The close scoreline reflected a close match which could have gone either way although a draw would have probably been a fairer result.
Having said that, the difference between those challenging at the top of the table and the best of the rest is the ability to take chances. On the day we didn’t but Olivier Giroud did as he took advantage of some lax marking from Davide Santon and Fabricio Coloccini to ghost in and head home the easiest set-piece goal he’ll likely score all season.
Arsenal enjoyed some decent early possession but couldn’t carve their way through a stubborn United defence and eventually the home side started to get to grips with the game, although in much the same way as Arsenal, we failed to really threaten Wojciech Szczęsny in the Arsenal goal. The best chance fell to Mathieu Debuchy who fired wide when well placed.
More chances fell for United just before half-time as Yohan Cabaye’s blocked effort fell to Moussa Sissoko who fired a rasping shot towards goal only to see Szczęsny get a hand to it and deflect the ball over the bar. The resulting corner saw Debuchy again threaten as his far post header rebounded off the crossbar before Arsenal could clear. That was to be the last action of the first period.
Half-time: Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
Both sides pressed after the interval which led to some tasty challenges flying in from both sides, the majority of which were waved on by Lee Probert who rankled the home fans with some strange decisions throughout the game.
The winning goal came just after the hour mark after a contentious free-kick award to Arsenal saw the ball chipped into the penalty area for Oliier Giroud who applied the merest of touches to the ball which was enough for it to go past Tim Krul. Neither Fabricio Coloccini or Davide Santon (the two closest to Giroud) picked up the Arsenal striker allowing him an unchallenged effort at goal which Mike Williamson was clearly unhappy about as he led the inquest as the Gunners celebrated.
The home side did try and conjure up an equaliser but Hatem Ben Arfa wasted a few chances when well placed and Shola Ameobi having another mare in front of goal. In fact arguably the closest we managed to get to a leveller was when Szczęsny’s clearance hit Loic Remy in the face and rolled narrowly wide of goal.
Despite all the pressure the home side put Arsenal under no equaliser was forthcoming and in the end it was Arsenal who celebrated as they resume top spot in the Premier League as we head into 2014.
Full-time: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
There are a lot of positives to take from this. Alan Pardew said in his post-match interview that if Arsenal are top of the league we aren’t far behind them on the performance today and I actually agree with that. The players tried and got clapped off after a defeat at St James’ Park so the effort was clearly there on show for fans at the game.
But as I said earlier, the difference between us and a top side is that the top sides will take chances when presented. Arsenal did that today and won the game. On another day it might have been totally different but I’m not too downhearted at all by either the performance or the result.
Howay the lads!
Newcastle: Tim Krul; Mathieu Debuchy, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Davide Santon; Vurnon Anita, Cheik Tiote, Yohan Cabaye; Moussa Sissoko, Loic Remy, Yoan Gouffran
Subs: Rob Elliot, Massadio Haidara, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Sammy Ameobi, Hatem Ben Arfa, Shola Ameobi, Papiss Cisse
Arsenal: Wojciech Szczesny, Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud
Subs: Lukazs Fabianski, Carl Jenkinson, Mikel Arteta, Ryo Miyaichi, Nicklas Bendtner, Serge Gnabry, Lukas Podolski
Attendance: 52,161
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastles-jonas-gutierrez-limbo-thanks-2968687?
This is interesting, I wonder if he will leave in Jan, the club will probably accept a nominal fee if this is true.
DJG(Quote)
Don’t forget arsenal had some top class players out today with Ramsey and ozil. And how in hell did tiote not get a yellow he made about 7 or 8 fouls today.
Afc(Quote)
I’d be happy to see Guti go. He has lost his legs.
We look a decent team these days. Could do with 1 or 2 decent strikers and finally ship Strolla out, he’s had his day. If we can find a reliable back up defender I’d not be too disheartened to see Saylor go either. What happened to thise young’uns that were coming through?
In the meantime – if Liverpool are apparent ‘title challengers’, the what does that nake Everton? 😆
Shamrock(Quote)
I think we deserved something out of this game. We restricted Arsenal to a couple of half-chances and looked very comfortable for the most part. We desperately need to sign a striker next month. We need a striker that can change the game and I’m not on about that lazy, useless oaf, Ameobi.
The Kid(Quote)
AFC@2, I don’t know about that, but your boy Walcott did his level best to get him red carded when he was rolling around like he’d been hit by a sniper clutching his eye when no contact was made to his upper face at all ,it was his lower chin neck that Tiote’s forearm made contact with 😳 it wasn’t intentional either. Saw a lot of falling and clutching of body parts from your lot today from minimal contact, just shows how frustrated you were to resort to such tactics really. You also dished out a fair bit too, not that the ref gave a toss . 🙄 Still think the title is yours though.
KIMTOON(Quote)
The Kid ,agree and a good wide man wouldn’t go amiss either.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Shola has had his two and a half class displays this season now it’s back to normal service. I have for so long wanted him to be consistently good but it’s just never gonna happen, shame really as he is the slayer of Mackems 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
Before the Palace game I said I would like 7 points from them, Stoke, Arsenal and West Brom. I think we are well on our way to that, so no complaints from me on that front.
Anita needs to be considered 1st team now. Some of his passing todaywas superb. Especially that first time chip/cross to Gouffran the back stick early in the 2nd half. Too bad Gouffran bottled out of the header 😡
The Kid(Quote)
Kimtoon
To be fair, I’m not sure how Tiote escaped a booking today. He was good, but committed a lot of fouls.
The Kid(Quote)
The Kid, I know mate but they still made a meal of it and dished out a fair bit themselves.
KIMTOON(Quote)
HBA,
You make some good points. There needs to be a balance.
For me Ben Arfa hasn’t found that balance. He only passes when he has to, not when he should. And quite often he ignores a pass that would split a defense, only to run into a wall which forces him to pass backwards or go for am impossible pass.
I love his entertainment value, but not when he over does it. Which he does do far too often.
As for your Gouff and Jonas comparison.
Yes, there workrate is comparable.
But Gouff is a goal threat, and he provides space for his fellow stikers with superb movement that Jonas never had. Jonas was more like Ben Arfa with dribbling, only with less end product.
If Ben Arfa has the movement of Gouffran in his skill set he’d be world class. He isn’t because he lacks intelligence in his movement on the pitch.
Gouffran is very important in our team. His pace and running keeps the oppostion defending deep. which gives our midfield more space and time and he gets back to cover for Santon. Great team player.
JJ(Quote)
Kid,
How are we on out way to 7 points? We have three and theres one game left? 😆
JJ(Quote)
Rosicky got a yellow for being kicked by a Newcastle player. Giroud got a bad challenge on him. Tiote made about 7 fouls today and didn’t get a booking. So not only did you guys play at home but you also had the ref on your side and you had the easiest game against stoke who played with 9 men so you’re player were well rested going into the game
Afc(Quote)
JJ
We’re on six, mate. We beat both Palace and Stoke. All we need is a draw (minimum) v West Brom and we are good to go.
Saying that though, having watched West Brom’s defence v West Ham the other day I would like the 3 points now. 😀
The Kid(Quote)
Today was the first time I and others watching with me have found ourselves actually saying Ben Arfa is greedy and needed to go.
We don’t dislike Ben Arfa and would love him to fit in here but I am beginning to think that the best we’ll ever get is the odd game like Stoke where he works well on his own but on the whole…. he does not fit in with this squad.
Like we were missing something last season when we built the whole team around Remy and then he went somewhere else – now we have him and the team is fixed…. and we try and shoe-horn Ben Arfa into it. I think this team would work – not as well – but still work with Jonas in Gouffran’s role because they are similar.
Ben Arfa does not work here anymore, he stopped working here when we lost the 4-3-3 with him, Ba and Cisse. Messi wouldn’t work here. The system over-rules the parts.
funkyjesus(Quote)
This is also why we were so determined to get Gomis in the summer – he is the younger, more mobile “Shola” that plays the hold up big man role that feeds Remy.
If it is not Gomis, we’ll target another big man to sign as a striker. That “old fashioned” role is vital to this system. Hell, I wouldn’t be shocked to see us go for Carroll again if West Ham go down.
funkyjesus(Quote)
AFC
Ref on our side. You must be joking mate.
Anita got shoved from behind seconds before you were given a freekick which your scored from because Tiote nudged one of your players.
Then again another shove in the back was ignored for a penalty shout only for seconds late the ref to award a freekick to Arsenal for a soft nudge on your goalkeeper.
Ref was consistently given your side all the decisions.
He had a bad game overall because he didn’t control the game and both teams ended up taking their own retribution with some rough challenges.
JJ(Quote)
“Rosicky got a yellow for being kicked by a Newcastle player. Giroud got a bad challenge on him. Tiote made about 7 fouls today and didn’t get a booking. So not only did you guys play at home but you also had the ref on your side and you had the easiest game against stoke who played with 9 men so you’re player were well rested going into the game”
There’s so much wrong with this comment I’m not sure where to start…
OK, here goes:
1st. Whether we played against 9 men or not, it was still 90 mins of football for virtually the same team that played today. We have a small squad and it’s had little rotation.
2nd. The referee was NOT on our side. Yes, he let a lot of fouls go, but he did the same at key points to YOUR benefit.
e.g. Sissoko bursting into penalty area and being brought down just before entering it – no foul given. Anita foled ujust before Tiote fouled/brushed Cazorla and conceded the freekick that lead to your goal – no foul given. Debuchy brought down in the box by an overzealous Flamini challenge. This is a 50/50 one, but again – no foul given.
3. Yes, Williamson should have been booked for the foul on Giroud. That was probably the only significant decision you had go against you. Everything else was just little niggly fouls in nothing areas of the pitch.
The Kid(Quote)
Kid, never counted Palace. Was wondering how you got to seven 😉
JJ(Quote)
Also, what has happened to Santi Cazorla? He looks shocking now.
Another one season wonder in British football?
funkyjesus(Quote)
HBA,
If you want to see a class footballer. Someone with talent that knows how to use it and work it into a team mentality. Look at Adam Lallana.
That kid is a joy to watch. Superb talent.
JJ(Quote)
FJ
We did a great job on Santi today. He got nothing, absolutely NOTHING from Debuchy.
However, he was superb v West Ham though. He’s a top play in a bit of patchy form, that’s all.
The Kid(Quote)
top player*
The Kid(Quote)
Is he though?
Has he been injured this season because I’ve not heard him at all until today. Seems like his stats he had last season have vanished. Isn’t he also nearly 30?
I wouldn’t be surprised if he is on the slide. Arsenal sign guys too late, like with Arshavin.
funkyjesus(Quote)
FJ
Yes, I think he was injured for a while as soon as Ozil was signed.
The Kid(Quote)
Fair enough. Still wasn’t impressed by him in the slightest today though and I can usually see a player’s quality even if they have a bad day.
funkyjesus(Quote)
We have a couple of good games next which I expect us to use the squad and win. I would be looking at playing Cisse, HBA and does anyone know what’s happened to Marvaeux?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu, Marv is the invisible man ,didn’t you know 😉
AFC, Ref on our side 😆 😆 😆 😆
KIMTOON(Quote)
AFC – dry your eyes you southern softy!. 😉
As for NUFC, today just confirmed to me that we definately need a CF who can score goals and a winger who will actually pass the ball and look to create a chance for his teammates
Sharpy17(Quote)
Disappointed meself golden chance to beat 1 of the leagues top teams and we let it slip yet again.Caybeye was ****, sissiko was ****,collo just were you as your man scored, 5 yards away stood on the pen spot.ben afra what can ya say, choses to shoot when you got 3 dudes on the edge of the box lineing up for the pass,but as per usual you go for glory the quicker we sell you the happier i will be
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25544220
Arsenal not interested in Cabaye – apparently.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Lallanna is a good player and really nice to watch nice balance between passing and taking on players.
But he has not half the skill of Benny in dribbling ability or in acceleration.
But even with that, he is not always in the first XI and his stats in career are not so great.
In my opinion this kind of player are not loved as much as 10-20 years ago, now everyone focus on defensive work, on workrate, and the place of talent and unpredictability is very small.
Ben Arfa in my opinion is very difficult for him be standard in this team, his style of play is so different to other players, and when he plays and we loose it’s always the first guy responsible for the defeat.
Always people slatted him more easily because football is so easy for him and he just loves to tries the impossible thing.
When Sissoko or Gouffran make one run in a game and go past one opponent even if it ends with a bad shoot or unprecise cross, people say great effort.
But when its Benny who does that 5-6 times each game, people slatting him for shooting himself. Me i don’t care when someone like Cabaye, Benny tries a difficult because i kknow he can score, he has the ability. Benny has score the same goal first post last year against arsenal.
But when Santon tries 5 shot each game from long range and he never has score one single goal like that, I see no comments telling how selfish he is.
Just a very biased opinion from everyone on Benny. He is surely selfish but he can do it because he knows he can score better himself than crossing for Shola who will missed it, and i completely agree with that.
HBA39(Quote)
Dear Newcastle fan’s
I understand that everybody’s a little upset after the Arsenal defeat today but I still think Alan and the players have done really well. I watched the game and thought we deserved a point but I am working hard at the moment to bring the right players in, so don’t worry.
Love from Joe ( Director of Football)
Joe Kinnear(Quote)
pards should take some of the stick also waited to long to make the subs when for a good 15 mins before the goal any1 with any working eye balls could see it coming, all the loose balls were falling to there players
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Mathieu Debuchy motm for me
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Disapointing to lose because of some school boy defending 😕 . we showed we can mix with the big boys and a draw would have been nice..
Not the end of the world, we grafted hard but sometimes you don’t get the rewards…
Next…….
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Why do people insist on coming on here with stupid fucking names like Joe Kinnear?
Any chance of getting a life…
Stuart79(Quote)
HBA,
I said on numerous occasions Tiote should stay in our half and be told never to shoot.
I also said today that Santon must be taking shooting lessons from Tiote and he was selfish with the shot.
Also, I think Lallana’s stats are excellent and he’s only getting better. The only reason he doesn’t seem as skillful as Ben Arfa is because he doesn’t over do it… He only uses his skill when he needs to.
A good example from the past is Michael Laudruo. He has unbelievable skill. But wasn’t selfish unless he needed to be. Beardsley was another example.
Ben Arfa should be watching videos of these guys to see how the game is played. It would improve his game considerably.
JJ(Quote)
In fairness to Hatem, he did give his team mates 60 odd minutes to score before he came on… Why not have a go when all others have failed 😉
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
It was a different game then. In fact if he was going to be playing as such an individual he should he been played in those first 60 mins.
When the game opened up that’s when passing and playing as a team works at its best. Quick passing and movement…
But Pards threw in a selfish ball hog and a slow lazy donkey.Played right into Arsenals hands.
They let us have the ball and we created not a wiff of a decent chance.
JJ(Quote)
Although Aussie, I think you sum up Ben Arfa’s mentality well.
“They couldn’t score let’s see what I can do. I’ll do it on my own.”
He gets praised when on the very rare occasion it works. But when it doesn’t and he just looks selfish and arrogant then it shouldnt be wrong to be critical.”
JJ(Quote)
JJ,
I have been saying for years that Benny is a huge talent wasted… If you do the same thing over and over again, you become predictable and more easily shut down.. If he moved the ball quicker by passing more often than not, they opposition would not double-up on him so readily.
Ahh well, he is our most skillful player tho 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
I enjoyed the game today. Thought we had a few chances. I definitely thought we should have had a penalty when Debuchy was brought down in the box. They probably wouldn’t have got the goal if the massive foul, ie ‘shoved to the ground from behind’ had been given for the foul on Sissoko. Then ref gives a free kick for a tiny clip on the heels by Tiote. When Ben Arfa came on Flamini did a horrendous tackle from behind on Ben Arfa that I thought deserved a red card! Ref definitely wasn’t consistent with foul giving. I know last game we had some calls go our way for a change but we also had 2 nailed on penalties not given in the last game. I know ref’s have a difficult job but they have to be consistent. Ref’s are the ones now who decide who wins and loses games. They need to bring in technology to helps ref make decisions with instant replays if at all unsure. Don’t agree with the negativity about Ben Arfa. I think he is a magnificently gifted player and we are so lucky to have him. Debuchy was immense again today. Shola was back to his ‘normal’ self!
Jill(Quote)
Aussie –
In fairness to Hatem, he did give his team mates 60 odd minutes to score before he came on… Why not have a go when all others have failed
I agree that. This article seems to be dominated with discussion of Bennys contribution, when others weren’t great either to be fair. But it seems its Benny that people want to discuss, and while that is the case I’d be incline to agree that his selfish play is more of a hindrance than help to get a result.
It’s always been a problem of Bennys and I’ve come to expect it so I don’t get annoyed or frustrated anymore. But Pardew should also expect it!. Benny can do his party trick when ya 3-0 up against 9 man Stoke, but when were behind and need a player to create chances then he’s the wrong call. Teams double or treble up on him and instead of exploiting the space he goes for glory and doesn’t play in a team mate.
His decision making has always been poor so it’s no great surprise.
What is a surprise is that Marveaux can’t even make that bench?!
His style of player is to create chances and look to play teammates in, yet he doesn’t get in head of Obertan?!.
As I said yesterday, the Arsenal game was just further proof to me that we need a goal scoring CF and a creative winger.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Jill you summed up how I feel, yeah sureBenny was greedy and should have passed but he did make the chances himself so its not like others hard work was wasted, and so often he made chances for others to see his hard work wasted.
I just cant understand the Benny hate on here yeah I get annoyed with him at times but so often he **** a move up because he tries too much but he is just as likely to go on a run 5 mins later and score.
On Strolla for me he had 1- 2 good games then normal service resummed I think some need to take a look at him and ask for being our longest serving player ( striker ) does he win games or score enough as after all scoring goals is what strikers do .
I didnt really expect owt from the game but after the game I believe we deserved more
Big Dave(Quote)
Dave , I think that’s fair comment @45. Benny is hugely talented, just want him to use his brain a little more on certain occasions. If we were winning who would mind his speculative long or angled shots, it’s mainly because we needed a goal and time was running out and on a couple of occasions the pass would of been far more productive as at least once when he shot we had an unmarked guy bang in the middle of the box 🙄 . It’s not hate but more frustration I feel where Benny is concerned.
On the positive side we fought well and on another day would of taken a point or 3 from the game so the guys can take a lot of confidence away from the game imo. Hopefully back to winning ways at West Brom, I got that game down for the 1st new years day, is that right ❓
KIMTOON(Quote)
spot on HBA39 @32
ppl do want benny to save the day as we know he’s capable but we also want him to be a team player, it doesnt always work like that, we can’t have both.
If he had of passed we might not have scored anyway. He didnt have his shooting boots on y’day but he didnt have a lot of time against a decent, organised defence.
mark(Quote)
Think Pards had us set up too cautiously for the first 70 mins, we should have gotten at them from the off
Sholas done well this season but think he’s knackered now and he needs to have a few weeks off
stevep(Quote)
Kim I sometimes think Benny tries too hard to be the one to grab the winner so that he may become a 1st team player, so while I think he should off passed the ball like he did often enough in the Stoke game, I can understand why he doesnt when he comes on as a sub.
Oh and I know you dont hate him just frustrated at times with him like I am.
Big Dave(Quote)
i see oba walked out after been told he was not going to be playing or on the bench on sun,hope he keeps walking to his next club
icedog(Quote)
Benny’s sent on to get the winner… u can just see Pards telling him, get us a goal..
I don’t blame him for trying, I don’t think he’d get a starting position out of it tho, he needs to do more for the team generally to justify a start.
who would swap a consistent Lallanna for a potentially, work-class player, Benny?
I would, as I can never see Benny starting many games unless we sold someone.
mark(Quote)
overly-cautious?
Isnt that Newcastle under Pards? keep it tight until the 2nd half?
Even V Stoke we tried to keep it tight until they scored which messed up our gameplan
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-0-arsenal-lee-ryders-6453225
mark(Quote)
It’s not a case of Benny should only look to pass and play others in and NEVER shoot himself. For me it’s making the right decision – but that requires a player to know what’s on around him.
I watched MOTD a few weeks back, and can’t remember the opponents but it was Liverpool and Suarez was played in one on one with the keeper – the form he’s in you’d have put your house on him scoring. But instead he squared it and played in Sterling who was completely unmarked and had a tap in.
Suarez probably could have scored it, but still had the keeper to beat. But having drawn the keeper Suarez saw that Sterling had a far better chance of definately scoring than him and selflessly played him in (annoying as Suarez is in my dream team like).
But that’s what Benny is missing. His decision making is poor because he doesn’t see his team mates around him at times, he’s just head down and take on the world.
He did last week mind. He made a run into the box, stumbled but still managed to pass to Gouffran to get a shot in. But it’s not often enough, and even though Goof was the right option, I’m not sure he’d have passed if he wasn’t stumbling.
Sharpy17(Quote)
v stoke Benny created the first goal with a cross which nearly went out & he got the pen when he bamboozled the defender with some sublime skill 🙂
but yeah, its about decision making, something i think Benny struggles with.
mark(Quote)
Ice I too hope he keeps walking or he could do a forest gump and just start running and keep on running
Big Dave(Quote)
😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
Sharpy@53, Yes I know exactly what your on about, saw that too and that’s a perfect example mate.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Dave@55 😆
KIMTOON(Quote)
So is that right we play new years day or what?
KIMTOON(Quote)
Benny vs Lallana stats:
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/hatem-ben-arfa/profil/spieler_18900.html
vs
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/adam-lallana/profil/spieler_43530.html
Goals and assists they are exactly the same with Lallana playing more games. But the reason Lallana gets more games and is wanted by the likes of Man Utd is because he’s decision making and all round play is better IMO.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The one player we cannot afford to lose is Debuchy. He must be catching the eye of other teams. There have been no rumours about interest in him which I find more worrying. Managers keep quiet about their real targets. Let’s hope my fears are unfounded.
Groucho(Quote)
I think ben arfa was my motm vs stoke. Not becausd of his dribbling or shooting but because of his very good linkup play. He is much better than cabaye in that attacking mid role as he is more mobile.
Yesterday we were losing, he got sent on to grab a goal, he tried a shot when the only other 2 newcastle players in the box were man marked & he missed.
I don’t think he did anything wrong. The only thing he could have done better was to hit the target & score.
If he had scored we certainly would not be saying ‘lets get rid of ben arfa’.
We’d probably be saying that ben arfa needs to be in the first 11.
Have we all forgotten the 2 games at the start of the season which ben arfa had won on his own? We’d be 4pts worse off now.
Sure, in hindsight we’d like ben arfa to be more of a team player but everyone on here was hoping that ben arfa would grab a goal when he was in the box after coming in off the right.
Ben Arfa does what we want him to do. We want him to be greedy more often than we want him to be a team player
KK(Quote)
Debuchy has been fantastic. He’s almost becoming too important. He’s played in almost everygame i’ve seen this season & he seems to be getting better each time.
It was nice to see santon on the right too. I thouht he was much more effective there.
At that stage in the game with santon & hadaira crossing almost as wingers, it might have suited cisse more than remy?
Overall, 0-1 is not too bad a result, the players tried & the manager put out his strongest team.
The only way we could have won was with:
1) better coaching
2) the players being rotated if we have midweek games.
KK(Quote)
Groucho@61 Quite agree, he must be catching a few eyes now. Didn’t someone post his stats and say he’s the best RB in the PL at the moment. 😕
KIMTOON(Quote)
on a more postive note the window is soon to open,hopeing for at least 1 decent signing meself and who knows we could still yet make the champions league
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
on afra we seem to be having the same convo over and over the simple fact is he aint no team player and its time to sell in my view
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
@tae
Ben Arfa is a team player. Look back at the Stoke game.
He played in a team yesterday & he did just as well as everybody else. TBH he probably did better than some players too.
KK(Quote)
@ KK
<<<<<<<<<<<<< would of looked good runing at 9 men meself 😆 😆 😆 😆
open ya eyes bud he aint no team player
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
the only plus from yesterdays game was there will be no bid from arsenal for Caybeye proper **** he was yesterday and i expected a lot more from him but he never showed up for the party
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
TAE – Benny has been credited with 6 assists so far this season across all competions. Cabaye has 3 – as does Sissoko who is currently playing the right side. Shola is on 3 and Remy and Gouffran are on 2 assists each.
So I think to say he’s not a team player is unfair – however he has the ability to have created alot more than that, and would be the first name on Pardews team sheet if his decision making was better.
He has the ability to be our Rooney or Hazard or Silva or Ozil in my opinion.
I honestly think he has that level of ability, but it’s how it’s applied. Players can be coached, but it comes down to natural instinct and I think Bennys instinct at times is to play with blinkered vision and go for goal – which is a real shame and hugely frustrating
Sharpy17(Quote)
I wonder whether Man City could be tempted with a cheeky double bid for Boyata and Guidetti. Those to and Tom Ince would be a good window IMO. If not Guidetti then Finnbogason.
Loan some of the young uns out and get rid of Obertan and Marv.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Benny is a ‘luxury’ player we can do without.
We should take any offer of around £4m for him in January – we will only get £2m in July.
Shola is just a player we can do without. We should have got rid of him years ago.
If Joe can offload him for nowt in January then that would be a great contribution to the club as it is the only way to stop that fool Pardew from playing him.
Unfortunately , I believe Pardew will be fighting to get Shola an extended contract. Sack the fool !
Troy, thanks for sharing your info on our supposed new loan striker arriving in January. Do you really think another striker will consider coming here to sit on the bench to watch Shola play?
sidekick(Quote)
How many Ben Arfa assists are from his shots being deflected and/or saved and someone getting a tap in from it?
funkyjesus(Quote)
Mark Lawrenson has us down to lose 2-0 at West Brom.
I know they are traditionally a bogey team for us but for ***** sake, this guy seriously has picked us to lose almost every game this season, hasn’t he?
Fucking ****.
funkyjesus(Quote)
No, JJ, Lallana does not have anywhere near the same amount of skill as Ben Arfa. Lallana is a very good player, but he isn’t on the same planet as Ben Arfa in terms of natural, raw ability. However, he is currently a better Premier League player as he is much more of a team player than Ben Arfa.
The Kid(Quote)