We’re back! After a long wait, Town returned to winning ways with a fine performance over Bournemouth. More pleasing than the result was the manner in which we achieved it. The “Terrier Identity” was back, with aggressive pressing and attacking intent.
It’s a pleasure to write these player rating articles after this kind of performance because there were so many players that played well. After widespread underperformance for quite a while, it’s good to see so many putting in a decent shift.
Jonas Lössl – 7 out of 10
Didn’t have that much work to do, as we limited Bournemouth’s chances. It’s hard to blame him for their goal, as Stanislas had time to steady himself and pick his shot from close range. His distribution was good and he helped us to keep possession and build up our attacks by finding available players.
Scott Malone – 7 out of 10
This game was like Malone’s time at Town consolidated into one performance. There were good things, dodgy things, and everything in between. He played a great ball down the line to set Mounié free for the opener, made some important headed clearances and tackled well at times.
On the other hand, an attempted clearance went wrong with a spectacular airshot and could have led to a goal. He also drifted out of position too often. So, on balance he was a seven out of ten, but some elements deserved a nine and others were a four.
Christopher Schindler – 9 out of 10
He keeps on turning in great performances in the Premier League, and this was another one. He snuffed out Wilson for long periods and made some great tackles when he stepped out of defence to break up play.
Zanka – 8 out of 10
Made some good tackles and his distribution was much improved. A commanding prescence at the back.
Florent Hadergjonaj – 8 out of 10
His pace and tenacity make him a valuable asset in the right-back position. He seems to have grown in confidence over the course of the season and is more willing to receive the ball and run at defenders.
Jonathan Hogg – 10 out of 10
Hogg had one of his best games in a Town shirt against Bournemouth. Broke up play all over the pitch and worked tirelessly, as ever. He’s a leader on the pitch too, constantly organising the rest of the team and talking to the players. With Gareth Southgate in the stands it makes me wonder if he’ll get an England call-up soon.
Aaron Mooy – 8 out of 10
Set up two goals and made some excellent passes at other times too. Town’s more attacking approach meant he had more targets to aim for when passing forward, but he was also much-improved on his recent form. It’s a real shame that he went off injured but it sounds like it’s not as bad as it initially looked, a deep cut but no ligament damage.
Rajiv van La Parra – 8 out of 10
His decision making in the final third is still questionable, but he had a good game otherwise. Made a lot of runs, caused problems with his skill and provided an outlet to relieve pressure on the defence. He took his penalty well, but everyone else in the stadium wanted Mounié to take it. You can’t grumble too much as he scored it, but it’s not good to see squabbling over who’s going to take a penalty.
Alex Pritchard – 8 out of 10
I was expecting a lot from Pritchard to be honest, because we’ve been crying out for an out-and-out number 10 all season. His contribution was a major factor in Town’s improved performance against Bournemouth. He linked up well with Mounié, dropped into midfield when needed, and added a spark of creativity in the final third.
He took his goal well in the opening stages, making a clever forward run to meet Mounié’s square ball. He also won the penalty for our fourth goal with his skill on the ball. I’m excited to see more of him in a Town shirt.
Tom Ince – 6 out of 10
Didn’t have a huge impact on the game, but looked more of a threat out wide than playing centrally. He still looks a bit low on confidence to me, which seems to hold him back. I hope he’s going to establish himself as a key player for us, as the issues in his game are more mental than physical.
It’s strange that Ince should struggle to get his head right because his competition for the right-wing slot is Collin Quaner. The big German’s mentality is perfect but his natural ability is a long way behind Ince’s. If you could put Big Col’s head on Ince’s body then we’d have a player to fear!
Steve Mounié – 9 out of 10
He’s taken a lot of stick this season, some deserved and some not but there will be few who quibble with this performance against Bournemouth. He worked hard, got on the ball more than I’ve seen and showed his quality where it mattered.
His header for the goal was superb (as was Mooy’s cross), with great movement and leap to power the ball into the net. His finish for the second, which was later changed to an own goal, was a cool strike into the bottom corner. Given the right service, he’ll score plenty more for us.
Substitutes
Terrence Kongolo – 7 out of 10
Provided more defensive solidity in the left-back slot when he came on. Looks confident on the ball and kept things organised at the back.
Collin Quaner – 7 out of 10
Made some vital defensive clearances and made a few runs forward.
Philip Billing – N/A
Came on following Mooy’s injury and helped to see out the game. Blazes a shot over and stood around looking hopeful during the debate over penalty takers but otherwise just sat deep and shored things up in the last ten minutes or so.
Excellent article as usual.Thought Pritchard deserved more than 8 out 10 – especially if van the man also got 8. Kongolo will be a major star in the Prem but unfortunately probably not with us!