Very good result in the end against a very strong Barnsley side who worked incredibly hard, often getting 3 players around our wide men. We started very brightly and with much better tempo, with Fosu and Henry getting a lot of joy down our left side. Struggled to create any clear cut chances though and our inspiration gradually fizzled out and we ended the half with Toney isolated and midfield spread across the pitch. Josh and Jensen often ending up on the wings and no-one supporting Toney. Barnsley had offered little going forward and we looked extremely comfortable at the back. Second half and JDS didn't come out after getting some rough treatment first half. Big worry as he'd been one of the most likely to create in the first half. Perversely though it worked in our favour as Marcondes, his replacement, finally gave us a midfield presence up the pitch and gave Barnsley something different to think about. This allowed us more space on the flanks and gradually we started to take control. A flurry of corners kept the pressure on with half chances coming and going but finally the pressure paid off and Toney flicked in a beautiful header into the far corner. By this point we deserved the lead and you could see the pressure drop off the players once that had gone in. We looked almost totally in control after that and should really have gone two up when Marcondes first time ball put Mbeumo clear through only for him to blast high and wide with his right foot. He came off a little later looking a very frustrated figure. He definitely needs a bit of TLC from Frank and co at the moment. Barnsley made a flurry of substitutions but we totally controlled the game after that. Only potential dark spot was Pinnock trying to usher the ball out and allowing a cross in which looked very much like Janelt handballed. Fortunately the ref didn't see it that way and we comfortably saw the game out, Forss showing he's human by missing a very good chance late on..
Overall, not at our best attacking wise again but credit Barnsley for some incredible defensive work especially first half. Confidence started to flow through the team once we went up and you have to say that we definitely don't look like conceding many at the moment. If we can get the attacking side to click a bit more then we'll be heading the right way up the table.. Good display from Fosu on the left, who'll surely have kept his place for Friday, Raya, again was excellent, sniffing out danger and pinging some superb passes out to the front three. Dalsgaard, Pontus and Henry honourable mentions though Pinnock wasn't quite his 100% best.. MOM for me though was young Janelt who looks like he's really starting to get the way we play and looked a lot, lot sharper today, very strong but good control and some exquisite passing. Think we have another gem here. Credit too to Toney who worked his arse off and won a lot of the ball without anyone being close enough to receive it and Marcondes who's movement and forward passing helped give us the momentum in the second half. Big concern over Josh though, we can't afford to lose him for any length of time. Fingers crossed it was just precautionary..
Anyway, hopefully this will give us the confidence and momentum to step up a gear v QPR on Friday. They'll be more of a threat than Barnsley but a lot more generous at the back.. Should be a good game...
Imagine him, Christian and JDS together. Solid or what!
