We gave a pretty decent all round performance and were rewarded with a 2 - 0 win, which should be expected given that we put out quite a strong team for a cup tie against lower league opposition. However it was some of our more inexperienced players who caught the eye, with Sammy Ameobi picking up man of the match after notching up two assists, and Dummett impressing on the left flank too earning the highest rating of anyone not to contribute a goal/assist.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, some squad players caught the eye for the wrong reasons. Williamson was adjudged as being the weak link in the starting line-up, only saved from being bottom of the pile by fellow squad members Gosling and Obertan coming off the bench to contribute less, with the latter picking up mug of the match for his troubles.
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(You can click on player names to go to their pages)
Krul - 6.29 Ratings ranged between 5 and 8.Krul didn't have a great deal to do on the night, which limits his score somewhat. He made a few decent saves, especially one early in the first half but they were all saves he should really be making anyway. Unlike last match, he dealt with the majority of crosses well, although he could have been more imposing on corners and set pieces. His distribution was decent too.
Debuchy - 6.24 Ratings ranged between 4 and 7.5.
An improved performance on his recent disappointing displays as for the most part he looked good defensively, although he still got caught out of position on occasion. He was really keen to get forward too, and his surge into the box and header was nice to see as it shows he really wants to score goals and make an impact in the attacking third.
Williamson - 5.84 Ratings ranged between 4 and 7.5.
Looked a bit shaky at the start but grew in to the game to put in an generally solid performance. As we gave away very few chances he clearly was doing his job, but he did lose out on headers to Smith too often. There were a couple of communication mishaps involving him but it's impossible to know who's to blame in those situations. He's certainly good enough to be our 4th choice centre back. I have no idea why we still persist with the set piece routine to him though.
Coloccini - 6.95 Ratings ranged between 6 and 8.
Coloccini was a commanding presence throughout, he was good defensively and his forays forward were good to watch. It was nice to see him looking to play the ball out from defence at every opportunity too.
An impressive performance from the inexperienced full back, he was good defensively and got forward very well at the start of the game although he faded as the game went on. He looked very calm on the ball, and linked up very well with Sammy, particularly to help create the first goal. He should have tested the keeper late on after being set up by Obertan though. Looks to be a good prospect, but he's still a ways from a Premier League start.
Anita - 6.55 Ratings ranged between 5.5 and 7.5.
A typical Anita performance, kept the ball well without stealing the headlines. Excellent if conservative passing, he kept the ball moving and always open for the pass from team mates. He got stuck in when needed too though his lack of physicality was shown up at times.
Tioté - 6.71 Ratings ranged between 6 and 8.
More like the Tioté we used to know, he got stuck in and kept it simple. Broke up play well and dictated the game more than I've seen him do in a long time. Admittedly he got caught out on the ball a few times but he bossed the midfield on the whole.
Marveaux - 6.00 Ratings ranged between 5 and 7.
A bit wasteful at times going forward, needing to release the ball earlier but he had some good moments too; he's one of the few in our squad that looks like they can create something from nothing. Unable to show his full ability being played out on the wing, it's a shame that we've yet to see him in his preferred centre-attacking mid position this season.
Gouffran - 7.68 Ratings ranged between 6.5 and 8.
A standard hard-working Gouffran performance, he had a good game which was capped off with a brilliantly taken goal. He will probably prove to be an important player to us this season.
For the first time of the season, an Ameobi collects man of the match. Good running and movement on and off the ball, he was a threat throughout the match and got both assists to top his performance off. He is developing nicely as a player and his composure and final ball look to have improved. However he did still have a few Ameobi moments in the second half, such as giving Gosling a hospital pass, seemed to go missing for short periods too.
Cissé - 7.11 Ratings ranged between 6 and 8.
Cissé finally gets off the mark for the season with a well taken headed goal. He did snatch at chances early on, but the goal seemed to give him some confidence and desire, his performance picking up afterwards. He showed some good movement and an improved first touch, hopefully this will spur him on to some improved performances in the future.
Obertan - 5.13 Ratings ranged between 3 and 6.
Shock horror as Obertan is crowned mug of the match, although it is high for a lowest rating. His poor finishing is really what earned him the title, as he really should have scored being through on goal twice. That was a shame really as it shows that his movement was good to get in to those positions in the first place, being heavily involved in two good counter attacking moves in the time he was on. Behind the striker probably is his best role, with confidence and a run of games there he would be a good player, let's hope he gets it, albeit on loan.
Gosling - 5.44 Ratings ranged between 5 and 6.
An acceptable performance from Gosling in the time he was on, didn't really make an impact from the bench as you'd expect though, shrugged off some robust challenges too. Fail to see why Bigirimana, who has been very impressive in his brief periods in the first team, is missing out for him.
Vučkić - N/A
6 minutes on the pitch isn't really enough time to give a rating.