[Slick_Footwork]

It’s funny how we see a game differently. Unlike Slick, I thought Kanu was totally ineffective and, whilst working hard, contributed nothing. Whilst JRod and Gayle were not hugely better, they both scored and are always likely to do so. For me, this doesn’t apply to Kanu - I honestly have no idea what BD thinks he adds to the team.
Today was a wretched performance. I know it was individual errors that cost us but the midfield was lightweight and had no creator or pace. Pulis set up two banks of big players and we had no idea how to break them down. The substitutions in the second half were the wrong ones. Pulis schooled BD today.

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Also meant to say that I listened to BD’s post match interview on WM on my way home. Five minutes of utter nothing. I love the guy but I’m really struggling to take him seriously as a manager

I think Darren Moore just played Kanu today because he didn't want to change a winning team. Personally I think he should've been dropped from the start as he's been poor in recent games. But Moore continues to operate with this 'keep a winning team philosophy' that he's rolled with since last season.

That said, I did think Kanu played well today. He worked hard, was good on the ball, and was the one player trying to turn the cumbersome Middlesborough defenders on the floor and was often getting the better of them. He held the ball up every time he'd got it and I think he only gave the ball away once.

I thought overall, he was the best of the 3 strikers today - although JRod did show good goalscoring instincts for both goals. I think Gayle's overall performances are not helped by Moore's insistence to play him out wide though. He's probably the best out and out striker in the division

Moore's decision to replace Kanu seemed to be based on past performances rather than today's performance IMO. Given we were 2-1 up at the time, I don't really see why we needed to rush Murphy in, as will not have trained with the lads. If we were chasing the game it would've made more sense.

As for the midfield, I agree entirely, and shows the nativity of Moore's 'stick with a winning team' mantra. After all, the midfield trio of Harper, Field and Barry was only forged due to an injury crisis. IMO our performance at Bolton was poor, despite winning. It seemed obvious after that game that the same XI wouldn't be good enough in tougher games and that was proven today. The fact Moore thought it would be shows his lack of tactical awareness. It's particularly frustrating when Livermore is available again and we've just signed Johansen who has over 40 international caps.

On the subject of Johansen, surely he should've been selected above Adaraboiyo on the bench? Why on earth we would need both Adaraboiyo and Bartley on the bench is beyond me, particularly when the likes of Livermore and Brunt who can cover full back areas. Johansen must be wondering why he came tonight. Let's hope he puts in a performance on Wednesday and forces himself in.

Overall, it was definitely a victory for Pulis over Moore. But to be fair to Moore, I don't think anyone can blame him for Brunt's cock up which cost us the game.