players had a lot to live up to today, stepping into the shoes of 2 of our best players of the season - Carroll taking up the midfield dynamo role from Ki and Gomis picking up the weighty gauntlet left behind by Wilf. Both delivered, big time.
Carroll has shown glimpses of his natural class before, but has often seemed to play within himself a bit, playing very safe. Today, you could tell he just thought, 'f*ck it, I'm just going to go for it and play my game'. He was much more involved that he usually is, demanding the ball, taking responsibility for making us tick, being that link between Leon, the defence and Gylfi, Bafe and the wingers.
Showed a great range of passing, great positioning and admirable technique. I was very very impressed with him today. Not perfect of course, but taken in the context of the game (the opposition/lacking a couple of star players), it was very promising. I wouldn't hesitate in signing him permanently.