PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Portsmouth goalkeeper Will Norris reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Portsmouth FC and West Bromwich Albion FC at Fratton Park on September 15, 2024 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Jebbison’s low confidence behind not being in Watford squad.
One noticeable omission from the 20-man squad last night was striker Daniel Jebbison.
The loanee from Bournemouth has undoubtedly struggled so far this season, but not seeing him even on the bench was a surprise.
“I think Doumbia has been training fantastically well so he deserved his chance and he got on the pitch to make an impact,” said Tom Cleverley
“He’s an exciting young player, and all our forwards know we need goals.
“Tonight it’s been Baah to produce that, and it’s been an area of the pitch where we’ve lacked a cutting edge this season.
Was Jebbison taken out of the non-firing line because of a lack of confidence?
“Yeah a little bit,” agreed Cleverley.
“There’s a reason we signed him: he’s got electric pace, he has good athletic ability, he can finish off both feet.
“He is going through a little bit of a lack of confidence at the minute and he’s trying to work his way out of it.
“He’s always the last one off the training pitch and you’ve got to respect that.
“But right now he’s suffering from a little bit of a lack of confidence and tonight was an opportunity for the others.”
The head coach made six changes to the starting line-up, and many of those who came in performed well.
“I thought both wing-backs were excellent, Tom Ince was excellent and obviously Kwadwo gives us something not many players can because he is so explosive,” said Cleverley.
“He just ran out of steam a little bit in the last 10 minutes but he was fantastic and he’s a player who hasn’t played that many 90 minutes.
“When he plays in that position it’s important he doesn’t feel restricted to that position and is the focal point with his back to play.
“He’s got licence to dip into the channels, or be attracted to the ball and let others be the runners.
“I thought he was outstanding this evening. He’s gone to the Etihad and now Elland Road and really got the better of his opponents.
“And Francisco Sierralta is a player we’ve missed a lot. He gives us good calmness and he is good at his defensive responsibilities, but also he’s really grasped what we’re looking for in our defensive possession.”
Perhaps the most baffling moment of all last night was when the referee showed Cleverley a yellow card.
“I felt a few decisions were a little bit suspect, and I’ve got booked for clapping one of my own players,” he reflected.
