I'll speak first about the win overall. You can question the quality of the opposition perhaps, but we have lost to way worse that this (Luton) in early cup games. It felt almost like Farke sees this as a beginning, almost writing off the last two games as free hits, which as fans, we all have really. I think there was only two players that started the game tonight, that started on Saturday, so this was effectively our reserves. Not sure if anyone has seen the class of 92, where Gary Neville talks about Ferguson saying "I have a game for you" where he basically plans about 10 games ahead, that's what tonight felt like, like Farke has a plan, not just from game to game, but over a bigger spread. I would say there were at least 7 or 8 players that could easily be in contention for Saturday, which really does show how we have upped the overall quality in the squad.
Individuals.
Gunn, very tidy, genuinely see him as a real alternative to Krul, whose distribution I thought was poor on Saturday. Bear in mind all comments on individuals take into account the quality of the opposition, obviously.
Bali Mumba. The lad has a lot of skill, and certainly has something about him, is he as good as Aarons, not sure, but he will be a good player.
Williams. Very neat and tidy, obviously great pedigree. Good hard edge to him, possibly more of a left back than a wing back, but showed good attacking, and really linked up with Tzolis very well, showing how easily good quality players really can find the same wavelength.
Zimmermann Decent game actually, but still feels like he is just below the standard, and also feels like he is a red card waiting to happen.
Omabamidele. Absolute Rolls Royce of a player. Going to be better than Godfrey, with absolutely no disrespect to Ben.
Sorenson Tidy without catching the eye, still really not sure what his best position really is.
McLean. Just brilliant. Always wanted the ball, commanded and cajoled and organised. He wants his place back.
Rupp. Fine for me, a lot of folk don't like, but every team needs a water carrier, didn't do anything wrong, but didn't shine. Think Gary holt.
Dowell. Weird one for me, he is important, but I can't pin down why, he clearly has class, especially in the dead ball, but just fits in, without me being able to say exactly what I like about him.
Sargent. Really liking the look of him, grew into the game, ran selflessly a lot in the first half, but grew in stature, looked like a proper all action striker, decent on the ball, got into great positions, where a striker should. Would definitely consider as a start on Saturday.
Tzolis. Best till last. Just fantastic, forget quality of opposition. This lad is a bargain, honestly. We will look back on what we paid for him and just laugh. So quick, great touch and shot, and fitted in so well, he isn't a greedy prick, he's a clever lad, and showed real intelligence on the ball, linked up so well with Williams. Calling it now, this lad is dynamite.
Subs. All fine but a bit irrelevant, game was won. Gilmour got forward a bit more, the lad is class. Idah, meh, still can't call that one.