The Newcastle United Blog

64 responses so far ↓

• 1 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:33 AM

  “Isn’t it funny. Benny have 2 shite games and he was put on the bench but on the other hand we have Obertan which played many games this season but when Pardew must speak about his good games”

  Brilliant commens from Oleg, Benry, Rotonda, Spitfire.

  Been saying the entire season so far, lads let it go… It wont happen Pardew is tacticaly weak manager, and also who says he is good with the youngsters, he cant manage HBA to me at all.

  So best is to make peace he wont be here in the summer. I have already made peace with it, He knows he could be playing football, he knows he can be good, he is wasting time at Tynside in all honesty with players like Perch, Ferguson Obertan starting ahead of him where they would not make a reserve team in France…

  Tooo terrible…

• 2 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:39 AM

  Pardew you also need to look long and hard and see your choice of putting Perch in front of any team in the top 10 is not good.

  I think you can see we need strength in RB, and CB and either wing next season as HBA wont be here to make it happen milk Ashley for all you can, as its obvious we are a few steps away from that Europe spot, say what you will we lost to ALL of those teams baring Manure. Arsenal still to come but I reckon getting a result there will be a miracle.

• 3 Wor Shearer // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:40 AM

  Have to agree, partially anyway. I don’t think Pards has proved he’s particularly good with youngsters. Those boys coming through now like Fergie and Vuckic were being readied by Hoots…..now HE was good at developing youngsters.

  Pards hasn’t dealt with Ranger properly(who’s on a 5yr contract). Also, it sounds like we’re getting rid of pretty much all of our youth team in summer…

• 4 wynsleap // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:43 AM

  Don’t think Tiote, Cabaye and Raylor would have made that much difference yesterday. Tottenham were on another planet.
  We were out tackled, out paced, out passed, out manoevred and outclassed.
  Forget it and move on.

• 5 moonraker // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:44 AM

  Pardew obviously hasn’t been watching Spurs this season as they always play like that!

  Cant believe he sent out that team with a weakened midfield and 2 strikers against possibly the best attacking midfield in the PL!

  I was at the Fulham game and thought he would have learnt a lesson there!

  Unbelievable! he should have started with 5 across midfield and could have changed it later as Spurs would have tired in the second half having had a cup match in midweek. Then he could’ve changed it second half.

  That was shades of an old familiar Newcastle! Shambolic! God knows what that will do for the confidence

• 6 JackButler // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:45 AM

  Our lack of pace is the most worrying thing for me.

  We looked slow and tired yesterday

• 7 Dennis Twice // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:46 AM

  4-5-1 away

• 8 moonraker // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:46 AM

  Anyone who thinks HBA would’ve improved that team last night is an idiot!

• 9 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:46 AM

  Yes but they where sh*te apparently I cannot say as I haven never seen them lads.

  I think games like this are brilliant I really do…it has opened a pandoras box and I hope the story DOESN’T go around they had a good day we where just poor…

  NO THIS IS IT THIS IS A TOP 4 side lad…

  WILLO
  SIMMO
  PERCH
  OBER

  where soooooo ouudd off their league it was scary. They cant even be squad players possibly next season. How will we compete again cause for sure there will be injuries next season you cant bank on TIOTE 24/7

  Cabaye I am not blown away by the lad in all honesty when he is on song he is great, raelly good littel player but a lot of games he is rather quiet. That Villa game I am still waiting of that repeat bossing the CAM role in a way…. hasn’t happened btu I am sure it will.

  We need depth we dont have it. and for that to happen we need 4 more Cisse type signings of the range, and Pardew needs to play a good team as good as he can cause he doesnt do that which baffles me.

• 10 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:47 AM

  Oleg,

  Interesting annotation….. play a close 433 up front quite nice…

• 11 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:49 AM

  moonraker // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:46 AM

  Anyone who thinks HBA would’ve improved that team last night is an idiot

  I think people are perplexed at the fact that Pardew said he played a “too much of an attackign side” we played a NO SIDE with Perch in CM agaisnt Kranjcar modric and co he misplaced more passes than HBA ever did sorry to say..

  HBA wound not change a damn thing other than possibly create A chance which we didn’t whole game…

• 12 hotdog // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:50 AM

  I think we would all have taken a draw yesterday but we caught spurs at the wrong time, full strenght team and the Harry factor from this week was always going to cause us problems. I know fans have a right to have a say on here but come on lads, a little bit of realism is needed is it not? A winable game v wolves and the smiles will be back

• 13 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:52 AM

  JB

  “Our lack of pace is the most worrying thing for me.

  We looked slow and tired yesterday”

  Indeed I have no idea where that comes from my one player that is most evident is JONAS, he looks so dead tired and slow up fron. Possibly cause Pardew instructed him to help out in the rear more often than not I dont know…but his magic runs have all but disappeared and I am a bit sad cause of it…LOVED seeing him dazzle the defenders, doesn’t happen that often.

• 14 moonraker // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:53 AM

  gorgonzola it wasnt the atack that lost us the game it was the lack of midfield numbers. If we had ever gained possession of the ball in midfield we would have had a chance unless you think we could have won 6-5!

• 15 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:54 AM

  moonraker

• 16 JackButler // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:55 AM

  Jonas has been poor since Marveuax picked up his injury, he seems to be too comfortable without that pressure of having to earn his place

• 17 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:55 AM

  JB

  Possibly….

• 18 roshan MAGPIE // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:55 AM

  last season with how many points we finished the league

• 19 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:56 AM

  on that front when is Marveaux coming back will he be for the last game, hell I hope we didn’t get an injury special…

• 20 jimmymagpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:57 AM

  jimmymagpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:47 AM

  For God’s sake, let’s cut the cr-p, without the physicality of Tiote and Saylor, this team cannot defend! This was not a freak result. Study the performances and goals against since Saylor walked off injured against Chelsea, and you will find we have one of the weakest if not THE weakest defences in the Premier League. Too many slow, physically weak non defenders in the back four, and that includes Captain Wonderful, who is out of his depth against pace and movement, and yet again does the unforgiveable for a defender, turns his back on man and ball at the slightest hint of getting a whack. In my day, he would have been called a chicken-hearted ‘fan-y merchant.’ Go back to the Carling Cup games against Forest and Blackburn when Saylor and Tiote didn’t play – 7 goals conceded. Without Krul and seriously poor finishing from opponents, there would have been many more hidings. Only a wek ago against Villa the game could have been lost at half time because the 2 centre backs were run ragged by Bent and Keane. Krul to the rescue again, and the game before that at Blackburn. Please Mr Pardew 3/4 pacey, physically strong defenders in the summer, before the two up front get pis-ed off with seeing their best efforts undermined by the feeble efforts of those behind them, and give Santon his wish of playing wide midfield, because he ain’t no full back.
  26 jimmymagpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:51 AM

  One more thing – a good second choice goalkeeper urgently required, if Forster is to be sold. I’ve seen Elliot in a handful of reserve games, and the thought of him playing any number of games in the first team frightens the life out of me.

• 21 moonraker // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:57 AM

  hotdog thats not the point a team that can beat ManU 3-0 should be capable of giving Spurs a go even losing 1 or 2 nil would be understandale but to be 3 down after 20 mins is a disaster for a team in the top 6

• 22 JackButler // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:58 AM

  Marveuax went away to the training camp in Spain and it was reported that he’d be back playing in the middle of next month, but reports are now saying that he’s out for the season

• 23 hotdog // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:58 AM

  # Jonas was up against Kyle Walker who is top notch and very quick, thats probably why he seemed slow. We just need to accept that we aint a top 4 team but with some additions over the next two years we could challenge.

• 24 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:01 AM

  “Only a wek ago against Villa the game could have been lost at half time because the 2 centre backs were run ragged by Bent and Keane. Krul to the rescue again, and the game before that at Blackburn”

  Exaclty my sentiment.

  Blackburn game we could have easily lost, way to easily, Villa we could have lost badly at home they where cutting us apart at times defense was shocking sometimes the defense looks out of breath….

  Is everybody else taking stuff and our players not? I Dunno…But I totally see your point….

  The back over the summer for me is priority number one knowing Pardew he will overlook it as he sees Perch good enough it seems….

• 25 hotdog // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:01 AM

  #21 Agreed it was a disaster but it is one game. I know fans are upset but come on we win agianst wolves and the unwashed, happy days again!

• 26 Scottishmag1 // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:03 AM

  I’m on the train one route back from the debacle last night…….

  Outplayed, outclassed in every part of the pitch, made me laugh when pardew said afterwards that he played a too offensive team, think he meant formation as there was no one else who could have started!!

  I would like to see him give some of the young lads a pop at some first team football e..g Abied , Ferguson and even HBA, obertan, jonas and perch look lacklustre for me. Lst nights game was not the game to judge all performances on but it did provide a few insights to our capability or not as the case May be!!

• 27 moonraker // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:04 AM

  with such an apparently structured transfer policy it seems unbelievable they didnt strengthen at centre back in the window ???

• 28 NUFC FOR SALE // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:04 AM

  What a bunch of @#seholes you lot are.

  One big defeat and you’re all having a pop at Pardew.

  Pardew can’t do anything on the pitch, it had nothing to do with tactics…..what else did you want him to do??? play 10 at the back??

  For me that defeat yesterday was due to the fact our central midfield was completely outclassed, Guthrie and Perch are okay against lower PL sides.

  But most of overall the defence was a shambles and a shambles because of 1 man…Williamson. He is an absolute clown, Championship centre half at best.

  I almost put my foot through the tv when for more than one of the goals he turned his back on the shot. Steven Taylor would have took a ball in the face for the team…Williamson is soft as #hit.

  Yes we got Cisse but the Jan transfer window was not successful because we needed a top class partner for Collicini more than anything.

• 29 Benton Toon Exile // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:05 AM

  hotdog- Sorry mate I was amonst the Spurs fans and they feared the worst because of injuries to key players.
  Van der Vart
  Defoe
  Kabul
  Lennon
  Huddleston
  Gallas
  They were telling stories of previous games against the likes of Wolves who came, worked and fought hard and Spurs were unable to break them down.
  Pardew obviously didn’t see those games, and got this very wrong.

• 30 hotdog // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:06 AM

  #26 Agree bud, pardew will learn more about his players from last nights defeat, he’s a good manager and will know who he takes on his journey!

• 31 jimmymagpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:07 AM

  Believe me, the fans who go to away games have seen this all before – without saylor and tiote, we’re cr-p at ther back, and we’re beginning to see it at home as well. Last two games in london – 10goals conceded. Even Wolves and the Mackems gave Spurs a good game down there. Please God, Tiote returns in form and fit, because if he doesn’t, there will be a few more hidings before this season is over, and I certainly wouldn’t want to go in to the derby without him!

• 32 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:07 AM

  NUFC FOR SALE

  “One big defeat and you’re all having a pop at Pardew.”

  I think you are not following comments throughout the year.

  Lots of lads here have been critical of him in fairness…

• 33 Benton Toon Exile // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:08 AM

  However I refer to my other post on the game.

  We are 6th.
  We have 2 home winable games coming up.
  We have Tiote and Cabaye back next week.

• 34 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:09 AM

  Benton Toon Exile

  BANG

  well done sir I was waiting for somebody to mention that…

  well done SIR

• 35 hotdog // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:09 AM

  #29 Ill give you a couple but Gallas and Kabul would are not first choice if king is fit and lennon and defoe came on last night – how many beers did you have or had you given up by this time

• 36 jimmymagpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:09 AM

  @ 28 – are you for real ? One defeat? Fulham 5-1? Brighton?

• 37 spitfire_ // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:09 AM

  Jonas are poor after he sign a new 5 year deal… before that he made some good games with Saint-toon. I just hope Marveaux to be fit asap. I just can’t stand Obertan and after HBO aboviously will be on the bench… Marveaux is the key to good cross, pace and plaing well in defence in one guy. I know that he play well in defence from couple of his games in France not in Newcastle.

• 38 Benton Toon Exile // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:12 AM

  hotdog – Given up mate!

  To be fair to the Spurs lads, I think they were more shocked than us, and I didn’t pay for a drink all night!

• 39 gorgonzola // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:13 AM

  jimmymagpie

  3:1 scumpool could have been worse
  Brighton
  Blacburn game I am still wondering how we took that 2:0 is beyond me.

  we could have had at least 4 more hiding like this…

  agreed

• 40 Toon-82 // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:13 AM

  I agree with what most of you say, i think Pardew has a set way and can’t adapt to any other formation.

  I fear Ben Arfa will leave, not given a real go in the team. The sooner Colo signs his deal the better.

  I would like us to play a 4-3-3 against Wolves:

  Krul
  R.Taylor (Simpson needs a rest, plus kick up the arse)!
  Williamson(Im not a fan off)!
  Colo
  Santon
  Tiote
  Cabaye
  Gurthie
  Ben Arfa
  Cisse
  Ba

  Would rest Guti as well, even tho Guti does have his better games against Wolves, Would like to see Abeid get some game time as well as Ferguson, Hope Vukic impresses at Cardiff too.

  I think we need a CB and RB for next season, Douglas and Clyne would be my guess. Both cheap if not free’s in the summer, then it will be a few young players, also would like a good back up striker, if we get rid of Lovenkrands and Ameobi, would keep Best til we had a decent replacement.

  That’s made me feel better getting that all out now, haha

• 41 NUFC FOR SALE // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:14 AM

  @ 36

  The problem is you all believe the hype that has been built around newcastle united lately. You all think we really should be challenging top 4.

  Get real, we are not a top 4 team, we do not have the squad or the quality in the starting 11 yet.

  I just think you need a bloody reality check.

• 42 Oleg G // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:14 AM

  wynsleap // Feb 12, 2012 at 10:43 AM

  Tiote and Cabaye would made a difference. Doesn’t mean that the could change the outcome, but the style, and the score, definitely.

  Tiote and Cabaye help much more in defense and defensively in the middle of the pitch.
  And in general, having them in the 11 gives more confidence to the other 9 players on the pitch.

• 43 jimmymagpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:17 AM

  NUFC – Willo soft as sh-t, but you don’t mention the captain who repeatedly turns his back on man and ball, game after game. Look at his pathetic ‘hop’ to try haeading the ball in the lead up to the 5th goal. Reminiscent of his pathetic effort at heading the ball which very nearly gifted Villa an equaliser at the death last week. Tell me the last time the captain got a trauma or impact injury? Unlike the braver and far more courageous Saylor, who is always putting his body on the line. Too many people with blind spots for certain players on this blog!

• 44 jimmymagpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:26 AM

  NUFC – I don’t need a reality check mate, you obviously haven’t read too many of my postings the last few months. I’m normally one of those getting abused for pointing out the weaknesses that some of you are now beginning to agree with. We are where we are in the league because of the crap nature of the league outside the top 3 or 4. I only want to see us competitive with top sides to occaisionally be in with a realistic chance of winning one of the domestic cups. We can’t even get past Blackburn and Brighton for God’s sake.

• 45 taker83 // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:28 AM

  Pardew is sh!t when it comes to tactics.Jonas has been poor.Ben Arfa should replace jonas.tiote cabaye guthrie and ben arfa in midfield for me.
  We have to buy RB and CB!

• 46 Sav // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:36 AM

  FFS what a whining bunch on here today. Button up and wipe your noses.
  Amazing to see the sparkle between Saha and Adebayor in their first match. Looking to see that sort of complementary relationship coming on between Ba and Cisse.

• 47 Sav // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:41 AM

  In fairness to Danny G, he was pretty much isolated in terms of just hanging onto the ball for a second. I doubt if Cabaye would have been any improvement on his own.

• 48 Andymax // Feb 12, 2012 at 11:48 AM

  Pardew is clueless, as for the second half Tottenham took their foot off the peddle.

• 49 Rotonda heights // Feb 12, 2012 at 12:30 PM

  NUFC for sale

  don’t call people arseholes pal when you are obviously clueless yourself.

  No normal managers leave their best players out and don’t even pull them from the subs bench when we’re 2 or 3-0 down.

  It’s spiteful and stubborn and is killing us. It’s tevez all over again. No problem for curbishley though like cantona was no problem for ferguson but Howard wilkinson like pardew can’t handle top players.

  I believe carr is getting these players because pardew seems cluelss as how to use them just square pegs in round holes. My philosophy is the same as benny whose won 5 league titles. a shot passing game and lots of supporting triangles and movement. it all seems alien to pardew.

• 50 Rotonda heights // Feb 12, 2012 at 12:31 PM

  sav

  we don’t play like spurs so aint going to happen any time soon.

• 51 JDdubai // Feb 12, 2012 at 12:32 PM

  It just showed exactly where we are at the moment. We are a work in progress, we are going to get the odd tonking off the top teams if they are on song but from where we were 2 seasons agao to where we are now is a good thing.

  To push on simmo, Perch, Willo, Raylor, Obertan etc need to be squad players and no more. If we get a starting 11 that doesnt include any of these but have them in reserve then we will be in a much stronger position to push for top 4.

• 52 Tiki_Taka // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:03 PM

  I find it hilarious that certain “fans” are having a go at Sir Alan. You cannot lay the blame at the manager’s door.

  Player characteristics and mentalities are what attributed to our defeat.

  Example;
  Davide Santon is essentially an attacking force playing in a primarily defensive role.

  He isn’t to blame. He is what he is. Which is a very attack minded player who will always look to surge forward into the opposition’s half to support his wide player and help create an overlap whenever the chance presents itself.

  2) James Perch is a defensive minded player who loves to close down and win every ball.

  Now whilst I admire his tenacity and determination to win every ball he has to learn to be a bit more disciplined when playing in a central two. Especially when Guthrie carries the ball and takes the fight to the opposition. Perch cannot then fly upfield with him.

  Can you inform Perch of his shortcomings and then give guidance and teach him to be a bit more conservative? Yes and No. Ability and technique can always be improved but mental attributes are somewhat different and require a vast overhaul of previous thought patterns and behaviour.

  And also does Perch genuinely believe that he will be a first team player? No. Therefore there will not be totally belief in any retraining. Once Tiote is back Perch shall become a distant first team memory.

  My point is players are who they are. Whilst you can train and show them the way, evidently it will be their abilities and past actions that determine their future form and behaviour.

  Yes, we lost 5-0 but Tottenham played well and are a good side. Plus they were at home and had a point to prove to their manager. Whom we can assume they do not want to lose.

  To say that Sir Alan got it wrong is okay, people are entitled to their opinions but we are the best fans in the world and lets not forget this. We bleed black and white. We shout our hearts out for our team. We will bounce back.

• 53 Benton Toon Exile // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:18 PM

  Alan Pardew – Tottenham Were Irresistible At Times

  Yes mate I agree…..But you must learn fast my southern shandy drinking friend that us Geordies dont have nor accept a soft underbelly aka people who just roll over and give up without one hell of a fight!

• 54 Ian Magpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:19 PM

  Jimmymagpie…………….Bang on the money again bonny lad! Your one of the only fans on here that has a proper knowledge of what is happening on the field! And to those who think this was just one game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Erm er ermmmmm What about Fulham away or Brighton way????????????????????????? Chelsea at home is nother one and so was West Brom. This is not a team that is capable of Champions league football just yet, not by a long shot! Harsh…….yes but true!

• 55 Ian Magpie // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:21 PM

  Well said Benton @53!!!!!!!!

• 56 Tiki_Taka // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:22 PM

  It’s all about the right players with the right characteristics that gives a balance to a system.

  Santon at left back without Tiote is counterproductive. The goal is to have a stable left hand side in our defensive half but Santon’s mentality is to attack whenever possible.

  Now this has a knock on effect when Perch plays in a central midfield 2. Santon picks up the ball and heads upfield. Slowly the back line eases up the field with him. However Perch’s mentality is not to provide cover in front of the back four (which is now a 3).

  Tiote would sit somewhat deeper than Perch and that would mean that if we lose the ball Tiote could drop into the back line alongside Williamson and this would then allow Coloccini to pull out and cover the left hand side where Santon has vacated.

  All of this is basically dependent on opposition technical ability and on our own player’s mentality and behaviour when interpreting game situations.

• 57 Tiki_Taka // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:31 PM

  The comment at 53 is a perfect example of what I’m saying about characteristics and mentalities of players.

  You say that they roll over and don’t put up a fight.

  Perch is tenacious and determined but not overly intimidating nor savagely fierce. It isn’t his game. He is a versatile player whom can fill a number of positions quite well.

  Guthrie is technically sublime and will look for the ball whenever possible.

  Tiote and Cabaye are different species altogether. Technically sound. Composed on the ball. Ferociously competitive. Plus there is the added psychological factor of those two players being in the team. Which in turn helps the belief system in our Newcastle starting eleven but also adds a bit of uncertainty in the opposition’s mind.

  I gues what I’m trying to say is that ff I wanted a guard dog I wouldn’t choose a dachshund. I’d go for an animal that had a bit more in his locker.

  At the moment we don’t have the balance right. We will get it sorted and the Premiership will be our oyster.

  HOWAY THE LADS!

• 58 Benton Toon Exile // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:35 PM

  Tiki_Taka – it about a team representing our City and US!

  That lot I watched roll over yesterday mate, they dont represent me…What about you?

• 59 Benton Toon Exile // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:45 PM

  Simpson salutes Spurs on Sky Sports!

  My god has this bloke got no shame.
  These people need to get a lesson in Geordie folklore!

• 60 Marty-Toon // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:46 PM

  Our goal diff shows that we score too few and let in far too many.
  In the first 11 games we defended well but had a lot of luck too which is about time too.
  Since S.Tayls got hurt it has showed that we are poor defensively and teams with power and speed can hurt us easily.
  Jonas is skillfull but isn`t quick.
  Santon is quick but gets caught too far up the field-WBA,Fulham,Spurs,Wolves,City have all attacked us there and have had fun.
  AP got it wrong.
  We shoulda had 5 in midfield.
  Even with a weakened team we shoulda had
  Jonas Guthrie Perch Gosling Ben Arfa
  Maybe with
  ……………………….Perch……………………………………….
  Jonas Gosling ……….. Guthrie Ben Arfa
  I get it that Benny gives the ball away too much but he needs time in the team and he will open up chances for Ba or Cisse
  It`s also difficult for AP to leave out one of the strikers but against teams like Arsenal,City,Spurs n the likes that keep the ball well and have speed and movement from all over the place we need to play a 5man midfield.

• 61 Tiki_Taka // Feb 12, 2012 at 1:46 PM

  I understand your disappointment mate.

  I do though think it’s a little bit harsh on Spurs too when people say that “we rolled over”. Spurs are a perfect example of a harmonious system that works fantastically well.

  The team we had out wasn’t the oiled machine that Spurs were. We didn’t have the balance and it showed. We are a great club and we will continue to improve.

  These defeats are the building blocks of learning.

  Patience is the key here, lads.

• 62 Lynxie // Feb 12, 2012 at 2:51 PM

  Simpson should keep his stupid hole shut, HE was the one who made Spurs look good last night, by standing admiring them all evening the prize numptie that he is.

  To be honest, this defeat has been waiting to happen since QPR away, when we got battered for 90 minutes, it was always feasible that sooner or later we would get a hiding. A number of teams have been all over us for long periods and we got away with it, more or less (mackems away, Scunthorpe, Wigan at home, WBA, Villa to name but 3). The Fulham collapse should have been a massive wake up call, but ‘rabbit on the headlights’ Pardew (PlanB), decides to play a 4 man stand-in midfield, agaisnt the best midfield in the country, AWAY! Half-wit tactics of the highest order. He needs to start doing some opponent research, and soon. If the unthinkable happens in 3 weeks time, or we continue to allow teams to play unopposed football against us, the fans may not be so forgiving.

• 63 Lynxie // Feb 12, 2012 at 2:55 PM

  Yesterday has been waiting to happen for months. Man utd at Old trafford should have been a cricket score but for woeful finishing and defensive backs to the wall grit. Wigan, WBA, QPR (a) all pressed us and put us under prolonged pressure, and with better finishing could have inflicted defats and big ones. Fulham (a) should have been a massive wake up call, but Pardew got it even more wrong last night. Like for like, with a makeshift midfield against the best midfield in the league? Come on Pardew man, have a word with yourself. 4-5-1 in away games like this, is the only way to go. Either that, or buy a couple of decent defenders, and pack Willo and Simmo off to the reserves.

• 64 stuart no9 // Feb 12, 2012 at 3:15 PM

  A bad result short term, but look a bit further the thing I was pleased about was that for the first time since his aerrival Pards takes responsibilty for that shambles.good, that is a step in the right direction as far as I am concerned.you see where you went wrong ,you can put it right , where as before he would blame everyone and his dog.He needs to understand we are not great,we are still lacking 3 quality players and we won’t get any further with this squad .He got taught a lesson yesterday and I hope he learns from it. ash and his horrible mate thought it was quite funny yesterday, a lot of people didn’t.