lacked pace and energy, you could see that Karl Robinson had looked at the right side and tried to target Buxton especially. Felt sorry for him on the penalty as it was clearly outside the box, however he did allow Agard to cut inside when really Buxton should try to keep Agard as wide as possible. Not a terrible performance but I have to admit a lot of work has to be done to improve or he could cost us.
David Wheater (6)
Another good performance for the big man. He does look slightly fatigued but I`m hoping he can recover quickly. Agard did trouble him due to the amount of pace he had but Wheater did make some good tackles in dangerous areas. So overall I`m pleased.
Mark Beevers (8)
If it wasn`t for Howard`s brilliant performance, Beevers would have had MOTM. Another great performance from Beevers and even grabbed a goal. His thunderous strike rattled off the crossbar and into the net. He also made a great tackle in the second half when Agard was through, came across, slid and then somehow got a leg across and stopped Agard from getting a shot off. A great signing considering we didn`t pay a penny.
Andrew Taylor (5)
It was hard to judge Taylor`s performance. Did provide good width when needed but I feel he was told to stay back when attacking. Did nothing bad but nothing that convinced me he`s a better option than Moxey. A hard one, leave your thoughts below in the comments on Andrew Taylor`s performance.
Jay Spearing (7)
Another gritty performance from the Wanderers captain. Leading by example, he is the heart and soul of the Wanderers team. He made some good and strong tackles to prevent some counter attacks. He played his part and sometimes he isn`t appreciated enough because most of his hard work is unseen. Another positive game.
Josh Vela (5)
Another one that I can`t really judge that heavily on. Not his energetic self and some of his passing was poor. However he definitely has a big part to play, maybe too much game time might be a problem. But I feel Vela will get back to his usual self in the coming weeks because we will need him especially in the game against Bradford.
Liam Trotter (5)
Similar to Vela, a lack of energy in midfield. He is working hard and it`s a very big improvement from last season. Maybe more composure on the ball and better passing accuracy, Trotter will be a good asset to us.
James Henry (6)
Technically brilliant. Still lacking full match fitness, but very promising signs from the attacking midfielder. Dictates the central areas with his vision and control of the ball. All that`s lacking now are the goals, if he grabs a few and keeps contributing with his unique play he could become a fan favourite.
Keshi Anderson (4)
I feel very harsh giving Anderson the low rating but I have no evidence to suggest he deserves higher. A complete opposite from last week, lack of runs in the channels and was on his heels for a lot of the balls being played through. Also had a great chance to make it 2-0 and could have squared it across to James Henry for a certain tap in but selfishly took the shot on and ended up being a poor effort. I also think it ended up not being his day, expecting a good performance at Walsall.
Jamie Proctor (6)
A Kevin Daviesesque performance from the ex-Bradford striker. His first touch was very good and held up the ball very well. I was very pleased with Proctor as his hard work is paying off and a great header to assist Mark Beevers for the goal. All we now need is goals from him and he could play a big part in the League One revolution.
Ref Watch – Peter Bankes (1) Yes that`s right a one rating. A shambles of a performance from the referee. Gave some dreadful decisions including multiple pulls on Jamie Proctor and a clear foul on James Henry in the box.
But the most controversial decision was the ridiculous decision to award a penalty when the contact was way outside the box. The EFL definitely need to review the referee`s performances because at the moment they have been atrocious. Ironically Karl Robinson even came out and discussed what a poor performance the referee had.