Demarai Gray Shines at Burton

Well a 2-1 defeat away at local Championship side Burton Albion has us all reaching for the cliche book… ie it is just pre season, it is ALL about fitness, don’t worry it will all come good on the night at Arsenal. But if we are honest here folks, the actual performance was not that good either ! 

Yes the starting 11 probably was a team splattered with what many of us would class as “reserve” team players, but the quality on the night from players such as Ulloa, Musa and a few more simply doesnt look like top 10 in the Premier League style players.

In the second half, Gray replaced Mahrez and suddenly we DID see some sparks flying. Gray added the extra spice, and City were already 2 goals down when Gray had his impact.

The City goal came from new boy Maguire who fired home from about 8 yards in front of the travelling Blue Army… but again, where were the goals from our forwards ? NOWHERE !!

Ulloa – now we all love Leo, but his first touch last night was awful and then his finishing… well, it just is not good enough at this high level we all now want us to reach for.

We asked the fans for their post match views… here is what they had to say :

Jason Clare
“Gray looked hungry when he came on & put some great balls in, well done harry on first Leicester goal. Now to the bad points .. Leo crap, in my opinion he’s championship at best, force one great save from their Keeper late on & that’s all he had to offer. I can’t see him getting game time in the league this season & that means he’ll be a mardy arsed bench warmer like last season. Best to sell & hope slim shady turns up this season”

Kevin Robinson
“Need a striker who can hit the target and has the desire to score goals”

Mike Jenner
“First half my Under9’s team would of hammered us. Second half with a Vardy up top or a new signing that will be done by tomorrow 🤞we could of won by 2 or 3.”

Dawn Endall
“I thought Matty James holds the ball up well”

Adele Mills
“Did we not loose most pre season games then walk the league??”

Matt Whelband
“Gray and Mahrez on either wing. Maguire N’didi and Ibroa start . But that s it from tonight #mancrushmaguire”

Martin Peyton
“Woeful first half, much better second half effort with plenty of chances but struggled to finish. Well done to Maguire for his first city goal, some decent play from gray also. We need to be on top form for next Friday if we are to stand any chance of getting anything at the Emirates (which we have never done so far).”

Philip Currall
“yes nothing to worry about its only preseason and Burton are a very good side right?? lets face it we had 2 good seasons winning the league and then a good run in the champions league ……the party is over….”

Joanna Astley
“We’ve got to keep Gray”

Simon Brown
“Every pre season we get this same ridiculous hysteria, it’s pathetic. I’ll make my judgement when we actually play meaningful football with something at stake and our first 11.”

Chris Townsend
“Don’t care if it is pre-season, losing games drains confidence. Shakey is out of his depth and thinks some players are better than what they are. Too pally to clear out the deadwood.”

James Alvey
“Gray looked great until either his last pass or shot. He’s such a positive, but the vast majority of his possession ends up with nothing. Is it lack of support or is it that he has no confidence when it comes to the crunch. Very frustrating watching him, but the result doesn’t matter one bit. Bring on Arsenal”

Jean Rees
“Well, do you need any more proof to keep Gray? He made the difference in the latter part of the second half. Sell him AT YOUR PERIL !!”

Jamie Beck
“We should be bossing games like this playing the ball on the floor not trying route one every time and squandering possession. Pre season or not”

Ross Elsby
“Gray looked good, but the rest OMG! That was awful. No-one to score goals. Midfield looked weak….why is Matty James getting so much match time….hes always been crap. I hope shakey isn’t getting him fit for the league.”

Raj Nataly
“Ulloa, utter rubbish never ran into space, just stood there, play with gray and Albrighton on the wings, Mahrez behind Vardy, and Mahrez can be the play maker, with Ndidi and Iborra holding midfielders and the back four Simpson Morgan Maguire Fuch and Schmeichel…..what do you think”

Ivan Smith
“It’s not always about fitness, it’s also about a winning mentality especially as a premiership side
In the last 13 games league & pre season we have won just 2 … shakey should never have been appointed, now it’s showing”

Tom Noble
“I slate mahrez because he’s lazy and gave the ball away too many times last season but tonight he looked a different player and provided some superb crosses and played very well hopefully he plays like he did tonight!!”