Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that it was a risky decision bringing off Peter Whittingham in the 38th minute of the game today but thankfully it was a decision that paid off as Wilfried Zaha came off the bench for his debut.
Speaking to the press following the game which saw us lift ourselves off the bottom of the table with a two one win, Ole said that the substitution more than had the desired effect as it did lift the crowd, and our performance was much better – however he was quick to point out that he could’ve taken anybody off, it wasn’t overly a statement on Whittingham’s performance individually.
‘Sometimes you just have to make decisions and do what you think is right. I felt it was right to bring Wilf on, it lifted the crowd and the players. We needed a lift, it could have been anyone I took off, I didn’t have too many doubts.’
Ole goes on to say that Zaha definitely had the desired impact as his pace and quality did frighten the Norwich defenders, and following his introduction we saw the equaliser from Craig Bellamy, and then the winner from fellow debutant Kenwyne Jones.
Despite the praise lavished on Zaha immediately following the game, Ole was quick to bring a balance to it by adding that ‘going forward, he’s one of the best I’ve seen. Defensively, I’ve got a few hours teaching ahead of me.’
Which is fair as Zaha is still learning the game and needs to develop into a more rounded player, and he’s got a great teacher now when it comes to being a role model for developing a team mentality, as opposed to just what he can do individually in the wide areas.
The gaffer also had praise for Bellamy following his goal and overall performance, and also the leadership qualities he shows on the pitch and in the dressing room.
‘Craig is an amazing player. Like Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs he does not just demand 100% from himself every day, he demands it of every one around him to. He’s one of the leaders.’
Bellamy’s goal today also became a record in the Premiership because he becomes the first player to ever score a goal for seven different sides in the league and Ole joked.
‘It’s a great achievement. But he won’t get it for an eighth. He’s going to stay here until he packs it in.’
Quotes from WalesOnline.
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