Striker getting criticism after game (10)
I believe the answer is:
matchstick
'striker' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'criticism after game' is the wordplay.
'criticism' becomes 'stick' (as in giving someone stick).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'game' becomes 'match' (eg a football match).
'stick' after 'match' is 'MATCHSTICK'.
'getting' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for matchstick that I've seen before include "(Of a figure) drawn using thin straight lines" , "sort of model" , "Wooden part of lighter" , "Childishly pictured man" , "Individual that's struck" .)