Roma's thrilling round 13 clash against Genoa had all the ingredients of a potential disaster. With a series of poor results, a rain-soaked away game, and a new manager leading a struggling opponent, it was a daunting challenge for the Giallorossi. But against all odds, Roma emerged victorious with a resounding 2-0 win.
No matter how early we are in Roma's latest project, there has been a palpable sense of searching for something: the perfect tactical strategy, a cure for their recent slump, a stroke of luck, and perhaps even a new hero. While not all those problems have been solved, one thing is clear after last night's match: Roma has found a new hero in Felix Afena-Gyan.
Photo by Fabio Rossi/2021 Fabio Rossi
Eldor Shomurodov: A Missed Opportunity
Starting his fifth game of the season, Shomurodov had a chance to prove himself against his former club. However, he failed to seize the opportunity and was arguably Roma's least effective attacker. Despite his active presence on the field, Shomurodov's shooting accuracy was poor, missing two big chances and completing only 67% of his passes. Playing under a demanding manager like José Mourinho, Shomurodov must improve and make the most of his opportunities.
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Felix Afena-Gyan: The Unlikely Hero
Despite his youth and limited opportunities, Afena-Gyan rose to the occasion and saved the day for Roma. Coming off the bench in the 74th minute, he scored two goals on two attempts, won duels, completed dribbles, and made accurate passes. His performance was nothing short of remarkable. It's incredible to see a young player like him step up in such a high-pressure situation. With his talent and determination, Afena-Gyan has the potential for a long and successful career.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: A Reminder of His Importance
Mkhitaryan may be in the midst of uncertain contract negotiations, but his performance against Genoa highlighted his value to Roma. Despite not finding the back of the net, he made a significant impact on the game. With his precise passing, dribbling, and key pass that led to Afena-Gyan's first goal, Mkhitaryan showed that Roma is at its best when he is in top form. It's crucial for the club to find a way to keep him and capitalize on his abilities.
The Saints of the Match
Alongside the standout performances from Afena-Gyan and Mkhitaryan, several other Roma players deserve recognition for their contributions. Roger Ibañez, Jordan Veretout, Stephan El Shaarawy, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Gianluca Mancini all played their part in securing Roma's victory.
Photo by Fabio Rossi/2021 Fabio Rossi
The Promising Futures
Despite not standing out in the match, players like Tammy Abraham, Rick Karsdorp, Marash Kumbulla, Rui Patricio, Edoardo Bove, and Chris Smalling contributed in their own ways. Though they may not have flourished in this particular game, their presence on the field was notable.
Picks to Click Revisited
In our ongoing series, Picks to Click, where we predict standout performers, some of our choices hit the mark, while others missed. Eldor Shomurodov failed to live up to expectations, while Stephan El Shaarawy and Roger Ibañez proved their worth. Nicolo Zaniolo did not feature in the game.
That wraps up this edition of Sinners and Saints. Join us again midweek as we analyze Roma's upcoming Conference League match against Zorya.
