Ayew and Grimes.

[Ringwood Jack]

I’ve noticed André quietly coming in for some stick recently but I’m with Cooper on this one. Even when he’s not as potent as he can be in front of goal the difference he makes by his defensive contribution of relieving the press on the back three is immense. Massive shift and a great performance against Naarch.

Grimes has long been misunderstood. The way he pivots between defence and midfield and then supports the attack is s thing of beauty. Probably our most important player.

All of them awesome to a man and the second half possession stats meant nothing, we didn’t need the ball at that time but when we decided to keep it we looked like the old Swansea. Properly pissed on Norwich’s fireworks. Brentford fans just wouldn’t understand.

More Grimes has had a kick up the arse when Cooper benched him. He has noticeably improved in all aspects of his game since then when he was fairly pedestrian and complacent

 

[Itchysphincter]

Grimes' self belief and confidence are probably quite fragile. Weirdly, he is one of few players who perhaps thrive when there are no groans and moans from us fickle fans. Shots from outside the box absolutely highlight a player's confidence. Hopefully, when we get back in, we will appreciate the occasion and be a little more patient (though somehow I doubt it!).

Agree with Cooper and most of the above re Ayew, the only things to guard against are burn out and over reliance. Often, when one person steps forward, others step back. Awesome professionals though, both of them.

Having CH alongside him has lifted the load and allows him to play a bit more. You can see the confidence returning, it’s a weight lifted.

 

[Jinxy]

Grimes' self belief and confidence are probably quite fragile. Weirdly, he is one of few players who perhaps thrive when there are no groans and moans from us fickle fans. Shots from outside the box absolutely highlight a player's confidence. Hopefully, when we get back in, we will appreciate the occasion and be a little more patient (though somehow I doubt it!).

Agree with Cooper and most of the above re Ayew, the only things to guard against are burn out and over reliance. Often, when one person steps forward, others step back. Awesome professionals though, both of them.

Having CH alongside him has lifted the load and allows him to play a bit more. You can see the confidence returning, it’s a weight lifted.

Yes. I think Grimes' raised his game before Hourihane turned up though. Far more forward and crisper passes. He's always had good awareness, ie right place right time, which many didn't appreciate. Wonderful to see him develop, whatever the reason(s).

 

[Itchysphincter]

Having CH alongside him has lifted the load and allows him to play a bit more. You can see the confidence returning, it’s a weight lifted.

Yes. I think Grimes' raised his game before Hourihane turned up though. Far more forward and crisper passes. He's always had good awareness, ie right place right time, which many didn't appreciate. Wonderful to see him develop, whatever the reason(s).

He’s never let us down but he’s been given too much responsibility in the past. CH shares the load now.

 

[LeonWasTheDog's]

Ayew was always like this though, he was always frustrating even under Monk he had the habit of being in the right place when the ball was loose in the box though.

He is the team's leader. He always plays unless injured and we just moan about him wandering.

Yeah, he hasn't changed. In his first spell we spent all season arguing over his best position and I don't think we ever worked it out.

I've always liked Grimes, even if he got off to a slow start in his career. Great technique and his positional discipline is excellent. He played a blinder as a third centre back against Man City a couple of seasons ago; that was a sign he was going to be a decent player.

 

[Itchysphincter]

If people can’t see by now the value that Ayew and Grimes bring they never will.