Sylvain Marveaux Still Out For A Couple Of Months

7:12 pm, Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 by Ed Harrison · 247 Comments

For some reason we thought that Sylvain Marveaux would be back in training at the end of this month.

Sylvain Marveaux – still out about two months

This is what 25 year-old Sylvain Marveaux has said on the Newcastle web-site today:

“I’ve been working hard. I’ve been doing strength work for my legs and upper body as well,” “I hope to be fit soon, but there is still a long way to go.”
“Maybe in a couple of months I could be back, but maybe next month I will be able to run again, so that would be a good step.”
“It has been frustrating but I always try to think that there are a lot of worse things in the world – it is just an injury.”
“I am trying to work hard, and maybe I could play before the end of the season – that would be great. I don’t know though, we will see.”

So it seems the Frenchman is still a couple of months form coming back, and he was injured during the Everton game at home on 5th November, Guy Fawkes Day, with a groin injury.

A couple of weeks later Sylvain jetted over to the Steadman Clinic in Vail Colorado, and had an operation on his right hip and groin.

On November 24th last year this is what Alan Pardew said about Sylvain:

“Sylvain has been to America and the op was a success.” “He will be out for three or four months.”

Three months would take us the end of this month so it looks like it will be at least the four months and maybe even longer.

Sylvain was capped 11 times at the French U21 level and scored 4 goals and he has so far appeared 9 times for the Newcastle first team and has 3 assists.

One of the assists was when he beautifully set up Yohan Cabaye for Cabaye’s first ever Newcastle goal, that got us the 1-0 win against Wigan at St. James’ Park on 22nd October.

Sylvain has shown he is a decent player and with more game sin the premier league we expect he will keep improving.

It will be good to get the lad back but it seems it will not be until late march or sometime in April.

However, it will be good if Marveaux can get in the groove again for Newcastle before the end of the season, after he missed six months of last season with a groin injury, while he was at French club Rennes for whom he appeared 118 times with 20 goals and 16 assists.

Marveaux arrived on Tyneside as a free agent on June 18th, after Newcastle signed him from under the noses of Liverpool.

Sylvain can become a good player at Newcastle, but he needs the games to get used to the physical nature of England’s Premier League.

Comments welcome.

Tags: Injuries · Newcastle News · Sylvain Marveaux

247 responses so far ↓

1 Wor Shearer // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:14 PM
Can ppl stop referring to Santon as a RB, he’s not and he won’t be next season either.
He’s always played LB and it’s where he’s most comfortable. I know it seems to blow some peoples minds that a right footed player could be a natural LB, but there you go. Maldini did it and Santon’s doing it.
So stop talking about needing a LB, it’s the other side that needs covering.
Sorry about that, but there are some really ‘special’ people commenting on here.
(repost, just to make sure! )
2 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:15 PM
Meh, Marveux said he’d start running in Febuary when he was interviewed at Tenerife.
Not healing quickly enough then imo…
3 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:18 PM
shame
he always looked the most composed player on the pitch the few times he played. hopefully he can stay fit
4 Wor Shearer // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:18 PM
Marv’ll be another one for next season. He looked very promising at the start of the year, good for competition within the squad in any case.
5 JamesP32 // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:25 PM
Oh… I almost forgot about him :S
6 Bucks mag // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:29 PM
Bit annoyed with this to be honest, a handful of appearances does not justify the wages he’s getting. There’s bad luck, like with HBA over the summer when he did his ankle, and then there’s being injury prone. Liverpool may have been right to turn him down on medical grounds
7 SurefootedShola // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:30 PM
Has anyone seen this yet, had me in stitches…..
http://up.liga.ir/images/6m7ux4qi4c6tyn7dvp1x.swf
8 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:32 PM
@WorShearer
He equally adept at playing on either flank, if more so the right, so I think people can talk about that if they wish.
9 santoooooooooon // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:32 PM
@1
santon is a LB i accept but i reckon either him or jonas need to be switched to the right (preferably jonas), so HBA/left footer can cross the ball it with their favoured foot…
my team for spurs would be….
Krul
Simpson Willo Colo Santon
Jonas Guthrie Perch Ben Arfa
Cisse Ba
OMG i nearly creamed my pants at that haha imagine our left side ripping opposition up, and our right side would be much harder to break down… (still got our first choice CMs back soon )
10 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:33 PM
Bucks mag
Does the same not apply to Saylor then? Lad is always on the injury table.
11 Gateshead_Geordie // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:35 PM
Dont click on that link if you are epileptic lol
12 davybtoon // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:35 PM
this santon thing still going on lol santon is a right back if u ask him were he wants to play he wud say right back, hes jus that good that he is good at left back long term we will sign a petiers or cissohko n see santon moved across with tavernier backing him up n dummitt will end up backing up the left back
13 Magpies-till-d3ath // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:35 PM
Off topi. But I really can’t wait for the boos Suarez(the racist) will get from ma ure fans!
14 GeordieDan // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:36 PM
SurteFootedShola>
Well done dickhead, you just woke my 2 year old up! :/
That gag is older than me anyway-your supposed to complete the tiny maze so your face is right up to the screen when the face pops up.
Genius pal.
15 Grafton83 // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:36 PM
I said we bought him he is very injury prone, not because of his failed medical at Liverpool. Just by looking at his injury history, he’s made of glass. At least we got him for nothing. Shame as he could have been v.good
16 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:37 PM
@Davytoon
I agree. I’d hate to be 20, and have to play my whole career at a club in a position that wasn’t my favourite. (Hopefully here for 10+ years at the club).
17 AshSays // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:39 PM
This is what I’d like to see on Saturday
Krul
Simpson will collo santon
Obertan perch guthrie guti
HBA
Ba
We need a strong midfield against spurs and they will attack
so hba should get enough space to work his magic.
18 magicmac // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:41 PM
Marvaux did look like a really good player, but i have to agree with Bucks Mag, liverpool might have made the correct decesion to turn him down on madicial grounds, as i think he might just be injury prone, i hope iam wrong, but my honest feeling is he might be another Michael Owen, more times on the treatment table than on the pitch, only time will tell. Howay the lads.
19 santoooooooooon // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:42 PM
@davy
dunno where his preffered side is like, ill take your word though…
he must be good at rb then haha
pards is doing the right thing imo as him and simpson are the best full backs we have atm
20 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:44 PM
Can I have a link to where Santon said he wants to play RB?
21 Offkey // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:45 PM
Wor Shearer – I read an interview where Santon stated he preferred RB………
22 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:45 PM
I really like marveaux. I know he’s been injured a bit, but people were saying we shouldn’t have got Ba due to his knee, and look what he’s done. Watched Marv a lot at Rennes and I think he’s what we’re lacking now. He’s good at getting balls in, he’s good at cutting in and seeing runs of other players etc. Hopefully he can play a few games this season, train well in pre-season and start again next season and break into the first team.
23 Offkey // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:46 PM
whoops, I presume someone said that already…….
24 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:51 PM
@ AshSays – no Cisse then? I like HBA as much as the next man but the last thing we need against Tottenham is HBA losing the ball every time he gets it!
25 Toon Tang // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:56 PM
i hope our marv aint gunna be another dyer, he used to piss me right off injury-wise. i watched the forest game again yesterday and marv was sheer quality, just a shame it looks like hes so injury prone.
keiron dyers saving grace was that when he WAS fit he would always deliver… even to bowyers chin
26 paul_nufc_87 // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:57 PM
it was a gamble taking him in the first place but it was one worth taking and fingers crossed he will regain full fitness for next season
27 Rotonda heights // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:58 PM
grafton 83
Marveux may have been free but is on 60k a week, so has cost us over a million in wages already. I like him though, he’s just what we need. Marveux and Benny, the 2 dembas and tiote and cabaye and we could be flying.
santon is good at lb, but always looks to check back on to his right all the time.
28 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:58 PM
Said it before but the r. winger I’d like to see us try for is Lee from Bolton. Closest thing to solano in the premiership: technical, intelligent, works hard, always finds a teammate and scores goals. Bossed Enrique for pace and intelligence last season. The unsung hero behind Bolton’s successful passing game last season I thought.
29 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:59 PM
@level 7 hero – from previous thread
The point is we need a balanced squad so the answer is…..
Neither – look at our goals for and against totals – we need to concede about ten goals less than we have and maybe score 5 more to be a top 4 side. As of where we are now five goals less would have us competing on GD with the teams above us.
Having said that I see Perch as Tiote’s understudy not a CB and as Cheik is going to get suspended on picking up a bunch of yellows sometime we need a suitable backup.
30 davybtoon // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:02 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl2dnRqaDZs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USOdEV2Kzik&feature=related
2 videos of santon at ryt back n he made his debut for us at ryt back
31 Rotonda heights // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:03 PM
I can’t believe people keep going on about benny losing the ball. How many times does Guti give it away? I’ve lost count as his final ball is 9 times out of 10 to the opposition or he takes on 3 at a time and loses it.
A good amanger will see tha tbenny can play thise through balls to the 2 dembas because they have great movement and awareness as well as work rate. Till now Benny has mostly just had the 2 statues Best and Shola to work with. Benny hasn’t won 5 French league titles for nowt.
32 Rotonda heights // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:05 PM
boater
lee is a fabulous player, just hope he can come from that awful injury.
33 Premiership Manager // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:08 PM
I wish people would stop getting carried away with HBA as he is a luxury we can’t afford if we have any aspirations to get into europe.
With Ba and Cisse we can play 4-4-2 but we need a balanced midfield. Obertan has looked dangerous in the last two games and should start against Spurs and I expect to see Perch, Guthrie and Jonas which gives us good attacking options but also a strong line tracking back.
If we can contain Bayle and Modric we’ll do well
34 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:12 PM
“I wish people would stop getting carried away with HBA as he is a luxury we can’t afford if we have any aspirations to get into europe.”
What a pathetic thing to say must say….
But best is to sell HBA then I can see the shortsighted nature of Pardew is definatelly his main problem…
But hey…sell him screw it…I really hope he leaves if this is the attitude with the fans and reading between the lines the manager has no clue how to manage him…would be cool if he ripped us apart sayyyy playing at Spurs or in Europa league somewhere down the line…
Such a disgrace reading comments…..
35 mra // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:13 PM
He is the real deal, its to bad he was injured. But mark my words he’ll be one hell of a player for us next year.
36 Offkey // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:15 PM
Rotonda – I dont think its about losing the ball. IMO Benny goes missing in matches (although we have not seem him get a decent run and he is returning from injury). Jonas rarely does that.
Thats what I think Pardew is talking about.
37 dave m // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:16 PM
you really think Marveaux is on 60K a week?
i’d say half of that at the most. considering we wont give the likes of Collocini much more than that and he is an established player for us.
agree that Ben Arfa has been judged really harshly, in the Chronicle more than anywhere. i think gives our team a danger we dont get from any other player. need to adapt to get him in somehow, but not at the risk of moving from 4-4-2, as we just dont seem to win playing any other way. and got to start ba and cisse.
38 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:16 PM
@MagpiesFlyHigh
It very nice to say all the players are equal and they are all contributing to the squad in the same manner.
But how can you think Perch is just as important as Ba?
Perch has played outstanding well, not taking away from him he’s been great, but as you mentioned in the comment on previous thead Perch is just as essential as Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Demba Ba and Cisse… he’s just not.
Once Cabaye and Tiote are back, and if there fit and both CB’s are, he wont play again after that.
That the harsh reality.
If you see Perch as Tiote’s understudy, why is he as essential as Ba, Cisse and Cabaye.
It’s nice to say its a real team effort, they all contribute, but the facts are there are some that are much more important than others
39 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:17 PM
““Hatem still hasn’t quite grasped, in my opinion, this Premier League. He’s got unbelievable talent, but he’s not used to it.”
Love this comment HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH
As SHola EVER got used to ANY club at ANY level yet you insist on playing him, Guti has had some shockers as of late yet you insist on playing him, Obertan has been absolutely SHOCKING at times ( I highlight the world AT TIMES before you jump on a bandwagon)
yet you insist on playing him..HBA looses the ball….. He looses the ball..
Man this just gets better and better…
40 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:19 PM
…Some really constructive comments going on here tonight…
41 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:23 PM
gorgonzola
Nice to see u haven’t lost ur caps lock
42 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:23 PM
WWJBD
Yeah man….Agreed wonder why Pardew hat to spit such crack….
http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/120310-Pardew-and-Team-caught-in-nightclub-on-quot-no-drink-quot-training-camp
A grown up man with that acting …. a bit low…
43 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:23 PM
Yeah mate you too….
44 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:27 PM
Cant even get the mans name right…
“With Papiss Cisse signed by the club, the top two choices up front will be the Senegal duo, and it will be hard for Ben Arfga now to play the laid back striker role.”
No wonder there is no place for him really…
45 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:27 PM
gorgonzola
Whats wrong with the squad letting off some steam? Or is it that HBA didnt fancy training with his team mates that has narked u?
Also “A grown up man with that acting …. a bit low…” I have no idea what this means
46 tomtoon7 // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:28 PM
the more QUALITY players in our squad the better,suerly end of disagreements that is?
47 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:28 PM
WWJBD
Look at the post and look at your hero Pardew in the pic…
He is an act….
48 Offkey // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:29 PM
What I dont like is Pardew saying this in public……I can understand why people think he doesn’t like him, especially when he praises some more average players sometimes.
However, I do trust Pardew’s judgement and therefore dont think it is the above. I think there is some stat that he pins up (like he said in an interview) that shows HBA (and the other players) that he isn’t doing ‘something’.
I might be wrong but I think Pardew is trying to make him better……I cant see how morale could stay high if he was being singled out so badly.
49 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:30 PM
gorgonzola
Now ur complaining over a Ed’s typo?
50 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:31 PM
Offkey
Infact judging by posta like CISSE ARRIVAL wont “help” Ben Arfa says a lot mate…
I personally think its unfair, uncalled for, I think the headline should read:
Arrival of Cisse spells doom for Shola F+cking Ameobi
51 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:32 PM
gorgonzola
Ok look at ur hero HBA in those pictures…..oh no wait he didnt bother going with his team to train
He is an act?
52 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:32 PM
WWJBD
no comment.
53 Offkey // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:32 PM
On that pic……thats our Goal keeping coach in the background laughing at Pards isn’t it (in between the two girls heads)
54 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:34 PM
“gorgonzola
Ok look at ur hero HBA in those pictures…..oh no wait he didnt bother going with his team to train
He is an act?”
Are you SERIOUSLY trying that crap?
For real? So if Fabregas doesn’t go on a date with is Barca fans he is acting? And doesnt deserve a palce in the squad cause he aint “bonding”
ahhahahahahahah
My God man….
55 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:36 PM
But whatever …..
Hope he leaves NUFC ….we will ruin him this way here….Poor lad ALL he ever wanted was to come here and play here….disgrace….. he could have played anywhere there where offers all over I recall….
56 Shot Bru // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:36 PM
Could anyone tell me if HBA refused to go to the training camp in Tenerife?
57 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:37 PM
When did Pardew ever say it was going to be booze free? He didn’t did he. The paper assumed it was booze free, because he said they were going to train hard.
Laughable.
58 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:37 PM
Rotonda – yes. Ki at Celtic n’all should Tiote or Guthrie leave. They were the ‘double dragon’ in the K-league, Pardew types – match the flair with work-rate.
Gorgon – Do you have Ben Arfa pyjamas and lunchbox?
59 Offkey // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:37 PM
Isn’t HBA a muslim so wouldn’t fancy going on holiday with a bunch of drinkers.
60 ToonDownSouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:38 PM
gorgonzola
You are talking some absolute tosh mate.
It’s a picture of Pardew in a shirt and glasses lol..
Where has this obsession with HBA come from? Why not idolise the quality players who give 110% every week for us?
61 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:39 PM
gorgonzola
No comment to complaining about a typo?
Trying that crap? Did HBA go with the team to train for the week? Thats a training trip with the team not a ‘date’.
Also didnt say he didnt deserve a place in the squad because of him not going to training so do try to NOT (stealing ur style I know sorry) to put words in my mouth
62 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:41 PM
Shot Bru
Dont think he refused mate, wasen’t the point I was making dont worry haha
Offkey
It wasent a holiday it was a training camp in a warmer climate as far as am concerned
63 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:42 PM
“Where has this obsession with HBA come from? Why not idolise the quality players who give 110% every week for us?”
Please dont start mate dont start…
YOu may not agree btu writing LIES is even more pathetic ok… This was not about other players who I dont mid at all in fact dig em all… so dotn see the issue there at all..
“Trying that crap? Did HBA go with the team to train for the week? Thats a training trip with the team not a ‘date’.”
and HOW THE F must I know?
64 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:42 PM
Yeah yeah…
like I said best for you is to get rid of him…
65 GeordieToon89 // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:44 PM
Wor Shearer – People might have already said this but… Santon IS a right back who is equally as good at LB.. he has not always played LB thats a FACT.. his first appearance for us was RB for god sake.. also when he got called upto the under 21s while playing for us he played 2 games 1 at RB and 1 at CB(captaining both games) he’s played most his games for Inter at LB due to them having Maicon but he went on loan an played RB and he also played RB for Italy when he played.. so dont be saying they are some ‘special people’ on here when you dont even know what your talking about yourself. The END
66 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:45 PM
I can see it now:
If we loose against Tottenham it’ll be because we didn’t play Ben Arfa.
If we win aginst Tottenham 3-0, people will flood the messageboards and blogs saying Ben Arfa should have been playing.
If we don’t finish in Europe people are going to say it was because Pardew didn’t play Ben Arfa.
If we get in the Europa Cup, we could have got Champions League if Ben Arfa played more.
The cringey thing is, when Ben Arfa scores his next goal… because Pardew played him and gave him the chance they crave, people are ironicly going to condem Pardew because he should have played him sooner and say things like ‘I told you so..’.
67 GeordieToon89 // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:48 PM
This Ben Arfa issue.. The fact he’s not used to it is because he doesnt get a good run of games together with a settled team around him playing the right way he would be better on the right with Ba and Cisse upfront because he will feed off them.. he needs games to get used to the league and get his confidence up and yes he needs to realise that he cant always take everyone on but that will come in time.. Ronaldo started off that way as did Nani..he’s had a serious injury and has only made 11 or 12 starts for us
68 Shot Bru // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:49 PM
WWJBD…Just asking as i have been working in Siberia for the last 2 months and have no idea what has been going on with the toon.
69 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:50 PM
Does anyone know those pictures are actually from Tenerife? I think they might have been saved from another time to use then, as Saylor was still in a cast then so I can’t imagine he was out with the lads in a cast, and i see no crutches! I may be wrong, and am not saying they are pictures from another time, just saying it’s a possibility.
70 Beattie25 // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:51 PM
Ben arfa should play every fcuking game.
The lad is technically the best player we have and sacrifices should be made to play him!
End of story
71 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:52 PM
I used to get really miffed when SBR left Solano out the side for Bowyer. It seemed personal and more to do with the contract, when nobs had promised to stop playing for Peru, which he’d reneged upon according to SBR.
SBR said he regretted selling Nobby in his autobiography I seem to recall. We slipped down the table after he left in January and ended up 5th. Shearer really missed his service and the goals dried up.
Difference is, Nobby had proved himself to the team over 5 seasons by then. just a bit of reminiscing yee knaa.
72 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:52 PM
Shot Bru
Ah no worries mate he got a invite to some French deal (cant recall what it was) and he went to that instead of with the lads
73 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:52 PM
Level 7 Hero
I think you are heavily missing the point….
But let me clear it up to you and others who cant seem to understand a myth called HBA..
all I wanted ( and its wanted now cause I think its best to sell him cause he is probably going to get real unhappy and it will just turn sour)
was for him to have a run of games…
Thats it…a run like Obertan had….
Then aaalllll you sceptics and what-not can pile your judgement all you want, cause now you have NOTHING…
As he has benn binned every time he started the game cause Mr Pardew DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO PLAY HIM…. if caps locks bothers you I dont care…
74 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:56 PM
Beattie 25 +1
75 Minato // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:57 PM
Reading between the lines on what has been said about his rehabilitation Id firstly agree with those that see Marveux playing no part in this season.
The lad clearly has talent and I too was excited by his direct play and willingness to whip in a ball with that little touch of class we have missed on that side (no disrespect to Guti who I couldn’t rate higher for his contribution). I just believe we will never get to see this on a sustained basis.
As for the sperms I see AP going with the same team that played the majority of the last. If Taylor is fit I think he will start over Obertan but given the openess of how much we will go for the same I assume the demba’s will both have to start.
As for Ben Arfa, I rate him highly but definitely wouldnt unleash him until the second half if needed. Has improved his workrate and fighting for possession but still loses the ball in key areas where they will punish us.
76 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:57 PM
@Shot Bru
HBA was invited to do a french interview on TV in france and headed for that.
Why he wasn’t with the squad outside that, only Pardew knows.
77 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:57 PM
Level 7 hero – We lose against spurs because pardew is intent in putting fith in simpson and perch, that is why we will lose, and maybe if he could find a place for ben arfa we wont, but no place will be found and we will lose, my forecast is 25% perch fault, 25% simpson fault, 25% willo fault and 25% ben arfa didnt play. For me it will also probably be a true reflection, might be being a bit harsh on willo, if we lose though it has been coming,
Pardew was lucky at weekend with injuries which forced him to make changes, still surprised he didnt swap shola with best so some little credit there,
dont want to really say this as the team spirit and willingness to work for the team is the best i have witnessed for years but has the quality of the squad out grown the quality of the manager, he seems unable to go for broke, grasp the opportunity he now has, utterly defensive thinking,
hope he proves me wrong, but still to be totally convinced. The Shola selections still leave me mystified about his judgement.
78 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:57 PM
The thing I find funny is how much people moan when Arfa’s left out, then the same people whinge when he plays as he doesn’t meet their expectations!
79 Jonny // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:58 PM
At Rennes, he averaged 15 appearances a season. Is that good enough?
80 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:59 PM
Gorgon – I read that Ben Arfa has always been used as a squad player – off the bench or subbed early throughout his career. So it’s not just Pardew.
1) Managers are focused on getting results 2) they devise a system to get the result 3) if a player doesn’t fit into that system they are sacrificed or used sparingly.
the only manager who does otherwise is Wenger – who basically fills his team with as many ben Arfas as possible. It’s exciting for the fans but the team is more vulnerable results-wise.
81 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:00 PM
Agree with Beattie totally, Would like to start a Ben Arfa plays ever game club even if he is as bad as Shola, so far me, Beattie and Gorgonzola are founder members me thinks.
82 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:00 PM
“hope he proves me wrong, but still to be totally convinced. The Shola selections still leave me mystified about his judgement.”
AMEN
83 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:00 PM
@level 7 hero
If all the squad in their relative positions were as good as Ba the team as a whole would be worth as much as Citeh. And I’d agree that a Ba quality player as DCM backup would be amazing – and obviously a better player than Perch. But there’s a niche for all of them without saying who’s more indispensable. We would have won the EPL under Keegan if we’d had a more miserly defence tbh.
I think Pardew has got us performing as a unit reasonably well – ok it went pearshaped at Fulham but usually they play for each other, which is why we’re doing so well overall. As that is clearly Pards team ethos my feeling is that he wants HBA to play for the team as well as himself – and this is what he is trying to get Benny to do. I can remember George Best being a superb team player as well as a brilliant individualist. Its the mindset. As long as he lays off the booze he’d be quite a good role model for HBA. As a good Muslim this shouldn’t get him off the straight and narrow.
84 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:00 PM
@ Gorgonzola – nobody is doubting Ben Arfa’s skill, just some feel he needs a bit more time to adjust to the league. He’s a bit used to being able to run around everyone all the time, and unfortunately it’s bloody hard to do that in the premier league! He will get a good run of games i’m sure, especially with raylor out injured, i’m sure he will get his chances now to show what he can do!
85 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:02 PM
Boater
getting the result vs Blackburn ? who EASILY but luckily didn’t fill our net with 4 goals…
And then what he subs HBA for Perch a rel goal threat..
Sorry mate not true…he has no clue how to play him simple…
86 Minato // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:02 PM
Jonny // Feb 7, 2012 at 8:58 PM
At Rennes, he averaged 15 appearances a season. Is that good enough?
And even this is generous if you consider how much he played the season before he joined us.
Id definitely plan the future without him and see it as a bonus if he does manage to remain fit.
87 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:03 PM
@ level 7 hero 64
It’s called Catch 22 and you’ve got it spot on
88 SurefootedShola // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:04 PM
Gorgonzola is cheesed off…..
89 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:04 PM
Also according to many of your views with players who are not IT who are not “with the team” who don’t loose the ball etc..
With your theory we never should have had A Robert or Ginola for instance…what the HELL was SBR doing getting that lazy Robert then….
Is the picture clearer now?
90 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:04 PM
Cheick – Shola’s continued selection may have been for the simple reason that he figured in so many positive results. People don’t like that on here, so we get the ‘lucky’ arguments.
The fact Pards sticks with players that he can see are contributing to results, even when fickle fans turn, is the clearest sign we have a top manager at the club.
91 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:04 PM
gorgon – did you watch the blackburn game?
92 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:04 PM
I have never whinged about Ben Arfa on this blog, only supported the lad as he is world class and our ‘special’ player, even more so than Ba, Cabaye and the rest of our top boys, give him games in a strong team and he will produce the goods, guarenteed, his career before Nufc proves it. He needs to play against wolves, when we have a strong midfield and te dembas up front, we could see fireworks. Come on pardew show some balls
93 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:06 PM
“@ Gorgonzola – nobody is doubting Ben Arfa’s skill, just some feel he needs a bit more time to adjust to the league”
mate they are calling for his head and almost pity him…I think he deserves a bit more respect considering that who scored one of the best goals this season or many a seasons vs Blackburn…
But it aint matter….would love to see fans who doubted him when we are in dire need of a bit of magic on those tight games….
94 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:07 PM
Who is calling for his head gorgonzola?
95 gorgonzola // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:08 PM
Jesus H Christ..
::::….
:…..
….
……df.d.
96 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:08 PM
Gorgon – I think you’re right. He doesn’t know how to play him, so he has said – look this is how we play, and this is the formation – it’s up to you to grab a starting role. Pards has referred to him as the ‘most gifted’ player in the squad – so he’s not the idiot you describe.
I also read in France, journalists are saying Pardew is handling Arfa perfectly – perhaps the first manager to do so in fact.
97 SurefootedShola // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:09 PM
I think many on here live in a reality based in permanent hyperbole. Relaaaaaaax!
98 Marty-Toon // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:09 PM
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=MMj7LhbigQg
Best YouTube video ever
Shearer at his best
99 ToonDownSouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:09 PM
gorgonzola
Have you hit your head?
100 Sheikh MagToon // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:10 PM
“Nobody is doubting his skill” may be true but we’re not 5th in the League because we’ve got the most skilful players. We’re there because we play as a team. A bit of a novelty after some of the egomaniacs we’ve had recently who claim to be “leading” the team but are really looking after themselves only. Step forward Barton and Nolan. HBA will never fit in unless he grasps this: Pardew is giving him every chance by continually telling him, but I bet he just ponces around in training. As I’ve said before, we’ll sell him in the summer to a team who wants one luxury player and where they have no ambitions of finishing in the top 7. You watch!
101 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:11 PM
SurefootedShola
“I think many on here live in a reality based in permanent hyperbole. Relaaaaaaax!”
WWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH WAAAHHH WAAHHHH SANTON IS A RB HBA IS GOOD SHOLA IS GOOD/RUBBISH TIOTE’S GOING TO CHELSEA AND OBERTAN HAS A HEAD SHAPED LIKE A POTATO!!!
Like that sorta stuff?
102 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:11 PM
Reckon Marv, if he can get a run injury free, could be as exciting as Benny.
@ Gorgonzola
If Pardew wants to park the bus or bolster midfield he’s going to put on a DCM, if he wants to create mayhem in the last third he’ll make an attack minded substitution. You just can’t compare the two – the manager calls the shots tactically. I’ll agree Pardew seems to be somewhat erratic at times with substitutions but the Blackburn game wasn’t one of them.
103 Toon Tang // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:11 PM
http://www.epltalk.com/poll-which-is-the-biggest-derby-in-the-premier-league-35610?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29
i remember voting on this a while back. it looks like ours won haha
104 Mancgeordie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:11 PM
For me ben arfa should play if we are building a side to compete with the best then we need ben arfa n hopefully we can get marveux properly fit for next season. Nasri or silva don’t track back but they don’t lose the ball as much
105 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:12 PM
@gorgon
And obviously u do? My word what a flippin rocket scientist u are…
106 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:14 PM
@Gorgonzola
To be honest I dont care massively if Ben Arfa plays or doesnt play to make a overly facetious comment about it.
But what I don’t like, is you using Ben Arfa, too launch a totally unsubstantiated attack on Alan Pardew.
You post pictures of the team and Pardew out in a club, while in a arguement about Ben Arfa… how do they have anything to do with the Ben Arfa issue at all?
Why are you so anti Pardew?
@Check the Toastie from alot of comments back
You say: “We lose against spurs because pardew is intent in putting fith in simpson and perch, that is why we will lose, and maybe if he could find a place for ben arfa we wont”
You think Ben Arfa’s introduction could single handedly change the result of the match, sorry, I do not agree. Thats the problem… People with similar views think Ben Arfa can win matches all by himself, well he can’t.
To some up I don’t care really if Ben Arfa plays or not, if we’re winning the majority of games and are 5th, I have faith in Pardew, but don’t use Ben Arfa to bash Pardew.
Some of you would choose Ben Arfa over Pardew, and that to me is insanity.
107 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:15 PM
boater – more a performance man than a results man myself, as bad performances will eventually lead to sliding down the league, and we are shit generally every time shola starts, and dont mention Man Utd game as Ba was on a different planet, one man strike force although i’ll give it to you that shola maanged to flick one ball on,
can you please name another positive result and good performance that shola has been involved in this year, there isnt one, Norwich, Blackburn, Fulham, Brighton, QPR, Arsenal the list goes on he shouldnt play, pardew is blinded by loyalty, shola must be a good influence with the squad and a good lad, cuts pardews grass or cleans his car or something, maybe.
108 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:18 PM
Something I hadn’t really thought much of is that HBA would be a lot better with Ba + Cisse as when he played on the RW but with Ameobi up, as Ameobi isn’t the sort of striker to be making loads of runs in and around the box and getting in dangerous situations he may have felt he has to go alone. Maybe with two really good strikers back he’ll be a bit more effective
109 Minato // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:19 PM
I don’t think its a case of anyone doubting its just looking at what is in front of us watching him play. Regardless of how anyone feels about our season we may not have been spectacularly for the majority but we have kept it tight and slowly played our own game, normally with good results.
While I think Ben Arfa will prove to be massive for us and has improved his work rate, he offers nowhere near the same defensive support of the likes of Raylor or Obertan. Support that has ultimately got us where we are now.
110 Mancgeordie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:19 PM
Ben arfa n marveux could be our silva n nasri both wanderin att mid with tiote n cabaye playing simaler to toure n barry ba droppin like aguero n cisse lookin to push on like balotelli playin a simaler style n way that city play exciting times
111 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:20 PM
@ check the toastie – Ameobi scored a great goal against tottenham to get us a draw. Lovely left footed strike across goal! I can’t remember which game it was, but there was another game where he managed to run back, disposess his opponent and put a nice ball into Ba who then scored. Not saying i think he’s any good lol, as he frustrates me every time he plays, but he has had some useful moments this season mate!
112 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:20 PM
L7H
Great post imo and I couldnt agree more
113 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:20 PM
boater @ 88
We usually agree and yeh – Pardew values team contribution very highly. Guti has a run if indifferent form at times but is still selected for his overall commitment and contribution…
BTW A’ve renamed myself from Angels (my Durham Wasps Ice Hockey monicker) via Plan Z (just to wind up Plan B) to MFH, but am still the glass half full, try to avoid slagging players type of guy with great analytic skills
114 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:24 PM
L7 H @ 104
good post and spot on analysis….
115 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:25 PM
Ben_W not saying shola is totally cack just shouldnt start, was good off bench aaginst spurs and good against blackburn in the cup coming from bench, just evreytime he starts he drags the team down, performances have been cack when shola has started, norwich he did OK, but again it was Ba who scored the 2 goals. and we were’nt very good. For a manager who talks about workrate all the time its bizarre how he leaves shola on even though he gets to the point were he looks like hes incapable of walking fast.
116 Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:27 PM
check the toastie – fair cop mate! I agree i see him as more of an impact sub than a starter.
117 Mancgeordie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:30 PM
The thing i don’t get about ben arfa issue he seems to get 2-3 starts the is back on the bench i think its more tatical at the min i’am sure it depends purely what players are playing around him or give him couple of starts rest him a little with a couple of cameos from the bench if required then start him again suppose he could be still protectin from such along layoff
118 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:30 PM
Level 7 – I was previously making the point that Pardew seems to stick with his favorites even though there is an alternative there in Simpsons case swap santon over to RB and give young Fergie ago, and in Perchs place give young Abeid a run out who was decent against balckburn and is thought of as the future of the club,
Perch and Simpson should be allowed to leave the club if we have ambitions of competing with the top four in the coming years, bit harsh, but if they were transfer listed no top ten sides would come in for them, thats the proof of the pudding.
119 askar // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:31 PM
Pardew irritates me. HBA deserves the same chance as everyone else in this team. Pardew has to stop to put him under pressure constantly! HBA stats are simply magic! 8 games, 3 goals, 1 pen, 2 assists. He is so magic, he can be poor one or two games…indeed he was not good the last two games but Rooney, massi and ronaldo are not good every game! f****
120 santoooooooooon // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:32 PM
surely the same team should play at spurs? whats the point changing a ‘winning’ formula?
I for one don’t have a problem with ben arfa being left on the bench, we didnt need him in the last games and if we do need him it is up to him to warrant a starting place?
Im glad pards has the balls to stand up to the BIG NAMES!!! Big names have got us relegated in the past, just play the ones that are playing well ffs
121 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:32 PM
If Benny was Transfer listed i would imagine Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea Liverpool and spurs would fancy him, begs the question why cant he get a game. Because the manageris too concerned with protecting a faulty back four thats why.
122 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Is the HBA debate still going on???
123 nick_9 // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:35 PM
WOW, some of you really don’t appreciate our ‘luxury’ player. The lad has had half the amount of starts as Obertan has in his two years here and has still created as many assists in the league and outscored Obertan. Its shocking how some of you stand by certain players saying they need a run of games/playing time yet don’t wanna see Ben Arfa in the team. He’s easily the most creative player we have and the stats prove it. It seems we’re more in favour of. Players who ‘graft’ these days, I remember when the likes of Milner and Parker were getting stick for having no end product which is the one thing Benny does have. He gives the ball away no more than Shola, Obertan, Gutierrez or best did in those recent games and I cannot believe how quick some have labeled him. If we had Taylor, cheick and cabaye back the lad would fit in perfectly with those.
124 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:35 PM
JB
…it…never…ends…mate….
125 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:36 PM
Jack – we could always talk about whether shola is worth his new contract or not.
126 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:36 PM
check no thanks mate
127 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:39 PM
Cheers WWJBD and MagpiesFlyHigh.
@Check The Toastie
Ferguson and Abeid are good young players no doubt, very promising. But are they really genuin altrnatives to Simpson and Perch to play in the Premier League? I don’t mind giving players a chance, but when would you play them?
Tottenham away? Sunderland at home? In my opinion Abeid and Ferguson arnt good enough yet to be considered as genuine alternatives to Perch and Simpson.
Lastly I think Simpson has been decent thi season, but Perch before the last 4 games, I proberly would have said he wouldnt be an alternative to play in the Premier League, but i was wrong.
So maybe your right, I personally dont see when you’d play them, but i hope I’m proved wrong like Perch.
128 askar // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:39 PM
I am so depressed by Pardew about HBA. One day he say “Ben Arfa has to fight for a place” and then “I’ve not seen a better individual goal,”…”he’s a special player and you have to treat him in a special way sometimes.” …Blabla..Play him every game and shut up!
?
129 nick_9 // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:41 PM
Cheick the toastie – exactly, as good as perch, Guthrie and raylor have been why is it the opposition has had endless chances at scoring. we could of lost against both blackburn and villa if they had taken their chances. If it wasn’t for this then maybe Benny would get a game. Obertan comes on against a tired blackburn and scores and he deserves a start, perch makes no mistakes in a couple of games and all of a sudden fans are wanting to vote for him as the most improved player for us despite him getting the blame for our great unbeaten run ending.
130 dazza // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:43 PM
tore my ACL playing indoor footy here in Denver. Off to see Steadman on Thursday. Gonna quiz him on Toon players. Will post if I get anything good
131 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Hope we do well against spuds but really concerned about our high line, if defoe and lennon are back i fear for us, however if they are out and they lack that little bit of cutting edge we might sneak something, but lesser teams than spurs have been having far to many clear cut chances against us, glad our keeper is tremendous.
132 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:50 PM
dazza – in the UK we have a thing called patient confidentiality, must be a bit different out there in the US eh, shame about your injury though mate, hope you have a quick recovery, steadman for a sunday league player, you must be valuable eh.
133 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:51 PM
Strange how we are all worrying about Spurs.
We have nothing to loose and I bet old ‘Arry is far more worried about how to deal with OUR players after last nights showing against the Bin Dippers. That is unless he’s been sent down by then at which point he’ll be worrying about a completely different set of issues
134 LewSpi // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:56 PM
I have checked this blog essentially every day for around 2 years, and I’m finally starting to grow bored with some of the monotonous, tedious conversations,
e.g.
Is Santon LB or RB?
Why doesn’t Pardew start Ben Arfa?
Is Ben Arfa better on the wing or in ‘the hole’?
Exactly how bad is Shola Ameobi?
135 nick_9 // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:56 PM
Spurs away for me is just as tough as man city and Liverpool away. The chances of us getting something there are slim that’s why I think we should just go for It and not sit back inviting pressure like we have in some games. We have some dangerous players but we’re to afraid to use them.
136 dazza // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:59 PM
Just happen to be based in Denver ATM and figured may as well seek him out, doesn’t cost me any more. Was hoping I might even get a NUFC discount as I put them down as my referrer
I guess you are right about confidentiality but its a bit different in this case as it’s public knowledge that he worked on Shearer, Owen, Marveaux etc. Hoping he has some signed shirts up or something, ha
137 tarie4 // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:04 PM
I feel as though we will only see Ben arfa’s TRUE ability next season..i feel as this season the manager is trying to bed him into the team…
i feel people should trust pards on this one…yes he is our messi our modric our Silva (create something from nothing) but wat has got us to 5th in the Table??? What made us go unbeaten for 11 games ?? Certainly not the brilliance of mr arfa…
Lets stick to what got us here…and that is what??
138 ToonDownSouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:05 PM
LewSpi
Atleast the “Where is the £35m?” has died down.
139 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:09 PM
By the way, where HAS the 35mil gone
140 check the toastie // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Lewspi – what do you fancy discussing –
1. How to highlight the plight of africans in the continual increase in AIDS in third would countries.
2. The plight of the Aboriginies and the land share scheme in some parts of western australia.
3. The undercurrent of light racism in the westend theatre production of The Lion King. that is my personel favorite,
Funny whenever i come on the blog i hear the same things and generally just repeat myself from previous days, it works for me, most time its just a slight change of discussion, its just nice to sound off, dont know why, think im having a mid life crisis, but no big shakes tho.
Stop being such a kill Joy, people like those topics, they are the big ones at the club for fans thats why they get talked about.
141 Spuggy // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:12 PM
20m went on Strawberry Syrup
142 Magpies-till-d3ath // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Remember the day when pardew became manager? At that time martin jol was who everyone wanted to come in and no one wanted pardew. Now look at the job pardew is doing and the job jol is doing at fulham.
143 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Santon will be fantastic when he plays in his natural position on the right.
My question to any who care to speculate is who will play in the wide positions when we start next season.
I think it could be Santon and Spiderman on the right Marveaux and an unknown full back on the left.
Were is Arfa you might think?
144 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:14 PM
Santon was regarded as being the new Maldini as he’s a right footed player who prefers to play as a left back.
For the start of next season you could see Santon on the left with Marveuax, Tavernier on the right with anyones guess
145 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:15 PM
Good grief this is like the 4th evening in a row that a heated debate regarding the HBA “issue” has arisen I put issue in quotation marks because as far as I am concerned there is no issue; a player who doesn’t warrant inclusion at the minute is sitting on the bench what’s the big deal? Yes he has incredible talent but he has to add other facets to his game in order to develop as a star. As someone pointed out earlier in an excellent comment C.Ronaldo was piss poor in his first few season at United but worked at tracking back and is now a world star, so don’t slate Pards for trying to instil this into HBA, he is doing it for his own good so he can realise his true potential
146 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:16 PM
@LewSpi 132
All of your list….
Deffo truly profound subjects like what is the meaning of life the universe and everything
If Arry gets a bit of time slopping out in the Scrubs then it might put his glory boys off a bit. Jury’s out so we should know tomorrow. Hope they nail him hard.
I’ve chalked Spuds away down as a loss and a draw would be a good result. Pards will have a plan – if it’s as good as Stoke away then we’ll be fine. If its like Citeh then tough on us.
147 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:16 PM
If we were in the bottom half of the league the reaction on here would be frightening
148 tarie4 // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:18 PM
I am with U on that one ruddy…pards knows wat he is doing…
149 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:19 PM
I’ve got Saturday chalked off as a defeat, drew up the fixture list for us, chelski, spuds and liverfool from now to the end of the season and by my reckoning on results from now to then we will finish 6th, hoping to be pleasantly surprised.
150 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Ah tarie4 don’t want to say that too loudly…MattyNufc and gorgonzola are sharpening their pitchforks and poking holes in a Pardew shaped voodoo doll as we speak!
151 toonruz // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:22 PM
if pardew play jonas on the right ben arfa on the left every 1 will see how good ben arfa really is , pardew has been playing him out of position to much , we will see the best of him then. remember his first game against everton he was class , and he played on the left , and for people wanting us to get rid of him know nothing about football
152 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:22 PM
Mags till death
I never wanted Pardew a year ago and I still rate Jol, though not for us. Pardew needs to be hungry as he has still got something to prove. That’s great for us. He did an interview in 4-4-2 magazine where he said he had learned from his mistakes in the past and was a more reflective person. He rated his people management skills and that is one of his strengths.
If he continues as he has started and then consolidates us in the top 4-5 then I hope he’s here for years and years. We need continuity.
153 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Ruddy – Between now and the end of the season we have nothing to loose and nothing to fear. With Tiote and Cabaye to come back in we are certainly good enough to take 6th
154 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:25 PM
@ toonruz
The other side of that argument is loads of posts valuing HBA above Pardew and wanting to get rid of him unless he starts him every game. Pink flying porkers.
155 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:25 PM
I thought the answer to the question “what is the meaning of life was 47 so why speculate?
156 North Atlantic Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:26 PM
HBA is not the only one losing the ball.
157 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:27 PM
Next season we are going to frighten the life out of the “big clubs”
158 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Check the T – As much as I love your username we are never going to agree on Shola. The thing is we aren’t too far away – but it’s a crucial, small difference – i.e. looking at it from the point of view of a manager with a clear tactical system. You skim over Shola’s assists against Man U and norwich as if they mean nothing.
One last time I promise..
Pardew has identified that Ba plays better when he is in the no.10 role behind a target man.. Ba hasn’t scored from open play without Best or Ameobi is ahead of him so he may be on to something. We have Cisse now – the perfect foil for Ba.. someone to play off and, unlike Best and shola, has a good scoring record himself. Sorted!
Check – you said ‘play your best players and results will come’. It’s a decent argument but you miss one massive thing.. keeping the ball. When people are comparing Shola or Best to Pardew’s reluctance to play Arfa it’s naive. It’s apples and oranges. Pardew is looking how to get the best out his most threatening striker, and more importantly how to build pressure and dominate possession.
159 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:29 PM
@ Ruddy 148
Please show the maturity of someone who doesn’t need to rip anyone when they’re down.
You don’t need to lower yourself to their level. Your reputation for reasoned debate is only diminished by making reference to the special ones
160 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:30 PM
itunderashell
It’s 42…
161 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:31 PM
I think so too JB, with a shock victory here or there we may surprise a lot of people, if we got a positive result this weekend then I think more people would genuinely start seeing us a European (Europa League) contenders.
162 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:31 PM
MagpiesFlyHigh I apologise, I say it in jest
163 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:32 PM
RML
so do I
164 toonruz // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:34 PM
i dont want pardew to go , but if we want a sucessful side we need a balanced team going forward , and playing ben arfa on the left and jonas on the right would give us that and watch ben arfa turn in on playing on the left for us , and wath jonas give us sevice from the right ,
MagpiesFlyHigh
165 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:35 PM
I’ve been saying since we signed Cisse and didn;t sell anyone in the last window that come the summer with two or three shrewd signings we are going to have one hell of a squad, a squad that mean we will have to be taken seriously
166 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:36 PM
Boater is really on to something with regards the “why does Pards play Shola/Best instead of HBA”question. Keeping and dominating possession is what Pards insists upon, it is the cornerstone to his master plan. HBA is a great player but doesn’t seem to be taking his manager’s instructions on keeping possession and working hard for the team on board, so instead of being of benefit to the team he starts to be a liability. Shola keeps things simple, as does Perch, Raylor and Best. These players have bought into the ethos that Pardew is building here and are justly rewarded with starts and praise from the gaff, HBA just needs to do the same and the gaff will be praising him too and rewarding him with a starting spot in the team
167 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:37 PM
Cheers MagpiesFlyHigh, I was very close to the meaning of life and everything, must build another superdoopercomputa.
One of the funniest books I have ever read along with the bible! and political party manifesto’s.
168 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:46 PM
T-ruz
I’d love to see Pardew growing into a SAF/Wenger cross and staying here for a good long while.
Not arguing at all with your analysis as I agree Benny is more a natural winger, as long as he has the freedom to cut inside as well, into the inside left position, and even inside right if that’s the avenue, then it’s a good call. (Santon did a run like that against Villa)
I just think bloggers who think Pardew has failed us by not starting HBA every game are not on the same planet as the rest of us.
Having said that I want us to be able to play 4-4-2 and variations but I’d prefer a 4-3-3 when the opposition merits that formation and think Benny could also have a role there too.
My midfield would be Guthrie, Cabaye and Tiote – unlike previous posts I think Guthrie could play with Cabaye really well with Cabaye slightly deeper, but then what do I know…
169 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:49 PM
itunderashell
We need a manager with a brain the size of a planet too
The 1848 Karl Marx Communist Manifesto is quite amusing now you come to mention it
170 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:50 PM
Far too many people agreeing on this end of the thread – I’m offski
171 DG MAGPIE // Feb 7, 2012 at 10:55 PM
Sylvan was quality earlier in the season, so much composure ! vision and passing great as well.
Speedy recovery and will be like a new signing for next year.
172 nickfish90 // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:00 PM
I have been thinking about this quite a lot recently, the Ben Arfa “issue”. The way I see it is we are getting on fine playing hba in bit part roles atm. whilst slowly teaching him the worth ethic desired.
The team is in 5th place and a great chance of getting Europe, with current players who have got us there fully deserving their place.
How would it look if pards dropped someone after putting in a good performance and working their socks off for the team like obertoon did.
Our best chance of Europe is not changing things too much, maybe playing hba against the likes of city, united etc.
Then in Europe next year after a full pre season to work him into the team and get him up to pace with the rest we can unleash him on European nights and on the prem!
Anyone agree?
173 GeordieToon89 // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:08 PM
Quick Question nothing to do with football,
Does anyone on here own a BMW 1 Series 1.6 litre petrol?
If so just wondering whats its like is it heavy on petrol or is it average or good?
174 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:09 PM
That Karl Marx chap had the *ankers sussed mate.
We should dig him up and regenerate him brain, he must have known it was 42 all along, clever bugger!
175 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Buy a Citreon C1 mate, it does 63 miles to the gallon, yes l know its French but come on be loyal to our glorious team.
176 PUMMELLER // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:14 PM
There are some ridiculous comments on here tonight eh? Switch Santon to Rb and give young Fergie a go!!? Really…
Ben Arfa can beat spurs on his own!!? Really…
I can’t believe some people. There is NO way these people have watched the full 90mins of every game this season…
Pardew has barely got a decision wrong and still he gets people picking on her…
F idiots
177 tdt // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:19 PM
So this is what the first team will look like next season before (presumably) we buy some new players over the summer:
—————–krul—————-
Simpson-Collo-S.Taylor-Santon
—————-Tiote—————-
HBA————————-Jonas
—————Cabaye—————
————–Ba—-Cisse———–
Subs: Harper, Williamson, Perch, Guthrie, Obertan, Marveaux, Best.
Even that first team squad as we have it (when fit) looks like a decent force to be recond with. However as we’ve seen this season injuries can take their toll pretty quickly. Hence I think if we buy a new CB to challenge collo and s.taylor, a RB to challenge Simpson and a young striker to challenge best for back-up, we would have a squad capable of really pushing on up the league as well as challenging in the cups (or going on a european run).
We are close to a really good team here, all we need to do is get the above mentioned players in, keep the current squad (including managment and coaches) together, and keep our drive and determination as it currently is: then the sky’s the limit!
178 PUMMELLER // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:20 PM
Ben Arfa IS a luxury that we can’t afford!
The goal against Blackburn, and I was there, was awesome!!
But our league form is based on defending from the front which he won’t do…
We need to keep him for cameos when we are winning by more than one and/or chasing a game. He WILL look better behind Cisse and Ba!!
Using the Ben Arfa issue to question Pardew just shows how little you watch your own team and shows you don’t understand the method to our success!!
HWTL to all you proper fans
179 jimmyxavi // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:20 PM
This blog is full of retards..
G GD P
Man City 24 44 57
Man Utd 24 35 55
Tottenham 24 19 50
Chelsea 24 15 43
Newcastle 24 5 42
Arsenal 24 12 40
What’s that above.. The League table… Where are we? 5th…
Why the F should we play Santon at right back or HBA on the right wing?? Why can’t our fans just be happy, actually f****g ecstatic that we are 5th and stop being negative retards? Sorry for causing offence to the actual real fans on here!
180 jimmyxavi // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:21 PM
This blog is full of retards..
G GD P
Man City 24 44 57
Man Utd 24 35 55 Tottenham 24 19 50
Chelsea 24 15 43
Newcastle 24 5 42
Arsenal 24 12 40
What’s that above.. The League table… Where are we? 5th…
Why the Fu ck should we play Santon at right back or HBA on the right wing?? Why can’t our fans just be happy, actually fuc king ecstatic that we are 5th and stop being negative retards? Sorry for causing offence to the actual real fans on here!
181 t00ntime // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:22 PM
Did pardew not say ben arfa had a ‘small’ injury and thats why benny didn’t go to tenerife and seen so he couldnt go he asked pardew if he could go to france and do the cup draw (he got invited to do it) an pardew said yes… Dont think ben arfa really wanted to miss tenerife.
Pardew isnt an act, look at his stats. He ALWAYS does well at a club for a while before it goes bad, we just have to hope the bad part doesnt come but how can a manager who has done well at 4 other clubs be an act?
Ben arfa is my favorite player, I think If he Calms down he is our best player. The problem is he cant defend at all, and pardew wants attackers to help defend… If you ask me ben arfa, ba, cisse shouldnt have to defend. But hey. I’m sure ben arfa will start getting games/cameo’s and if he doesnt then I expect him to leave in the summer as he can do better then be a benchwarmer. I would love to see him play more but for some reason pardew likes obertan more, I guess it’s something in training.
Even though he is fav player you cant ignore how important colo, saylor, ba ,cisse, santon, krul,cabaye ,tiote and guthrie are. i dont understand why wwjbd and gorgonzola were ‘fighting’ earlier when we shud be supporting the whole team and not just pardew or ben arfa :S
182 LGFUAD21 // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:25 PM
Don’t know whether its true or not. But i remember reading somewhere that the part of the point of the surgery was to correct something in respect to preventing him from getting further injuries.
Something to do with it being necessary and he should have got it before.
I really hope Marv gets fit, bulks up a bit and stays fit. I think he looked like our best prospect on the wings before he was injured.
Very calm and composed on the ball. Good at picking out sly passes and excellent delivery into the box.
Dread to think how dangerous our team could be with a player like that on the wings feeding Demba and Cisse.
183 PUMMELLER // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:26 PM
On a different issue – Did you see the Mackem got caught for his racist comments!?
Tw@t… Can’t believe we still have a problem with racists in 2012..?!
He should support Liverpool..they publicly support racism down there!! That was disgraceful wasn’t it?’
184 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:27 PM
—————–Krull—————–
Santon——Taylor —–Mbiwa—?
Gutty———Tiote—————–Marveaux
—————-Cabaye—————
—————-Ba
———————–Dave
I think Coliccini will go i’m sorry to say.
185 t00ntime // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:30 PM
Someone (earloier) said shola keeps the ball hahahahahaha… For like 10 seconds before he trips over it and gives it to them xD he plaued shola for more strength amd height during set pieces. We have lost alot of goals with set pieces this season. And the strange thing about benny is that we played him against man utd, city and chelsea pardew decided he wasnt good enough then we play him with out Ba and Cisse… Can we not try him one time with cisse and ba agaimst a team like villa o I think he shud play vs spuds, obertan is quick but against mocotto (or whatever) his speed will be in effective and lets be honest he doesnt have much else
186 t00ntime // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:32 PM
Never heard of a 4-3-1-1-1 formation mate xD why play Ba further back? When he is upfront and gets some freedom like rooney he is fine
187 PUMMELLER // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:33 PM
Jimmyxavi
My thoughts exactly
So many idiots on here
I love Ben Arfa as much as anyone
Even have a top with his name on
But we don’t need him at the moment
If he wants to be part of something he will keep his head down and work, if not it will be a shame but he’ll leave.. Simple, but not as simple as some of our ‘fans’
188 nick_9 // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:34 PM
50% of our goals conceded have been through set pieces. The highest in the prem according to the opta stats.
189 pbNcl // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:35 PM
I think we should stick shola in goal with pardieu up front, and santon on the left flank, where he belongs hehe. Hope things are calmin down a bit now haha
190 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:37 PM
If we can get a winger who can actually deliver a ball into the box accurately and find the answer to our full back and center back problem we will be in with a genuine chance of a top 4 place next season but don’t go blabbing to anyone, its a secret!
191 pbNcl // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Talkin sense PUMMELLER
192 nick_9 // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:41 PM
A backup third choice goalscorer would be nice too. Leon bests is the second highest scorer for us with 4 goals which isn’t good enough at all. Imagine if we didn’t have Ba.
193 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:43 PM
nick_9, totally agree with you mate, I hope its Zaha.
194 LewSpi // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:48 PM
GT89, it’d be criminal for you to not buy the new Alfa Guilietta. Such a beautiful car.
195 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:54 PM
I wouldn;t buy a Italian car the bugger would spit and dive of the road, a bit like the UNITED strikers.
Besides, Isn’t that a scooter!
196 PUMMELLER // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:55 PM
Why Zaha?! That isn’t based on you watching him surely?!
Jordan Rhodes would be a much much better signing.. As would Moses when Wigan go down… Zaha would also be quite pricey and j just dont get it…
And we don’t need backup… We have SHOLA!
Haha… Seriously though..he ain’t worth the 7-8mil they’ll be after
197 Brutooon // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:58 PM
Marveaux won’t play again this season – fullstop.
hope he be fit by summer and then ready for next season when we are in EUROPE
198 SurefootedShola // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:02 AM
Brutoon
Tell me my favourite story about that man called Ameobi, before I go to sleep please?
199 gonufc // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:02 AM
@PUMMELLER – Agreed on Zaha. Wouldn’t pay over 5m at most. Redmond on the over hand….
200 nick_9 // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:08 AM
I have to agree about Zaha. Palace rejected 7 million in this window but when you reflect on who we have bought for 7 million ourselves he really doesn’t seem like good value. Shola good backup? I hope that’s sarcasm, ben Arfa has scored more than shola in the league. Even lovenkrands has notched 3 goals in all comps and he’s hardly played. I do agree about Rhodes though, the lad could be a good and cheap buy. We won’t have mega bucks unless someone leaves so its interesting to see what value there is. Clyne, Hoilett and Douglas are all free agents in the summer, I think all three could do a job for us. Then there’s that mbiwa and other players such as cisohko and pieters that we have been linked with. I think most of these could complete the jigsaw. Two or three additions and I think we could be a regular top seven side pushing for Europe.
201 PUMMELLER // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:11 AM
Agreed. Redmond is a talent but too young to really know what you are getting..Zaha for 3.5m and take Clyne on a free whilst we are there! Haha
Transfer gossip can Fu ck off for now anyway
Looking forward to have Mr T back in the midfield and seeing what we do when Cabaye is back.. Drop Guthrie?! Not sure I would.. Might have to fit all three in??
What a great problem for your club to have eh?!
Could be Liverpool for example!!
Do we play the lanky player that’s lost his talent
Or the little racist tw@t that looks like an elf??
202 PUMMELLER // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:13 AM
Hoilett can Fu ck off after his dive the other day
Not interested anymore!!
Only diving allowed is Ben Arfa at Old Trafford
Haha
203 t00ntime // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:17 AM
Ben arfa didnt dive at OT cause he was tripped just the ball was definatly hit first bad decsion by the ref aslOng as we dont start diving like, hoilett, luiz, messi etc we will be fine hate seeing people dive like luiz did on sunday…
204 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:20 AM
You might be right about Zaha, I have only watched him against UNITED and was impressed but i don’t think the Toon will pay over the odds for an unproven player.
I am certain we have sourced our backup striker preferences and will pounce in the summer.
Rhodes I have heard mentioned a few times by Toon fans but haven’t seen the boy play, I do know that Rhodes ,and Zaha have been watched by us so we must have genuine interest in them.
Who does Redmond play for and how old is he so I can watch him in future?
205 GeordieToon89 // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:26 AM
LewSpi – I love them Alfas mate unreal, but am trying to make me finance cheaper lmao
206 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:27 AM
Hoilett has gravely disappointed me, I don’t like cheats, he can join one of the BIG CLUBS!!!!!!!!! ho ho ho.
207 PUMMELLER // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:31 AM
Redmond plays for Birmingham under Chrissy Hughton!!
17 yrs old so too soon to see what he really has to offer.
Rhodes is a bit of an allrounder.. headers, left foot right foot, taps ins, screamers , allsorts…. in league 1 though!!!
208 GeordieToon89 // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:32 AM
Redmond is immense.. but if we were to get a winger from lower down it has to be Matty Phillips he’s unreal.. scores for fun and his all round game is very good plus he’s like 20/21 and hes played in prem before and was also very good in prem! SIGN HIM UP!
209 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:35 AM
Will watch both of them closely from now on, and l definetly think Guthrie needs to stay in the team at the expense of one winger, if we can find one.
210 GeordieToon89 // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:35 AM
LMAO Cisse’s scored the same amount of goals as Ameobi this season despite playing 18 games less than Shola
211 GeordieToon89 // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:37 AM
Team capable of beating anyone:
—————Krul
Simo-Taylor-Colo-Santon
–Cabaye-Tiote-Guthrie
—Benny—Cisse—Ba
212 GeordieToon89 // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:37 AM
Then obviously Jonas/Marv/Obertan
213 ONLINE GUY // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:42 AM
Went down to Denmark Street London town to pick up my son and a couple of old guitars . a 58 Martin D28 for those innerested and an old Gretsch…
We went for a bite to eat in the Ivy ..Guess who we met ? Had a pint with him … ..and here’s a shocker ..we are getting rid of the black and white stripes season after next …
For cup matches we will play in Black and white as normal as will the reserves and the juniors etc ..but when you make the first team you get
THE ALL WHITE STRIP..!!!!
.This came from the horses mouth . I could not believe my ears..IT is a change in tradition ..granted ..But as most of you know the queen always wore odd socks whilst riding side saddle during trooping the colour..
She stopped that tradition in 2003 and she’s never fell off her horse yet has she ?…
Also info that the manager wants to bring in the electric shock shorts ..IF a player is not pulling his weight the gaffer can give him a small dose of current from his remote in the dugout ..sounds good to me ..!
The electronics are located in the waist band in the shorts…they have tried it with greyhounds and they are now running faster in time trials ..
Im told that the new electric shorts Idea will be trialed/used in the Premier league game Between QPR and Fulham .
Not sure if its televised though .
214 ITUNDERASHELL // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:49 AM
I wish Obertan would calm down and stop thinking about his game, the boy has real talent, beat his man and just run into the box with the ball.
He really needs a solid and dependable full back behind him to help his confidence.
215 American Toon 13 // Feb 8, 2012 at 4:17 AM
Does anyone think the FA will review Suarez’s kick out at Scott Parker? Surprised at the non reaction from commentators as it was a disgraceful foul and Suarez knew what he was doing. He should have been sent off. Then again, cause the ref gave a yellow I guess the FA can’t look at it, but they really should.
216 American Toon 13 // Feb 8, 2012 at 4:30 AM
Haha, forgot almost everyone is an English bloke. Guess I’ll have to repost when people are awake, lol
217 redondo77 // Feb 8, 2012 at 5:04 AM
Is Santon doing badly as LB? He is doing it for the Italy and Inter in Serie A & UCL. We have world class right footed LB, why do you want to switch him as RB just because he is right footed? would you preffer anyone play as LB than Santon? I just don’t understand some people here. So.. if we get Clyne in, is that mean Santon must fiaght for RB position and get another LB?it will be Clyne, Santon, Tav, Raylor, and Simpson( if he signed the contract) as RB. Players today are demanded to be able to play with both of their feet.
218 redondo77 // Feb 8, 2012 at 5:12 AM
in HBA case, I think he just need to chase the ball when he doesn’t have it. There is no need for him to ask to be played full 90 minutes. He just need to give everything he has defensively and offensively until he has nomore gas in his tank and then subtituted rather than saving it for 90 minutes. This way he can improve, fans are happier to se him work hard and not become liability to the team. The way he play right now, he gave so much trouble for Simpson in contrast with left side of the team where Santon and Jonas support each other in attack and defense.
219 redondo77 // Feb 8, 2012 at 5:14 AM
btw when Cabaye make his return, will it be Perch and Cabaye or Cabaye and Guthrie? or Cabaye/Guthrie on the right?
220 nick_9 // Feb 8, 2012 at 5:14 AM
The F.A have their hands tied if he was booked, that’s a shame because I was hoping he got sent off. Its a rediculous ruling and allows for referees to make errors and the players to benefit from it. How is it just for Suarez, Dempsey and Crouch to get away with their actions but cabaye and huth be punished. Its silly, consistency is all we want.
Santon said himself when he signed that he can play either side and also in midfield. I guess he will be played where he is needed the most. Trying not to pick on Simpson because he has improved but I would really like an attacking fullback. If the best fullback available or best suited to us is left footed then santon has no problem and has the ability to play right back.
Hope the club sign some up and coming cbs. Colo is getting on a bit now and may only have another couple of years left in him plus we are short in that position.
221 redondo77 // Feb 8, 2012 at 5:27 AM
nick_9
Simpson has been great for us. He saved us so many times with his goal line clearances. His priority is defense not attack whatever you want to call his position as RWB or RB. He could only join attack if there was someone to cover for him like what Obertan and Raylor did last game. If HBA played in front of him and he is also keep joining attack, we will be demolished.
222 redondo77 // Feb 8, 2012 at 5:33 AM
As for Santon LB debate, I can’t see anyone is better than him atm even Jose, Chissoko, Pieters, etc.
I only see players with same quality in Kolarov, De Ceglie, Nagatomo, Zambrotta, Antonini.
Maybe we could get LB as his cover, but we already have in Raylor and Ferguson. What we really need and I think we already in talk secretly with the player is Douglas.
223 Brutooon // Feb 8, 2012 at 5:41 AM
SurefootedShola
Lately since the introduction of Dembas brother, nothing much on Ameobi
Just a striker who played 2 mins at the field, lose the ball on his first touch (after 10 seconds) and thats all
224 cupiddstunt // Feb 8, 2012 at 5:42 AM
Personally I do not think Marveaux’s injury record will be a problem, Santon had an injury record But AP is not one to throw players in when they are only three quarters fit he waits until they are fully fit and champing at the bit before putting them back into the arena and I think he will do the same with Marveaux.
Although loads of posters on here were screaming for Santon to start AP held off until he was fully fit and the lad appears to have benefited for it.
Just cast your minds back since AP took over we have not had injured players thrown back in the fray whist still repairing from their last injury as was happening to Shola season in season out, even he gets nursed along now and he is better for it.
AP is showing himself to be more and more an astute manager in more ways than one.
I am warming to him more and more as time goes by.
225 cupiddstunt // Feb 8, 2012 at 6:06 AM
Cheezeboy @ # 39
I don’t think it’s a case of HBA loses the ball at times I do not think that is the issue at all.
It’s what appears to be his complete lack of grasping the ethos of the current team and manager, HBA coasts far too often in the games he has played till now, now it may well be that he is still not up to full fitness or it may be just he is too lazy and expects to be able to coast whenever he want as he is this incredibly talented player whatever it is AP is sitting him on the bench until he gets either his fitness up to 100% or he grasps what is expected of him whichever comes first.
Or are you incapable of grasping that?
Whatever it is AP is not going to let him play just because he is the great HBA he will play when he shows he is ready to play for 90 mins not just in five minute patches.
226 davis_toons // Feb 8, 2012 at 6:18 AM
There’s One thing abt Shola to be fair… (Im not a fan of him but he is really there when we needed him most)
1. He seldom gave the ball away at the wrong end of the field.
2. He holds up the ball well. (He’s smart and will fall/trip and get us a free kick to slow /claim the game down.
Take a look at how he defends for us in our box. Clear away header / feds of attackers and clear the ball.
3. In short, he does his defensive duties & when closing down a game he should be one of those that can be rely on.
Take a look at this video, vs Fullham (I though he does well for us, we are no Baca or RealM btw..He is so much better compair to some others..he is always there when Newcastle needed him.)
One thing for sure he dont just get his pay check and sit back. (In the past, i might wanted him out of Newcastle but, i think im wrong, what the problem with such a utility player when he does nothing too bad and helps alot, when we cant even find a better player then him. / in his style)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pd5buEh6lA&context=C3e8268eADOEgsToPDskK2k8VJURBmFQ1GRHyoYBYj
227 davis_toons // Feb 8, 2012 at 6:20 AM
Just like Smith, Shola welcome players and new players find it easiler to gel but to compair Shola does alot more.
228 Indian Magpie // Feb 8, 2012 at 6:25 AM
davis_toons
its b4 mid day in india, so i am not but are you drunk
229 davis_toons // Feb 8, 2012 at 6:37 AM
Ben_W // Feb 7, 2012 at 9:18 PM
Something I hadn’t really thought much of is that HBA would be a lot better with Ba + Cisse as when he played on the RW but with Ameobi up, as Ameobi isn’t the sort of striker to be making loads of runs in and around the box and getting in dangerous situations he may have felt he has to go alone. Maybe with two really good strikers back he’ll be a bit more effective
- This is something that only time will tell But Only by playing him when both BA and Cisse is there afew times..Cause Hatem will create oppounitity for Quality Strikers.
230 davis_toons // Feb 8, 2012 at 6:42 AM
CISSE ARRIVAL wont “help” Ben Arfa
I think this is wrong somewhere, formation?
Hartem should be able to help our to strikers score more goals. Remb he can create goals. He got the vision, positioning sense, he will place the ball, lay off the ball to our striker when Nobody expected the ball to be there.
And there you go …its a goal!
231 davis_toons // Feb 8, 2012 at 6:50 AM
If we have a player like Glen Johnson or Patrice evra, i would be glad…
232 davis_toons // Feb 8, 2012 at 6:56 AM
Hutton is a nice player to have on the right but Simpson helps alot on our defence as well when he puts in alot of hardwork.
233 geordie@bergen_norway // Feb 8, 2012 at 7:45 AM
He didn’t look injured when I sat with him on a strip club in Newcastle sunday night after the Villa game There was also James Perch, Dan Gosling, Davide Santon and Charles N’Zogbia. Santon was pretty drunk LOL
234 cyprus // Feb 8, 2012 at 8:04 AM
@223,
It really does not make you look good when you insult others’ capability to grasp things. It’s presumptuous to say the least. I do hope you’re right, but surely, you should leave even a small possibility (say 1%??!) that you and AP himself may be wrong on the HBA case. Remember, he is sailing in unknown territory (he’s never managed a big club and a large group of stars), I just hope he makes it through. Don’t you think it would be a shame if we lost such a ‘lift-off-your-seat’ talent of the Ginola – Gascoigne -Asprilla mold, without him getting a real chance? Because surely he will be gone if he continues to be treated like a perch.
Just a couple of e.g.s: When Ginola was thrown overboard the coach said he was ‘finished’. The next year, with Spurs, he was voted best player in the PL! When Bellamy left the coach said he was not a goalscorer. He’s top scorer at Liverpool and arguably their best player. Coaches do get it wrong….
235 roshan MAGPIE // Feb 8, 2012 at 8:10 AM
i think if our club can give a useless Ameobi 11 years to show his talent why cant they give ben ARFA a chance to show his talent
236 Rotonda heights // Feb 8, 2012 at 8:45 AM
Guti and shola give the ball away far more than benny.
benny in a 433 with BA and Cisse or just behind BA and Cisse would be phenomenal. You have to get your best players on the pitch. benny has 2 proper stikers now.
237 Indian Magpie // Feb 8, 2012 at 8:50 AM
HBA had world class strikers at OM and OL, here for most parts he has had best and shola, so pardew please atleast think properly
238 nick_9 // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:02 AM
Does anyone think the diamond formation that Chelsea used could work for us with HBA?
We could use multiple players in this formation and keep them all happy with a bit of rotation to mix it up.
————- Tiote —————
Guthrie ————–Cabaye
————- Arfa —————-
–Cisse—————–Ba—-
or with current players available for the spurs game we could start off with the same team that beat villa and if we fall a few goals behind and need to go all out then why not have;
————–Guthrie————–
Obertan—————————Jonas
——————Arfa—————–
——Cisse——————-Ba————-
Jonas and Obertan are quite fast and cover a lot of ground, guthrie puts a shift in and Ba drops deep for the ball helping out. Arfa and Cisse would offer a real threat. I guess it depends how the game is going but i just hope we dont sit back inviting the pressure on.
239 steinhof // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:14 AM
Indianmagpie, so Pardew isn’t thinking? The man who has taken a squad tipped by a lot of pundits to go down (due to their own lack of knowledge of our players admittedly) to fifth should dismiss his years of experience and football know-how and just do what you think he should? Slightly arrogant don’t you think?
240 drongo // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:17 AM
on the ongoing HBA debate – look at ManUs management of Ronaldo, Rooney, Nani…. All used sparingly at first, and all gradulaly became what Fergie needed.
Rooney now is almost too honest – you see him going back to fullback to recover a lost ball.
We should continue to use him off the bench, but start him against the likes of Wolves and when there is a more solid midfield, mobile front line.
This lad can really be something very special, yes he is a more gifted player than obertan or jonas will ever be – but – with them you know what you get. With HBA just yet you dont.
Slowly slowly catchy monkey.
241 Londtoon // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:26 AM
Very suprised to see HBA comments still going on. Although imo the comments from Pard this week about the lad would suggest to me HBA could start on the right wing for the injured Raylor. I would certainly do that and if it doesn’t work then we have Obie to come on and show the subbed HBA what work ethic Pards is after.
242 nick_9 // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:31 AM
i honestly believe the best person to mark Bale would be Jonas. Theyre both big lads with a good bit of pace and Jonas would give him a good go down the wing, im a little bit worried about Perch for this game if we’re being truthful. The sooner we get our midfield maestro back the better.
243 Dannyo // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:32 AM
@Londtoon
No chance imo, Obertan has performed too well in his last two sub ins that HBA would get picked ahead of him.
Imo, Obertan will start.
244 Spuggy // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:34 AM
Afra has all the skills, and I don’t just mean dribbling. He can shoot, pass short, pass long, pass over head.
BUT
He tries to do too much too often, he needs to use his teamates more, now with Cisse and Ba he certainly encouraged to do so as they have skill to hold the ball etc.
He could be phenomenal in a 433 just behind the two strikers. But to do that you have to also be economical with the ball, i.e. not lose it. When do you see Mata or Silva losing the ball. The frustrating thing is he CAN pass it to a player, but instead he tries to beat everyone – that’s only gonna work 1/5 in the PL against pacey strong defenders.
Coupled with that I really liked what I saw from obertan – barring a few silly decisions he really is a good player and has bags of potential.
In conclusion, we have two rough diamonds in Obertan and Arfa, the question is can Pards and the players themselves work to make them the players we need.
Possession is KING in the PL, you can’t have players losing the ball frivolously, the quality of opposition is too good now, you get punished.
245 cyprus // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:41 AM
I disagree with some comments above. In fact, HBA should be used with technical Spurs-style teams, in order to match the likes of Modric in MF. On AP comments, yes of course he deserves a heap of praise, although I must say I haven’t seen a tactical master stroke yet from him. e.g. bringing on Cisse, well his hand was forced there. I honestly don’t understand what he has against HBA. Am I convinced with AP? Not yet. Sometimes players win despite the coach, not because of him.
246 steinhof // Feb 8, 2012 at 9:48 AM
Perch for HBA at Blackburn seemed to do the trick as far as a tactical change goes. I like Arfa btw but the way pardew is managing the team I trust him more than people who just watch and maybe play a bit of football (i include myself in that category)
247 jakesome // Feb 8, 2012 at 12:38 PM
@worshearer post1
i believe im one of those special people your reffering to.
get you facts straight before you publically make a mug of yourself. he started as a right winger then covered maicon rb when maicon returned he was number 1 was too good to be benched so LB……..

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News, Views and Commentary On Newcastle United Football Club By Ed Harrison, A Proud Geordie And Lifelong Fan