I imagine we’ve all experienced a last-minute City winner. We’ve certainly had some corkers over the years. Roberts vs Mansfield, Noble vs Palace and Smith vs Manchester United all spring to mind. With every late winner comes carnage, euphoric scenes in the stands. When it comes away from home, it’s even more chaos. Bottle those emotions up and you’d make a killing.
There was only one overriding emotion for me after Nahki Wells’ 93rd minute winner. Disbelief. Normally I’m rolling down a couple rows, hugging a stranger or kissing a mate. I’ve cracked phones, dropped wallets and grazed shins because of winners. All these things were going on around me at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, on Saturday. I was trying to get involved, it’s often impossible not to. This time all I could think about was the ridiculousness of the situation. The fact that we in no way deserved to win.
I had a marvellous time at QPR, don’t get me wrong. There’s something about a hard fought win away win that really gets the blood pumping. They’re always more enjoyable than one at Ashton Gate. This win was a total anomaly, let’s be frank. Even the most hardcore City fan will admit that it came undeservedly.
Who Stood Out for Us?
We certainly have QPR’s woeful finishing to thank for the result last Saturday. Most City fans will be lauding the brilliance of Dan Bentley, were it not for his heroics we’d have been battered. His performance was a fantastic response to the howler against Luton. He has his shaky moments, that’s for sure. Yet time and time again he shows us all why he should be regarded as one of the best keepers in the division. It’s surely only a matter of time until he’s playing in the Premier League.
You could apply that same last sentence to Han-Noah Massengo. The team performance was lacklustre at best, he was one of the few outfield starters to come away with any credit. He’s everywhere right now in that midfield, a certain starter for the foreseeable future. Andi Weimann should get some plaudits, to assist both goals in a game where we created virtually nothing is impressive. A player who’s hard work and endeavour are crucial to the team.
Who Stays, Who Goes for Fulham and Millwall?
I imagine those three players will be starting our next two games. Nigel Pearson has made it clear that if you play well, you can keep your place. Despite taking three points at QPR there will be very few others who are certain of keeping their place against Fulham.
QPR and Fulham play similar football. With a much better squad at their disposal the latter will provide a seriously tough test. We’ll need technical players on the pitch, maintaining possession will be incredibly difficult. When we get the ball will we be able to use it? We scored two goals with 37% possession against QPR, we did not create enough chances however. Despite finishing one of those chances I would be fine with Chris Martin being rested, he brings a lot to the team but Wells’ winner is a good enough excuse to give him a rare start. Wells and Weimann are a mobile front two, one we’ve rarely seen. If we’re going to have to settle for a counter attacking style, their movement would suit it. Dasilva is a must, formation depending.
Millwall on Wednesday will be a completely different test. For years they’ve been a constant frustration. A thorn in our side. With one point from our last four games against them, you’d think we were due a win. Depending on what happens this weekend, you’d imagine there’d be a few switches. The styles of Fulham and Millwall are worlds apart. You wouldn’t be surprised to see the likes of Martin, Baker and Vyner all come in. It’ll be a tough physical match all about the 50/50s, second balls and percentages. If Saturday’s match is going to be about the technical, Wednesday’s match will be about the physical. Whatever the games are about, you hope we will create more chances than we did on Saturday. Although I’ll never say no to an undeserved win.