Roy Hodgson might not expect the fans to appreciate just how well Zoltan Gera kept tabs on Barry Ferguson, but we did highlight the importance of stopping the Scotsman before the game yesterday.
I was surprised that Rich was unsure how to rate Gera’s performance yesterday. For me, he was lively going forward and did some important defensive work. If you don’t believe me, just ask Roy.
Gera did a very good job on Barry Ferguson in the midfield. I can’t expect the fans to appreciate what a good job Gera did, they’ll just have to take my word for it. He did a very good job.
It was a major factor in our 2-1 victory because where Birmingham’s strength lies is getting Ferguson on the ball in the midfield. He’s the catalyst for most of their attacks. We kept him very quiet.
The proof’s in the pudding.
The chalkboard shows Ferguson made fewer passes than in Birmingham’s win over Wolves and was unable to room so much space to operate in the middle of the park.
That’s sort of what I was getting at, Dan. He didn’t seem to be seeing that much of the ball, but also seemed to be influencing things. I couldn’t put my finger on it (as Roy, neatly, suggests), hence the comment.
The sheer amount of work he got through defensively was mindblowing. He dropped back almost to make a midfield five when Birmingham were in possession and was influential in our first half attacks that led to chances. There were a couple of lovely little flicks as well. Gera’s some player.
Strange how Gera has often been used as an example of a transfer that Roy has “got wrong”.
As a free transfer, there was little risk involved. And now that he has settled properly and is being utilised in a more central role, rather than being stuck out on the wing, we are finally starting to see just how good a player he is – something that was evident from his West Brom days.
His link-play with Zamora and the wide players is excellent. In addition, the extra body in midfield (especially given his creativity) takes a fair bit of pressure away from Murphy – when he was shut down, the team weren’t ticking over effectively in the middle. Gera provides that extra option both defensively, creatively and offensively. I am starting to think that Zamora-Gera is quickly overtaking Zamora-Johnson as our most effective strikeforce. Maybe AJ could become our new super-sub if Nevland decides to head homewards?
Suspect that Gera may be the answer to the question how we replace Murphy. However, right now Zamora/Gera is without a doubt in my mind the best partnership we have upfront right now.
Sadly, given Gera’s age (he’ll be 31 in a couple of months), that might only be a short-term replacement for Murphy.