Crewe Alex 3-1 Tranmere Rovers 24/25 Review - Spam the button

For anyone who is or used to be a gamer on consoles, you all remember those games where you used to just hit the same button on the controller to get the desired result? That was what the Alex did in this game as they picked apart the same weaknesses in Tranmere to beat them and send the unhappy Wirralites back up the A51. Let's review the game:

Overload

Let me expand on my above point. Time and time again, Ryan Cooney found himself in oceans of space on the right hand side as Tranmere's Zack Bradshaw frequently went AWOL. That was where they got the most joy and it led to both their first 2 goals, as 2 superb Cooney crosses were turned home by Tracey in almost identical fashion. Tranmere never wised up to this issue and Lee Bell took full advantage.

Poor

On the subject of Tranmere, my god they looked poor. This supposed take over can't come quick enough, as they look like a club that is slowly bleeding to death. The magic that Adkins worked to turn them around last season seems to have worn off and this version of them was without creativity, firepower or even the usual defensive solidity which you come to associate with them. They need fresh life injecting into them, because they look destined for a relegation scrap on the current evidence.

Foul

Let's talk about the Tranmere goal. Was it a foul on Ryan Cooney? Yes. How neither the ref or the linseman on the away stand side didn't deem it one is baffling. However, what I would say is, if you're waiting for referees at this level to give you obvious decisions and not let some truly mind boggling ones go, then I'd ask if you're new to football. Referees are ridiculously inconsistent, as Mr Durkin proved today. I'm not blaming Ryan for the goal, but next time I think he'd be better off just whacking the ball clear and not hoping for the blind man wearing black to make the right decision.

Surprise Contributors

Let's be honest, did any of you have Ryan Cooney sat as the teams top goal contributor after 13 games? Nope, me neither. But yet he does, now sitting on 6 for the season. Who had Shilow Tracey already managing a career high for goals in a season after 11 starts? Filip Marschall looking rock solid at the back, Williams taking a big step, even a Joel Tabiner headed goal as a collectors item. I could go on.

But to get what they're getting out of a group that is still unable to start 4 first choice attackers and probably their best midfielder is remarkable. The squad is deeper than it's possibly ever been and it's in a really good place as they tick over into November.

Referee Assessment

Don't attack me, but aside from the Cooney foul and a few smaller decisions, I actually thought Mr Durkin wasn't too bad. Yes, that is a big red X on his report, but overall I thought he was fine.

Management Assessment

Again, no real problems with their starting XI and their decision to trust Lunt to start in midfield. The subs were timely and made sense. Again, my gripes about them from last season and the early part of this season are melting away. They're doing a great job.

Player Assessments

Filip Marschall

The only blot on him today was his kicking was poor, too often sailing them out for throw ins. But aside from that, he could little for the goal and had little else to do in the way of stopping shots. A solid display.

Jamie Knight-Lebel

Another under the radar impressive effort. Yes, Tranmere's attack was nothing to fear, but he goes about his work so calmly and effectively, you just don't notice him game to game. Which for a CB is what you want.

Mickey Demetriou

A welcome return for the skipper, he was superb at the back as always. He and the other players will face some tough tests in the coming weeks, but he won his headers and he put in a leaders performance.

Zac Williams

Like the rest of the backline, he was good. I'd have liked to see him play to the whistle for the goal, as I noticed he pulled up waiting for one. But overall he didn't make any mistakes and got forward down the left to support Conway.

Ryan Cooney MOTM

Yes, he was unlucky for the foul and their goal. But he quickly put that right with 2 incredible assists and for that reason, he was my MOTM, as those crosses were more difficult than Tracey's finishes.

Max Sanders

An ok performance, but I do think once Thomas and maybe even Powell are fully fit, a conversation needs to be had about what he actually brings to the party. He was fine today, but nothing more than fine.

Joel Tabiner

Picked up some pockets of space and was much more involved, which isn't surprising when you consider the Alex had almost 60% of possession. Got a much needed goal with a beautiful header, something you don't see very often from him.

Owen Lunt

Granted something of a surprise start in midfield, he struggled to get involved much, although he did help set up the 1st goal with a nice pass out to Cooney. A solid full debut from him.

Max Conway

Not his usual lively self, he wasn't generating much going forward, which I put down to his continuing fitness issues. I think he'll greatly benefit from a full week off to recover.

Shilow Tracey

Many will put him as the man of the match and he was good no doubt, but I felt Cooney shaded it. Still, he's up to 4 goals and he was close to the most unlikely of hat tricks. Maybe, like Dan Agyei, putting him down the middle is the way forward? He took his 2 goals really well.

Adrien Thibaut

Another hard working display against players much bigger and stronger than him, not that you'd know it given how he puts himself about. Ran himself into the ground and got stuck into challenges, which the fans love to see.

Subs:

Conor Thomas

Came on to add a bit of energy in midfield, I can't think of much he did, which is fine.

Omar Bogle

Another strong impact from the big man, who had Tranmere players bouncing off him. He showed why he spent most of his career knocking around the Championship and League One. His cross for Tabiner's goal was a thing of beauty. I'd start him in the cup next week.

James Connolly

A late sub, he made a few defensive actions.

Kian Breckin

An even later sub, he had little chance to do anything.

Overall Verdict

Unlike 12 months ago, when I felt October wrecked the Alex long term after they picked up a glut of long term injuries, this time it feels like they are emerging from this month in relatively good health, with players returning or coming back within a few weeks. How high this teams ceiling is will be found in November as they face the current top 3 in back to back to back games.

However, if they keep playing the way they are doing, they'll give each of them a tough game I'm sure. First though is a banana skin FA Cup game. Let's get through that and into the hat for the 2nd round.