Please leave ratings for all players who have played 20 mins or more.

Scoring is from 3 to 10 as follows:

10 - Out of this World
9 - Excellent
8 - Very Good
7 - Good
6 - Average
5 - Below Par
4 - Poor
3 - Abysmal

Pope 5
Lowton 7
Long 6
Tarkowski 7
Ward 4
Lennon 5
Cork 5
Westwood 7
JBG 7
Wood 5
Barnes 6

Vokes 5

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 7
Ward 7
Lennon 7
Cork 7
Westwood 8
JBG 8
Wood 6
Barnes 7

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 6
Ward 5
Lennon 4
Cork 7
Westwood 7
JBG 7
Wood 4
Barnes 6

Vokes 5

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Tarkowski 5 tried way too much showboating and over complicated balls today. Thought he was poor again.
Long 7
Ward 4 - never seen him so poor. So bad taylor was warming up agter 15 mins. Im sure he will be back to his best soon.
Jbg 7 our biggest threat
Westwood 8 excellent display. So good on the ball.
Cork 6 mixed again
Lennon 5 was too narrow. Not sure that was his fault. Probably told to be. Hes far better running at them.
Wood 5 very quiet
Barnes 7 took it to them when he had chance. Has an excellent touch. Minus 1 for needless yellow. Balanced out with plus 1 for the goal.

Thought hendrick did well when he came on and may start next week.

Pope 7 Solid - only beaten by a deflection but ropey kicking
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 5 not his best
Ward 7
Lennon 5 seems to lack confidence
Cork 8* he was everywhere
Westwood 7
JBG 8 why is he always better in the second half?
Wood 6
Barnes 7

Vokes 6

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 6
Ward 4
Lennon 6
Cork 6
Westwood 7 
JBG 7
Wood 5
Barnes 6

Hendrick offered something when he came on.

Wood reminds me of Rhodes in his last season or two at Rovers. All well and good when he scores but if he doesn't we're playing with 10. I maintain that he does not fit out framework.

boyyanno wrote:Wood reminds me of Rhodes in his last season or two at Rovers. All well and good when he scores but if he doesn't we're playing with 10. I maintain that he does not fit out framework.

Sorry but cant agree with that. His goals and our performances with him are far better.

boyyanno wrote:Wood reminds me of Rhodes in his last season or two at Rovers. All well and good when he scores but if he doesn't we're playing with 10. I maintain that he does not fit out framework.

Are you on the wind-up?

Pope 7
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarks 6
Ward 4
Lennon 7
Westwood 8
Cork 8
JBG 8
Barnes 7
Wood 6

boyyanno wrote:Wood reminds me of Rhodes in his last season or two at Rovers. All well and good when he scores but if he doesn't we're playing with 10. I maintain that he does not fit out framework.

Sorry but cant agree with that. His goals and our performances with him are far better.

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Sorry but cant agree with that. His goals and our performances with him are far better.

Really? What has he offered in the last two games? When he doesn't score he gets 5s...

fidelcastro wrote:Are you on the wind-up?

Not on the wind up at all. He doesn't press as well as any of out other strikers. He doesn't hold up the ball as well as Barnes. His goal to game ratio isn't bad, but what do you think he's offered apart from that?

boyyanno wrote:Really? What has he offered in the last two games? When he doesn't score he gets 5s...

Hes had a couple of off games granted. But his link up play is fantastic generally speaking. Thursday we played lsst seasons champions and today we played a very physical and organised defence.

I guess when you're a target man, then you thrive on good service. That hasn't been great recently, particularly from Lennon, but to suggest he doesn't fit our framework is a nonsense.

Pope 7
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarks 5
Ward 4
Lennon 6
Westwood 8
Cork 7
JBG 8
Barnes 7
Wood 3

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Hes had a couple of off games granted. But his link up play is fantastic generally speaking. Thursday we played lsst seasons champions and today we played a very physical and organised defence.

I just don't see it to be honest. My original post suggested he doesn't fit the framework and I stand by it. His link up play isn't bad when you compare it to Vokes, but I don't think the ball sticks with him half as well as Barnes. The key aspect of our game, (when playing 442) is the high press and I don't think he does that well, hence the suggestion he doesn't fit our framework.

fidelcastro wrote:I guess when you're a target man, then you thrive on good service. That hasn't been great recently, particularly from Lennon, but to suggest he doesn't fit our framework is a nonsense.

Read my post below. Do you think the pressing game suits him? Barnes is also a target man and yet he offers more all-round that Wood.

boyyanno wrote:Read my post below. Do you think the pressing game suits him? Barnes is also a target man and yet he offers more all-round that Wood.

I wouldn't say Barnes is a target man though, hence why he's moved wide at times.

As for Wood, to say he's had an injury hit or stop/start season, then I'd say he's done very well considering. Double figures for goals and counting... not bad for a player who doesn't fit our framework!

Pope 6
Lowton 6
Ward 5
Tarks 6
Long 7
JBG 7
Cork 5
Westwood 6
Lennon 4
Wood 6
Barnes 6

fidelcastro wrote:I wouldn't say Barnes is a target man though, hence why he's moved wide at times.

As for Wood, to say he's had an injury hit or stop/start season, then I'd say he's done very well considering. Double figures for goals and counting... not bad for a player who doesn't fit our framework!

Oh I get it, you're one of those posters who can't hold a debate. That must be why you've ignored everything I've asked and just drummed in the "doesn't fit with our framework" line. I've explained why I think this, he doesn't press and it's crucial for a team that plays the way we do. You've offered nothing so I'll just assume that means you've no real response.

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 6
Ward 4
Lennon 5
Westwood 8
Cork 6
Gudmundsson 8
Wood 5
Barnes 7

boyyanno wrote:Wood reminds me of Rhodes in his last season or two at Rovers. All well and good when he scores but if he doesn't we're playing with 10. I maintain that he does not fit out framework.

Same as Vokes, needs to learn some of the dark arts from Ashley and he'll be a much better player. Don't forget, it's his first full season in the PL, I think he's done well

ClaretTony wrote:Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 6
Ward 4
Lennon 5
Westwood 8
Cork 6
Gudmundsson 8
Wood 5
Barnes 7

Don't know what was wrong with Ward today, it's like he had to borrow someone else's boots - don't ever recall his distribution being so poor as today

Vegas Claret wrote:Same as Vokes, needs to learn some of the dark arts from Ashley and he'll be a much better player. Don't forget, it's his first full season in the PL, I think he's done well

I'd completely agree with that. Almost seems a little too nice at times in a weird way. I think he's had a good year for us, especially infront of goal and considering he's been out etc. Do I think he fits the framework though, no I don't. Do you? Or do you think he will get there with time? Genuine question.

Pope 6
Lowton 6
Long 6
Tarks 6
Ward 4
Lennon 5
Westwood 6
Cork 8
JBG 8
Barnes 6
Wood 6

Pope 6
Lowton 6
Long 6
Tarks 5
Ward 5
Lennon 5
Westwood 8*
Cork 7
JBG 8
Barnes 6
Wood 4

Vokes 6

boyyanno wrote:I'd completely agree with that. Almost seems a little too nice at times in a weird way. I think he's had a good year for us, especially infront of goal and considering he's been out etc. Do I think he fits the framework though, no I don't. Do you? Or do you think he will get there with time? Genuine question.

Yeah I think he fits, works hard etc

Pope 6
Lowton 8
Long 7
Tarkowski 7
Ward 3
Lennon 5
Cork 6
Westwood 7
Gudmundsson 8
Wood 6
Barnes 7

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 5
Ward 4
Lennon 5
Westwood 8
Cork 6
Gudmundsson 8*
Wood 4
Barnes 7

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarks6
Ward 5


Cork 6
Westwood 7
Gudmundsson 8 **
Lennon 5
Wood 6
Barnes 7

boyyanno wrote:Read my post below. Do you think the pressing game suits him? Barnes is also a target man and yet he offers more all-round that Wood.

Bit weird that this has become the theme of the player ratings thread, but I think anyone querying whether Wood fits into the framework needs to just look at our opening goal at West Ham (Wood runs the channels) and the second goal against Leicester (Wood wins a corner by chasing a lost cause into the channels). He's excellent at making runs from inside to out (even if his game with his back to goal is a bit hit and miss) and this gives us a real outlet.

Does he press? Depends what you mean by it. He certainly closes down effectively - this is really a matter of effort and I'ver never perceived a lack of effort from him without the ball. Can he get cleverer at it? Yes of course and a pre-season with us will help him improve in that respect.

Pope 5 - Time for Tom to come back
Lowton 6 - Average
Tarks 4 - Awful again thinks he has the passing ability of Scholes.
Long 6 -Sooner Mee is back the better
Ward 4- Awful get Taylor in
Cork 6 - Average
Westwood 7 - Tidy player
JBG 7 - Growing into a very good player
Lennon 5 - Inaffective
Wood 6 - Hes no better than Sam
Barnes 7- One extra for the goal

BurnleySYS wrote:Pope 5 - Time for Tom to come back
Lowton 6 - Average
Tarks 4 - Awful again thinks he has the passing ability of Scholes.
Long 6 -Sooner Mee is back the better
Ward 4- Awful get Taylor in
Cork 6 - Average
Westwood 7 - Tidy player
JBG 7 - Growing into a very good player
Lennon 5 - Inaffective
Wood 6 - Hes no better than Sam
Barnes 7- One extra for the goal

Is there any point you calling yourself a fan ? Seriously, what did Pope do wrong today to justify him being dropped ? I could go on but I can't be arsed

Vegas Claret wrote:Don't know what was wrong with Ward today, it's like he had to borrow someone else's boots - don't ever recall his distribution being so poor as today

It looked that way. He even changed a boot in the second half and then sliced the next ball out of play. I’m a big Ward fan but he was certainly off it today.

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 6
Ward 6
Lennon 6
Cork 7
Westwood 7
JBG 7
Wood 6
Barnes 7

Vokes 6

Another point towards Europe against a do or die side. Well done lads.

claretspice wrote:Bit weird that this has become the theme of the player ratings thread, but I think anyone querying whether Wood fits into the framework needs to just look at our opening goal at West Ham (Wood runs the channels) and the second goal against Leicester (Wood wins a corner by chasing a lost cause into the channels). He's excellent at making runs from inside to out (even if his game with his back to goal is a bit hit and miss) and this gives us a real outlet.

Does he press? Depends what you mean by it. He certainly closes down effectively - this is really a matter of effort and I'ver never perceived a lack of effort from him without the ball. Can he get cleverer at it? Yes of course and a pre-season with us will help him improve in that respect.

Totally agree with his, exactly how it was for Brady, who up to his injury was arguably our best player

Pope 7
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 6
Ward 5 poor two games on trot
Lennon 5. As above
Westwood 8 mom
Cork 7
Gudmundsson 8
Wood 6
Barnes 7

Pope 7
Lowton 7
Tarkowski 6
Long 7
Ward 4
JBG 8
Westwood 8
Cork 7
Lennon 6
Barnes 6
Wood 6
—
Hendrick 6
Vokes 6

ClaretTony wrote:It looked that way. He even changed a boot in the second half and then sliced the next ball out of play. I’m a big Ward fan but he was certainly off it today.

CT --he is a left back playing for the Clarets --he has to throw one in at some stage ---Clarets fans haven't been able to moan at a left back for quite some time now since Easton left

I often say i've never seen Ward have a bad game but he had one today!

Pope 7 couple of good saves
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 6
Ward 3 not a good couple of games
Lennon 6
Cork 6
Westwood 7
JBG 9 this guy is very impressive
Wood 6
Barnes 7

Vokes 6

Pope 6 - Some poor kicks but was unlucky for their goal
Lowton 7
Long 7
Tarkowski 7
Ward 4 - Worst I've seen him play, let's be honest he's due a bad game or two as he's been incredible for years
Lennon 4 - I think he'd have been dropped if we had a suitable fit replacement available.
Cork 7
Westwood 8** MOM
JBG 6 - Would have been a 5 if he hadn't turned up in the last 5 minutes.
Wood 4 - Did he play today?
Barnes 6 - Would have been a 5 but for his goal

Vokes 5 - Did more than Wood. Perhaps as a result of Stoke pushing for a winner made more space for him that Wood had.

Pope 7
Lowton 7
Tarkowski 5
Long 7
Ward 4
JBG 8
Westwood 7
Cork 7
Lennon 4
Barnes 6
Wood 4

Pope 7
Lowton 7
Tarkz 6
Long 7
Ward 7
Lennon 6
Cork 7
Westwood 8
JBG 8
Wood 6
Barnes 7

I can't believe some of the low scores. I had to check I didn't click on the thread for the other day! Game of opinions I guess. Love this team

Pope 6
Lowton 7
Long 6
Tarkowski 6
Ward 5
Lennon 6
Cork 6
Westwood 8 (MOM)
JBG 8
Wood 6
Barnes 6

Pope 7
Lowton 7
Tark 6
Long 7
Ward 4
Lennon 5
Westwood 8
Cork 7
JBG 8*
Wood 5
Barnes 6

Vokes 6

Pope - 6
Lowton - 7
Long - 7
Tarkowski - 6
Ward - 4
JBG - 8 - MOM
Cork - 7
Westwood - 7
Lennon - 5
Wood - 5
Barnes - 7

Thought Gudmundsson was excellent yet again, midfield two of Cork and Westwood played well again, only one horror pass by Westwood which could have cost us had it not been for the brilliant tackle by Long.
Ward and Lennon struggled again, Ward especially. Think Taylor deserves a chance, he was starting to play well when Ward came back into the side.

Pope 7 (absolutely no issues with his keeping and I actually prefer him to Sir Tom Heaton because of his command of the 6 yard area,especially on crosses, BUT his kicking wasn't just wayward yesterday, at times it was downright dangerous and led directly to several Stoke chances. It needs sorting!)
Lowton 8
Long 8 (got physically battered by Crouch and stuck at it really well)
Tarks 6 (below par again for me)
Ward 5 (must be carrying an injury to play that poorly when we know what he's capable of)
Westwood 8
Cork 7
JBG 8 (MOM excellent again)
Lennon 5 (better than Thursday - marginally)
Barnes 6
Wood 5 (looked very immobile and won nothing in the air)

Vokes 7 (made a huge difference as won just about every header and exposed Shawcross as the ageing wrestler/clogger that he now is)

First half was Chelsea all over again with us failing to keep the ball and to compete and making what MUST be a poor stoke side given their position, look pretty good. Going in just one down at half time was a real bonus, but second half Stoke tired very quickly, (especially the difficult, but increasingly dirty Crouch) and they made the mistake of thinking one would probably be enough. In trying to protect it they allowed us into the game and we steadily improved, equalised and then pummeled them to the point where I was really disappointed we didn't win it.