Interesting analysis EG and far keener, tactically, than I had previously considered.Have a look at the highlights. , most of Lincolns best moments involve Critchlow being out of position, or not strong enough. He was completely at fault for the second goal . A centre back who fails to get off the ground in that situation is pathetic. Camara looks at him in disbelief. In the first half Houghton had to speak to him about his positioning. Now to be clear I am not saying he is a poor player, what I am saying is that he clearly had not idea where he should be positioned in a back three. He did not receive the ball once from Cooper and our whole system is based on the Centre backs going wide, he had no idea what to do. He defended narrow which caused major problems. It just looked to me like another young defender not used to our system being thrown under the bus. Rather like Watts last year who almost gave up, he found it so difficult and yet he is a really good player. How Critchlow can be some peoples MOM when his failure caused the oppositions winning goal is beyond me.
Just on what he achieved (rather than overall positioning) I thought Critchlow had a great debut - including the prevention of two certain goals in the first half. Yes, he was outjumped for the winner but he was not alone in that - Wilson (I think) also challenged for that ball. Critchlow looked calm, confident and assured on the ball and the vast majority of his passes found their target.
Just my view, but it always fascinates me when there are diametrically opposed opinions on a player from those who have watched the same match. I guess that is what PASOTI is there for.