Not only have a lot of people become football finance analysts keen to know the details of the money side of things, but more recently a lot of people have turned into tactical masters and insist their way is the best way.
Now what is blatantly obvious is we, as a team, aren’t playing well at the moment and it’s tactics, or Alan Pardew and his implementation of them, that are getting the blame for the bulk of it. My own personal opinion is that they do have an impact on how we’ve been laying, but I also think it is a bit blinkered to think that it is only tactics that have been our downfall recently.
There are more factors behind it as Jonas Gutierrez has mentioned today in the local press. Long story short he basically said that tactics are one part of a winning team and that United have a number of systems that they train with and use depending on opposition. The big thing for me though is his insistence that the most important factor in any formation is the players giving 100%, which is strange really as I don’t think Jonas, uncharacteristically, can be tagged in that bracket right now.
Many factors combine to win a football match. Tactics are one part of it, but also individual player performance, morale, and luck all also play a part. I’m not saying that a 4-3-3 or a 4-1-3-2 or whatever wouldn’t have worked better, all I’m saying is that none of those formations could negate some of the poor individual performances that have contributed far more to our defeats in recent weeks. Name me one tactic that will stop our goalkeeper spooning clearances straight to the opposition or another which allows our players to actually make a pass to a player five yards away?
Much has been made of the 4-3-3 system that we used effectively last season. It was great to watch and we really opened teams with it, but we also had players playing in that formation who were bang in form. We had Papiss Cisse scoring from anywhere and everywhere, Hatem Ben Arfa showing that he can destroy teams on his own, Yohan Cabaye spraying the ball about, Jonas Gutierrez working his socks off, Fabricio Coloccini being some form of colossus and Tim Krul showing that he is one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe.
Is it any coincidence our performances have dipped along with the form of so may of our players? And is that down to tactics or is it down to other factors?
Toonsy good read, yeah I tend to agree with Jonas that it’s more about all the players giving 100% as IMO it doesn’t matter as much what tactics you play if the players arnt giving their all.
It seems to me that some fans think that tactics are the be all and end all, I think even if your set up in one system the players should naturally change during the game if needed.
Big Dave(Quote)
Agreed Toonsy. All the tactics in the world won’t make up for players not putting a shift in, whether it’s all of them or even just one of them.
Just another thing I thought I’d throw in to against what seems to be “popular opinion” this season. It’s been said our consistent long balls have come from Williamson and Simpson and have hurt us because it bypasses our creative midfield….
Well, Yohan Cabaye has statistically the most long balls from an outfield player in our team, almost twice as many as simpson in fact… Just thought I’d put that out there.
Newkie(Quote)
Toonsy – I haven’t read anyone solely blaming tactics for our current plight. I also don’t think anyone is saying their formation is the answer. They are simply offering it as an alternative to Pardews favoured 4-4-2 which most people can see has players playing out of their natural position or not at their most effective.
I think most fans have mentioned various reason behind why we are poor at the moment, from lack or investment to tactics, workrate, formation and of course injuries.
But realistically, Pardew can’t be held accountable for investment (board) or workrate (the player), but he can influence formation and tactics and that’s a huge element that he is getting drastically wrong at the moment.
From the comments I’ve read recently, I think most fans are pointing the finger of blame at the people and can clearly see all of the short fallings – it’s a pity that Pardew and the board aren’t – or if they are, not addressing them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Obviously effort from players has a big impact on our performances, but tactics are the key to winning. Insisting on long balls bypassing midfield when we have little aerial presence ( see corners & set pieces ) as well as 4-4-2 with wingers that dont get to the byline and cross is a recipe gor disaster. I dont think our current abysmal form is down to any one thing, but a number if things. Tactics and lack of effort feature highly in my opinion – and Pardew also has to take dome flack for the lack of effort. It’s his job to get the players motivated – or drop them.
I’m also not really interested in what Jonas has to say right now. He has looked as flat as anybody recently and offers nothing to the team. It’s about time they started putting it together on the pitch. They can then come to the fans and explain what had gone wrong during the bad spell once they have earnt back a bit if credibility.
Shamrock(Quote)
Re; Cabaye – if he is dropping back and hitting it long then he two is bypassing the midfield. Same result and smacks or **** tactics.
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock-The way I interpret it is that sometimes he has dropped back and then because virtually no players make themselves open for a pass he has little option but to smack it long. Ben Arfa comes back and has the same problem, only he has the skills to beat three or four players and get us moving again, thank christ.
It’s also a point about “long balls” in general. I think they can be determined as any pass of 25 yards-Well even when Cabaye is in the centre he likes to ping out the long passes. Last year that seemed to be his favourite move, pinging the ball out to wingers in space ala Obertan and Jonas. Although this year our wingers don’t seem to find themselves in the same space(Benny comes infield, Jonas lounges around and does **** all)
Newkie(Quote)
Dave/Newkie – I absolutely agree that workrate is massively important. But playing the right players in the right positions in the right formation is absolutely key surely.
Take Stoke for example, we clearly upped out workrate from the Saints game, but how many clear cut chances did we make?. The players selected were so defence minded that there was little to no creativity in that team at all.
Players can work there tits off, but if they are constantly chancing the ball and constantly defending then it becomes very negative. Positive players don’t need to be told to up their workrate and players creating chances, scoring goals and winning games are generally positive.
Also, you are not going to have a positive squad if you are continually selecting the same under performing players in the same negative ineffective formation.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Again poor tactical drills combined with poor workrate…
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy-How many chances do opposition teams make at a place like Stoke though? Stoke are great at limiting those opportunities, particularly at home…namely because of their workrate.
We also had another 2 close one on ones that could have been finished.
As for the goals we conceded-and the real reason we lost the match-lack of application for me. Jonas putting in very little effort to stop a cross, Colo caught in no mans land, Willo beaten to the resulting header.
Second goal, Colo not watching a man sprint behind him and then put the ball in the back of the net. Basic defending and didn’t put the required effort in. Let’s face it, Colo is only ever going to be playing centre back, tactics won’t change that much around for him….
But yeah I do agree, it’s both tactics and work effort. My main gripe is the simple claim that “last years 4-3-3” will instantly start winning us matches. Doesn’t work like that. Not that I’m saying any on here have been that simple, but some people in general have.
Newkie(Quote)
I think the general lack of control and ability within the team this season has been shocking. We have too many players in the team who are for some reason just not comfortable or balanced on the ball. Simpson, Williamson, Staylor, Perch, Sammy, and our front two couldn’t hold the ball up for toffee at the moment.
Munich Mag(Quote)
Newkie, I reckon that if we signed a decent centre half, then we could actually benefit on several fronts. I would contemplate moving Collo into midfield to team up with Tiote and Cabaye. That would be a real ball playing midfield.
Munich Mag(Quote)
MM-Yeah I know what you mean, Colo has played DM for us before hasn’t he? Personally though if we got a CB in I wouldn’t risk playing all three of them-it would also mean playing Willo and whilst I don’t think he’s as terrible as sometimes made out, I’d rather have him on the bench. Would be interesting to see though, might work with staylor back.
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie, Willo wouldn’t be in my team. When it comes down to critical defensive tackles, headers etc, he is invariably the one to be caught out. A journeyman centre half, who will get my support as a toon fan, but I wouldn’t have him in my team.
Munich Mag(Quote)
MM-That’s what I mean mate and given that Staylor’s injury record shows no signs of improving that basically leaves us with two CBs assuming we actually bring one in and assuming they’re actually decent and can adapt. Probably the worst position for adapting players as well…depending in where we get them from I guess.
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie – ok mate, I hear what you’re saying about Stoke, I’ll open the same question up for our whole season. I’m sure there are stats kicking about that shows we have created fewer chances this season.
I hold my hands up and say I’ve championed the 4-3-3 formation, purely because last season was some of the best offensive football I’ve seen us play in a long time – and the plays looked to be enjoying themselves (Ba excluded). That said though, I’d be happy to see 4-4-2 if he was selecting the right players. Jonas isn’t a left winger and doesn’t get the ball into the box and Santon is naturally right footed as well. That means there few crosses coming from the left.
Benny likes to dribble and Simpson is a poor crosser of the ball, so little comes in from the right either.
I suppose what I mean is its horses for courses mate. You play your strongest available 11 in the formation that suits them, rather than trying to play them in a formation that doesn’t.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Get in a pacey CB who dominates in the air tomplay alongside Colo. also get in a pacey winger who can actually cross and a striker that can hold the ball up. We will be sorted then. For this season at least.
Cant see any more than 1 player coming in during Jan though. Prices get pushed up, meanimg Llambastad will pull the plug on pretty much anything.
Shamrock(Quote)
I reckon we’ll see Pieters arrive…
1 – cos he’s for free
2 – cos he’s cattled …
Munich Mag(Quote)
Sharpy-Possibly mate, but how many chances did we make in the early half of last season? Compared to back then I’m not sure how different we are.
Plucking out of memory, didn’t we have about 12 shots on target and 16 or so off against Swansea? Something like that. I remember thinking we’d probably had more shots in that match than we’d had in a fair while. Still lost though, fairly comfortably.
Also I believe statistically Simpson was the best crosser of the ball in our side last season….make of that what you will. I know he was at one point, not sure if it stayed that way.
I agree with you though, for me formation is about getting your best players in their best positions and right now we’re not doing that.
Newkie(Quote)
It’s defo a mixture of many things not just tactics imo. You need a combination of High workrate for 90 + minutes ,self belief and the right players in the right positions (the tactics bit) and importantly you need to invest and strengthen from a position of strength which recorded an epic fail on our owners part and lastly luck you need a bit of luck . 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
Newkie – that’s exactly my point mate. We started last season 4-4-2 with Jonas left and Oba right and Ba and Best up front. Best scored more goals than Cisse has so far the the chances created from the wings were few and far between as well from memory.
I get Pardew wants to protect his defence, but it’s a fine balance. Goals win games and chances convert to goals. If he’s playing 4-4-2 it has to be with positivity and with Fergie on the left for example. Or you change formation and have Benny in more of a free role, but that would favour an offensive approach and that’s not Pardews style.
Newkie – the other thing I’ve been keeping an eye on is our possession stats and there’s not been too many games where we have had most of the game during a game. That’s a big problem for me as well to be honest. It has to be easier to defend and attack when you have the ball I’d have thought like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I see West Ham have lost Carroll for up to 8 weeks with a knee injury ,that loans working out well isn’t it 😉 Can’t see them buying him even if they survive.
KIMTOON(Quote)
BTW – If anybody watched Flintoff last night, what did you think? To me he looked like a complete amateur. Rushing in for combinations leaving himself exposed, his fists were at an awkward angle, pretty much no guard or decent footwork.
I wonder why his opponent was flown in from across the water? Because nobody had heard of him and he threw the fight. The guy rarely threw a lunch in anger and although he had better footwork, he was still leahing himself blatantly open for Flintoff to walk right in.
I have 2 questions;
1) why hive Flintoff a pro licence when he has not competed on the amateur circuit yet and proven himself?
2) why fly someone in from the U.S? Surely he should start with a British boxer who people know and can measure Flintoff against?
The while thing was a sham in my opinion.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy-Yeah I know what you mean, I too want Benny in that attacking role and have pushed for it/wanted to see it since pre-season. As for Fergie, to be fair Pards has used him a few times in the last few games, but he has also been average. Felt he was pretty poor against Southampton where I thought his crosses might cause damage. His free kick looked really tasty though, so hopefully if he delivers like that we’ll actually score from a set piece some time soon. I think he’ll play against Wigan, with Jonas on the right and Anita/Tiote in the middle.
I agree with possession-we’ve rarely dominated it. However, you look to games against possession heavy sides like Liverpool and Swansea-I remember people saying we’d be completely dominated. I don’t think we were, in fact we had more possession than Swansea in that game..
But possession hasn’t surprised me, given how cheaply we’ve given the ball away with poor passing this year.
Newkie(Quote)
Shamrock-Only saw about the last minute of it on a crappy stream mate. Of course the whole thing’s a shame, it’s boxing 😉 He got a license because of Bazza’s influence and because there’s money to be made in getting a celebrity into the ring.
Newkie(Quote)
I miss Kevin Nolan. Honest about why he moved (ie didn’t badmouth the club and cry ambitiion.>!) and he really is a terrific leader. You can hear him screaming at players. We need that desperately in our team atm.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Fckin carlton cole costing me a clean sheet..
Newkie(Quote)
Ah Carlton cole ,he that said Ba doesn’t pass ,out of jealousy cause his records as **** as Sholas 🙄
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim-It’s true
In fact, I’m pretty sure his minutes to goal ratio is worse than Shola’s 😉
Newkie(Quote)
Newks ,I was pulling your leg knowing your words had come back to haunt you a tad. 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
Shamrock – I’m a big fan of boxing, and know what you mean. My initial thought when I heard Freddie was fighting was ‘what a fucking joke’. But to be fair, although he didn’t box very well – which is no surprise really it being his first and only ever fight – but the lad certainly showed respect for the sport. He trained hard and lost loads of weigh so I don’t think it was a gimmick.
He also didn’t throw the towel in when he got put on his ****. Most fighters first fights aren’t televised, but most fighters look equally as awkward. It wasn’t great, but he didn’t bring shame on himself or the sport.
The same cant be said for the likes of Haye, Chizora, Harrison and Fury.
I don’t imagine Freddie looking to make a career out of boxing, but fair play to him for giving it a serious go I say.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim 😆
So looks like Benitez will be out of a job, anyone fancy him at the toon? I’d still want to stick with Pards…
Newkie(Quote)
Now to watch England get ****** by the all blacks.
Find it hard to appreciate other sports with our ***** run always in the back of my mind though.
Newkie(Quote)
I remember banging on about Diame in the summer when I thought we would sell Tiote. I see he is earning himself rave reviews now. He was available on a free and we didn’t act on it. Poor from us.
The Kid(Quote)
It could be worse Newkie,
You could be an Aussie cricket fan 😉
The Kid
There are a number of players we missed out on in the summer.
In fact, I don’t know what we gave Carr an eight year deal for.
He can identify all the players he likes in the world. If we then go offer half the players value, it doesn’t help does it? Other clubs will then come sniffing and pick up players we’ve scouted because they offer market value.
JJ(Quote)
Solano
Agree, I don’t miss Barton at all but Nolan is a huge miss.
He gets up and supports strikers. He plays some terrific passes and is a great leader.
JJ(Quote)
JJ
It just made no sense that we didn’t go for him. He was free and put in some great performances for Wigan. His decision making has improved a lot this season too.
As for Carr – Like you say, he can identify all the players he wants, but if we don’t offer a fair price we are effectively scouting for other clubs.
The Kid(Quote)
JJ 😆
I could be an aussie full stop…
Newkie(Quote)
The Kid – I’m made the point many times mate, can’t believe some of the free transfers that we simply overlooked in the summer. We must have looked at that section of the market coz we picked up Amalfitano on a free and that deal was done long before the window even opened.
For a club trying operate with little spends, surely we have to take greater advantage of the free transfer.
Newkie – I reckon that’s Chelsea will really struggle to get back into the title race now like, and with players like Terry, Cole and Lampard looking to leave I see some seriously troubled times head for them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Three players I can’t believe the club didn’t try for in the Summer:
Diame, Berbatov and Dos Santos.
All were available for one reason or another and are undoubtedly quality players. All could have added a lot to our team.
Arrogance of the highest order from the idiots at the helm. As if a team can not sign players and expect to remain strong. Fools.
The Kid(Quote)
Nolan is a good captain, full of the nous required to get refs onside and rarely loses his head.
Sharpy-I know they’ll be transitioning but I’m not sure they’ll ever struggle. Not when their owner will pump 100mil into a transfer window at a whim. Lampard certainly won’t be a miss imo.
Newkie(Quote)
The Kid-Aye, and I’d add Martins to that list as well
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie 😯 you don’t think they will miss Frank?. I think that’s exactly what they are missing at the moment. He’s a linch pin in their midfield able to move it from defenders to attacks brilliantly, plus he’s good for 15-20 goals a season. Superb player IMO.
I would also add Hiollett and Clyne to that list Newkie as well mate.
As for Nolan, good AM good captain for 90mins of a match. Off the pitch, a greedy money chasing disloyal human being. I wouldn’t want him back at our club for love nor money.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy-Nah mate, I don’t really see midfield as their problem, unless they want a DM who can play a bit more football than Mikel. They seem to be playing Ramires there which is interesting and working out alright for them. I’d definitely have Mata and Hazard over him in any set up.
They’re missing a top class striker as Torres has been gash for two years now. They’re missing a top class CB or RB, Ivanovic would probably be first team for either option. As soon as they start playing Luiz they look shaky. I’d say they need a better keeper as well.
Basically if they had someone banging in the goals they’d be fine. Lamps has always been overrated for me, probably down to the fact I judge him a lot on his england performances where he has been by far one of the worst players to wear the shirt imo.
Agree with Clyne. Hoillet would have been a great little signing, especially if we were going to continue with last years 4-3-3
Newkie(Quote)
How anyone can describe a captain that talks your best player into leaving the club as a good captain is beyond me, now for me a good captain is the likes of Shearer, Lee, Speed and I can’t imagine them convincing one of our best players to leave
Big Dave(Quote)
I see Good played in Bradford’s FA Cup match last night. He is now cup tied for us. Does this mean we are definitely getting another CB in January. If not seems a silly decision given the injury position.
Groucho(Quote)
Dave-I was referring to on the pitch. Still, don’t think Carroll has come out and said that’s why he moved? Was a dickish interview but trying to take the blame off Carroll is pointless imo. Yeah he’s stupid, but he still made the decision that broke his own word.
And England beat the All Blacks…no doubt that means we’ll lose on Monday just to **** me off 😕
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie – yeah, agree they need another CB and CF. I’d play Frank and Ramires in front of the defence and behind Mata, Hazard and Oscar. Don’t rate Mikel that highly to be honest. Franks getting old though but has been a great player for them I think.
Im just watching SSN and checking scores. The CC has some prolific goal scores this season like. Murray has scored again for Palace, Ince again for Bpool, Sharp again for Forest, then you’ve got the likes of Austin for Burnley.
It’s got me thinking, with the likes of Holt and Lambert coming into the EPL and scoring, are these players WE should be looking at or is the CC just so much easier to score in?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Groucho-Saw an interview with Inman where he seems pretty sure we’ll be buying in Jan, not sure if that means anything though.
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie you know im not saying that that was the sole reason he left, and im sure you know im not trying to take the blame of Carroll, but you do know he convinced him and told him he would regret not going 😉 so do you expect a captain to do that ? as for leadership on the field well I seen him going awol too many times, the dippers game in particular was really a low point in his time as he never even turned up
GROUCHO I would really hope that there was no way we would be needing to use him this season
Big Dave(Quote)
Whenever you watch something as a spectator, it’s human nature to have your own ideas about what is unfolding and how you would direct it, especially if it isn’t going well. I agree that we are looking into this formation thing a lot and there are other areas of concern such as the lack of actual players that can play at this level and the amount of injuries and suspensions that we have had. That is not to say that the formation issue isn’t a legitimate concern. For me, player performance and the ability of the team to play as a ‘team’ to the best of their ability, comes down to formation. It is not enough to simply play a player who is the best of what is available in training at Left Wing for example and say; ‘You play there and just try to defend against their RB and work hard’. The players have to fit. ie. Jonas and Enrique had a pairing. A winger like Laurent Robert had an ability to cross the ball to supply Alan Shearer in the box and he scored and provided from dead balls. He was tagged lazy etc. but he was a part of a successful team. his role in that team was to put the ball into areas that will hurt the opposition, using a left foot that was like a sniper rifle. When I look at Fergie I think he should try and take some free kicks.
DJG(Quote)
Dippers beating Saints
KIMTOON(Quote)
Sharpy-Oh yeah don’t get me wrong I think he’s been a good and often great player for Chelski over the years, he’s just past it as far as I’m concerned.
Mikel is no Essien in his prime that’s for sure.
The CC is definitely easier to score in but many strikers can make the step up. Andy Carroll….Shane Long…
We don’t really need a “lump” striker though which is what those who go up the leagues-like Lambert and Holt are. We need a pacey one like Jordan Rhodes….but we won’t be getting him.
Newkie(Quote)
Spurs thrashing Fulham 😯
KIMTOON(Quote)
Has anybody thought its because of the tactics that the players form and confidence has dropped.
Do you think Cabaye likes being bypassed by Willo lumping it over his head? Do you think Ben Arfa likes having to drop far too deep to get the ball?
Do you think Cisse has enjoyed Demba breathing down his neck every where he goes and feeling like he has a big shadow who refuses to pass the ball to him?
If it was left up to the players, I guarantee you they would play 4-3-3. If Ba refused, he’d be kicked out the team with his bottom lip sticking out and his place on the LW would go to somebody else.
Our season has gradually got worse. This is because they players are sick to death of fighting their own natural instincts and being handcuffed in this pre-historic League Two football.
It’s Pardew’s fault the players have no confidence. They have lost confidence in him. Just like I have.
HOOF IT!!!
ToonBano(Quote)
villa look like they are gonna get a point along with Qpr ,pressure mounting on us to start picking points up.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Swans beating Arsenal 1.0 😯
KIMTOON(Quote)
No Dave I don’t expect that from a captain, which is why I called him a c*nt at the time for it and I generally stand by that, but I stand by being a clever captain on the pitch.
He went awol as a player sometimes definitely but I still thought he was an effective captain, as was Joey as vice, although then we get into muddy territory, did they keep team spirit high or did they dominate other players out of the dressing room etc….
Newkie(Quote)
Kim-to be fair, a draw between those two is a great result for us imo.
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie – no I think Mikel is hugely overrated. Is Essien just on loan to Madrid or did they sell him?
Aye, I wish we had got Rhodes like, he’s settled no bother at Bburn and reckon he could have with us. I’ve been really impressed with Charlie Austin this season, and Gary Hooper from Celtic.
Personally though, I’d go buy Billy Sharp.
My dream team has been outstanding this week!!
Tevez, Fellani, Michu, Defoe all on the scoresheet – that’s why Pardew should be listening to me more!! 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
swans leading 2.0 now boos ringing out at the emirates 🙄
KIMTOON(Quote)
Newkie ,yeah probs right but it’s the confidence of not losing I was thinking about really.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Sack Clark! Sack Wenger! 😆
Myeah, i’d rather them get what they can from “not losing” rather than gain the real confidence of winning, especially qpr.
Newkie(Quote)
TOONBANO
Totally agree, we actually have some very talented players on our books. like Ben Arfa. When he is left to his own devices he drifts all over the place! He has a natural instinct to find areas of weakness! He is like a shark swimming around and the opposition are crapping themselves not knowing where he is going to go across the back line and who he will take on. If you cover him with Tiote and Cabaye and play him as a no.10 he will naturally find the weakest defender on the deck and beat him. Why would we not want to do that? Why would we not want to watch that? We are a big club that can buy good players and then play them like it was League 1.
DJG(Quote)
Toonbano @ 54 – spot on mate. Nail on the head for me too.
What I ahave found hard to take, is Pardews lack of vision. Why cant he see that persisting with the same plan over and over again isn’t going to work.
Why is he so **** scared to put Demba Ba in his place.
Why wont he front up with lamebastard and dictate to the useless gimp what it is that he needs.
Why cant he stop willo and Simmo front hoofing the ball up the park.
Why cant he stop Tiote’s pathetic back passes to the keeper at every oportunity.
Why cant he sort out our set piece play
So many questions, yet all I see is a man without a clue.
We are now cast well adrift from the the top 10.
Wigan at home wont be an easy game either.
We are now in a really horrible situation, mostly thru pardew’s making imo. Tho I accept other mitigating circumstances.
Do I think Pardew can drag us out of it? Do I nelly. 👿
We just need 3 other teams around us to be ******* than us this season and hope for the best
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Sharpy-Agreed. Classic case of a player signed after one good tournament. Essien is just on loan, Real Madrid like having had every notable crock in the game on their books at some point I think 😆
I don’t think we’ll get sharp-I’m surprised the saints don’t have him in their side to be honest. I imagine Forest would want to keep him though, and they have rich arabs in charge as well….
I have them players as well, but swap Fellani for Mata, who also scored
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie @ 57 I think they were to dominant Joey would be a bit too quick and sometimes go over board, as for Nolan I firmly believe what I was told that Nolan caused the Carroll and Saylor fiasco and was trying to push Saylor out because of his close loyalties to Big Al
Big Dave(Quote)
Dave-Yeah, I definitely believed that with last years performances-players said as much and then said they were more comfortable now and there was a better atmostphere…but then you get this season and I’m not so sure…Colo not great under pressure and can lose his head, Jonas certainly not leading by example.
I was never really sure about that fight, thought it was just over the girl personally 😉
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie – no I don’t think well go for Sharp either, but it would be great to watch Soccer Saturday and seeing Newcastle 3 – Sunderland 0 (Sharp hat-trick) – at 34 next year, it’s not likely to be me now so Billy could live out my dream for me 😉
I had Mata in and swapped him for Fellani, thought Mata may be dropped again.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy 😆
So that’s the reason you want him! I’d want someone younger to be honest, depending on Ba going in Jan as Shola is on his last legs, or has been for years 😀
Reading just scored…
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie I said at the time that Nolan was stirring the **** and trying to push him out and it was the 1st and only time I have ever said that a source told me something.
Colo for me doesn’t usually lose his head, and imo is normally a calming influence, he just isn’t very good at shouting or telling players off. Jonas I still think would walk through a mine field for the cause, but his fitness seems to have went and he seems to be carrying a bit of weight
Big Dave(Quote)
Losing now, no worries 😆
Newkie(Quote)
3-2 now ffs, pains me when any team scores from a corner nowadays 😕
and reading have 2.
Dave-fair enough mate, seems quite cloak and dagger that 😉
I agree he is normally a calming influence-but I do think he can be rattled and I’ve noticed quite often after good performances where he is singled out he doesn’t quite perform as well in the next match. Not sure whether it is just being unfit, but imo if a player is unfit and is committed he should be sorting his fitness out asap, it shouldn’t even be an issue after 3-4 games into a season let alone now.
Newkie(Quote)
5 goals in 23 minutes 😯 Reading can take a corner as well. I fear for us. The wolves are at the door.
DJG(Quote)
Robson-Kanu has already done more than our forwards do in a whole match. 😯
DJG(Quote)
Newkie surely the club should be sorting the fitness out, I have noticed a few players arn’t just as quick Jonas is one young Fergie isn’t as quick as he was, and even Shola is slower and heavier than he ever was.
Just looking at the table we’re 2 pts of the bottom 3 and 7pts of 10th 😯
Big Dave(Quote)