Finally, it all comes together. All the various factors which had given fans reasons for optimism over the past few weeks finally all seemed to come together at once, resulting in a victory that was much deserved.
Once more, last months "squad rotation" is this months "consistency of selection". For the fourth consecutive game, Jim Magilton retained a largely unchanged line-up.
David Norris returned to the line-up, as was probably to be expected, at the expense of Jon Stead, as was probably expected. Whilst the formation remained the same, Jon Walters was moved into a forward position to accomodate Norris behind him.
All over the pitch there were good performances and glowing vindications of players continued roles in the side.
In goal, Richard Wright was rarely troubled, but on the two occasions in the first half that he was, he produced outstanding saves to keep the scores level. After a difficult first few months at Town, it was a timely reminder of just what Wright brings to the position.
Equally so, Gareth McAuley. After some indifferent early performances, allied to some unconvinced home supporters, McAuleys performances over the last month have grown with each passing game. A flawless game, where he was more than a match for QPRs forward line, McAuley showed his composure on the ball as he repeatedly brought the ball out of defence and started attacks with controlled passing.
Moritz Volz continues to shine at full back, looking very much the Premiership player on loan in the Championship that he is. David Wrights performances continue to grow, perhaps aided by the consistent appearances of Alan Quinn ahead of him.
Quinn himself was probably the most disappointing of performers on Saturday, yet he remains the only real option at left midfield, owing to his generally solid performances and the lack of serious alternatives there. However, to some extent that may well have changed on Saturday. Owen Garvan had another composed and assurred performance in central midfield, but it was his move to left midfield late in the game to accomodate substitutions that gave most food for thought. Garvan has previously played left midfield earlier in the season against Wolves, where he disappointed. However, on Saturday, he showed that his left foot can be of real value on the left of midfield. It was refreshing to find a player willing to run past his opposite number on the outside, rather than continually checking inside and he fed the forwards with several intelligent passes. It suddenly represents a real alternative for Town at left midfield, particularly as it allows Garvan to retain his place whilst accomodating David Norris in central midfield.
Norris himself continues to prove himself a highly influential player. His quality of touch alongside his energy levels makes him just as valued in the centre of midfield as on the right. In the centre, Veliche Shumulikoski continues to show the class on the ball which has been evident for much of his burgeoning Ipswich career. His ability to win the ball and distribute with quality made him the stand-out player of the first half. It seems unlikely that Ivan Campo will be able to force him out of the side for some time, unless tiredness prevails.
Up front, Kevin Lisbie toiled once again, a willing runner without particularly drawing enough of the ball. However, as the game went on, so Lisbie seemed to get more joy as he found he was able to pick the ball up on the break and run at the QPR defence. Unfortunately, when his teammates eventually threaded him that perfect through-pass, he missed the one-on-one with the keeper and so it seems he will drop from the side once more.
However, as a result of Jim Magiltons squad, there is a player now bang in confidence and ready to step in to the first team again. Jon Stead is that man. After struggling to find form, Stead sprang from the bench and made an instant impression with two good goals that could very easily have ended in a second half hat trick.
Finally, Jon Walters had joy all afternoon against QPRs centrebacks. After a first half in which he revelled, winning most of the physical contests, Walters eventually returned to his favoured right midfield role, where he continued to terrorise the opposition defence. It was a performance that showed he is returning to the form of last season, and the evidence of Walters performances seeming to click into place seem to have mirrored those of the team.
A season high league placing, with two winnable away games to come. Four points will provide a great platform for the team to really make some impact this season. Suddenly, the top six doesnt seem all that far away.
No comments:
Post a Comment