Rhys’s Ratings are back!
A nearly game, with lots of *nearly* good performances, in what has turned out to be a nearly successful qualifying campaign for Wales. Onto the ratings!
Danny Ward
One of the better for Wales on the night, which may tell a story on its own. Despite Armenia’s attacking policy of shooting on sight (19 shots in the match), the Welsh keeper only made one save, and what an important save it was late on! No complaints about the goal!
Joe Rodon
Someone I’ve criticised in the past few matches for Wales but looked far more assured today and hopefully getting back to the player we know he can be. Aggressive and strong in the air (won 5 of his 7 aerial battles), playing regularly at Leeds will hopefully see him continue to go from strength to strength.
Chris Mepham
A problem more generally for the Welsh back three was that they were pinned in by an Armenian forward, usually the clinical Ranos, and this allowed Armenian so much space and freedom to unleash their long-range attempts on Danny Ward’s goal.
Ben Davies
Nothing special from the stand-in skipper, nothing to report either really.
Neco Williams
A far more willing runner than Roberts on the opposite flank. Really tried to stretch Armenia. Him and Wilson worked well together down that side for Wales.
Connor Roberts
While his long-throws have proved incredibly valuable to Wales this campaign his performances have underwhelmed. Wasn’t on ‘it’ on Saturday afternoon and with the system Cymru play it’s so crucial that our wingbacks are dominant. Lost possession an astonishing 17 times, more than any other player for Wales against Armenia.
Jordan James
Another solid performance from the youngster. Didn’t do much wrong at all. What a difference it was to have him alongside Ampadu against the Armenians, who ran riot in the midfield against us in the 4-2 defeat in the reverse fixture.
Ethan Ampadu
Got sucked in easily against the tenacious Zelarayan for the Armenian opener but harsh to blame him for a neat dribble and finish. Took responsibility to try and force things for Wales from the middle but never really worked out, exhibited best when he blasted over from 30yds when recycling the ball and keeping Cymru on the attack was the best option, and something he usually does so well.
David Brooks
Looked the sharpest of a blunted pack of Welsh forwards and tried relentlessly to make something happen. So much quality, he needs to become Wales’s star man.
Kieffer Moore
Got into some lovely positions and held it up well but often found himself isolated or forced to run with the ball. Not a bad effort but Wales didn’t play at all to his strengths. Could have had a tap if more alert to the Jordan James shot that was parried around the 70th minute mark.
Harry Wilson
Unlucky to be denied just before half time after a lovely cutback from Neco. Strange decision to take him off just after the hour mark as Cymru could have used his late runs into the box or his ability to find space between the lines.
Brennan Johnson (Sub 50′)
Didn’t quite happen for him in the match. Credit for his effort but couldn’t provide the magic that Wales were crying out for. Would have suited the first half far more ironically.
Dan James (Sub 66′)
In great form at club level but nothing too exciting to help Wales find a winner. Thought him and Brennan weren’t helped by Wales going far more direct in the second half.
Special shout-out to Lucas Zelarayàn who has tormented us in both games now. Scored a lovely solo goal on Saturday to go with his tidy brace against us in Cardiff. Unlucky to hit the bar from the edge of the box too. Plies his trade now in Saudi Arabia but would love to see him play more regularly. I was also shocked to find out he’s 31 and not some on-the-rise wonderkid! Also, honourable mention to Iwu, the Armenian combative midfielder. He’s only just turned 24 so wouldn’t be surprised to see him in one of Europe’s top leagues in the future. Very impressive.
So that’s another Rhys’s Ratings Wrapped up! No easy games in qualifying and Armenia have really proved that this year. A point all we deserved from both games. Onto to Tuesday and Turkey we go, let’s hope Lucas Zelarayàn and company can do us a favour. Ymlaen Cymru.