The Newcastle United Blog

157 responses so far ↓

• 1 JAMSHA // Mar 3, 2013 at 11:38 AM

  who we play nxt in league???

  Team
  ——————-Robi——————–

  Debu——–Colo——–Taylor—–Mibwa

  ——————-Tiote——————–

  Santon——-Cabaye—Sissko——-Goofo

  —————— -Cisse——————-

• 2 outsidethebox // Mar 3, 2013 at 11:39 AM

  davybtoon….agree with most you said except dont blame santon for goal…there were enough defenders there …would love to see pardieu give hairdrier a go at lb and santon left midfield ..europe could be be place to try…imo santon and debuchy are best fullback pairing we have had for a long time -

• 3 davybtoon // Mar 3, 2013 at 11:41 AM

  N what a goal by sammi yesterday

• 4 Mister Tuff // Mar 3, 2013 at 11:45 AM

  apologies repost.
  The morning after the night before. I think the fans are not sharpening the pitchforks after yesterday as most reasonable minded folk could see our play deserved getting a minimum of 1 point out of the game. Equally there was the usual entrance of one or two “blog loonies” who appear post match ranting and raving, like drunken tarts, about other posters opinions and who then accuse the accused of behaving in an identical manner.
  Nutters and loonies.
  One player we are definitely “carrying” at the moment, well probably most of the season in Cisse -he has been shocking -even having regard to poor supply in the first half of the season. If we had somenone else to play in his position I’m sure he would have been dropped -but we haven’t perhaps this should have been a priority in the January window -or has the assessment been made that we will survive in the league and a striker(s) are top of the shopping list in the summer. We’ll have to wait and see.
  In the meantime I’ve got a mate who is a farmer and is currently demolishing some old buildings on his farm -I’m sure if I asked him he could load up a couple of old barn doors onto his tractor and deliver them to the training ground for shooting practice.

• 5 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:07 PM

  Sammi takes the p1ss out of Bellamy too. Bellamy responds in his usual manner.

• 6 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:11 PM

  Mr T

  Well said. Para 1

  On Cisse – he is scoring but just not enough – the goal last weekend gave me hope he was emerging from his more barren spell. We should not have to load all our striking options on one player so we need a class replacement for Ba and ideally a Shola upgrade. He isn’t ‘shocking’ though – but def under par.
  If your only pure striker is slightly off form (but not hugely) then it might be more damaging to that very fragile quality of confidence to bench him. Papiss has said that the confidence of the manager in him is a big thing and is helping him get through this less than productive patch. So I think we have to persevere and fans help to rebuild his confidence too.

  Having said that – it is a team game and though we tend to single out our least favourite players it is often a combination of players that are the real weaknesses – we played Swansea away and could easily have won – they are top 7 so that is how far we have come in the last six weeks. Just need the points on board now. There’s no place for heroic failure the rest of the season.

• 7 Jamiemac // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:15 PM

  Watched the game yesterday but wasn’t on the blog, can’t believe some of the stuff I’m reading this morning! We played really well just couldn’t take our chances. Jonas was the best player of the front 6, he was involved in a lot of chances and covered deb more than I can count.

  That leads me onto our main problem. Our 2 FBs are far too attack minded and leave us exposed at the back too often.

• 8 roshan MAGPIE // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:23 PM

  some people here are giving some stick to santon for some of our defensive lapses and i hate that santon is a class player

• 9 karasu // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:26 PM

  Our next match is no joke. Anzhi at Russia. Their squad is full of attacking talent. Eto’o, Traore and Willian are definitely capable of carving us a new one if we are not careful.

• 10 robin // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:32 PM

  The major difference between the two teams yesterday, Swansea, have manager who is born winner and NUFC, have a born loser as the manager. Pardew, the chancer proved the point with his team formation and desperate 89 minute substitutions when the game was lost due to his insane faith in Jonas, how this guy gets a game ahead of Anita, Obertan and Marvueax only the idiot Pardew knows but it will not be long before he can sit and think through how Jonas, cost him his job at NUFC, when Ashley suddenly comes to his senses and realises he has employed the worst manager in English football!

• 11 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:32 PM

  Santons audition for new scapegoat is going swimmingly. He’s gone off the boil a tad since his call up but he’s doing the same as he always has done he’s never been great at defending but he’s been improving and competition will speed that up

• 12 Mister Tuff // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:41 PM

  yoyo @6 -well perhaps describing Cisses’ form as shocking was a wee bit over the top -but if he had been playing elsewhere he would probably have been dropped – but we have no direct replacement strikers. -how long do we wait. I don’t know if we overplay the confidence thing sometimes -I mean that “dipper” he scored last week should have launched him into confidence heaven.
  People are now viewing Sissoko as a number 10 -but this is not the answer -people like Remy/Belhanda/Aubameyang are what we are short of.
  I have no fears now about relegation -as long as we start to climb to respectability -thus showing prospective summer signings that we are heading in the right direction. Seeing that the PL fears have been dispelled -great idea to to go for broke in the EL – winning that would also act as an attractor to potential signings.
  Will have to dash back this evening.

• 13 robin // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:45 PM

  It just goes to show how useless Pardew, really is he thinks Santon, is having a shocker but does he sub him? No he doesn’t he just stands watching the game go down the pan. He has the option of 3 subs to freshen the team up but waits until its to late 89 minutes to late then starts bringing subs on. Pardew has to go!

• 14 magpie6699 // Mar 3, 2013 at 12:56 PM

  Robin – we lost a game we were expected too lose, according to the bookies who don’t give money away, we played well for a lot of the game, but youare right – it’s clearly Pardew’s fault that Cabaye hit the bar and others missed good chances.
  Are you a mackem mole by any chance?

• 15 northernirishtoon // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:01 PM

  Just watched match of the day again and thought the game was very even to be honest. Our chances weren’t as clear cut as people in here are saying. If anything they had the better chances. Really disappointed not to get anything from the game but until cisse starts to hit a bit of form then i dont think we can keep expect too much

  To be fair to cisse he made some excellent runs yesterday but just didn’t get the ball or else the score could of been different

• 16 Toon1978 // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:02 PM

  Mister Tuff

  That is the nature of a blog mate. To rant and rave and express your opinion. I was told to stop being a cheeky sh1t yesterday even though my intention was not to offend anyone. That’s the nature of a blog though, someone will always disagree with you. I say if people take offence to others opinion’s then don’t post on blogs or Forums. If people can give it they should be prepared to take it, that’s ya nutter’s and loonies for ya. Sh1t happens. We played well yesterday and deserved a point, if anyone agree disagree’s then tough sh1t. We have some good games coming up so hopefully maximum points on the horizon.

• 17 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:02 PM

  WWYCD. I think Santon is being targeted more now Simpson is out the team. The opposition target where they think they will get more joy.
  Granted the “cross” for their goal came from the right, but we should have cleared our box. Santon took his eyes off the ball, probably expecting Mbiwa to head clear, and did not get the ball away. Bit of a shambles from everyone at the back to be fair.

• 18 TimKrulFan // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:03 PM

  How people can blame santon for the goal yesterday is a joke Mbiwa went for a header missed it and the ball hit santon with no time to react. We were unlucky and are sh*t manager didn’t help

• 19 NobbyNolano // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:04 PM

  Absolutely gutted about yesterday but no point in crying over yesterday lads. Time to get an away goal in Moscow and 3 points vs Stoke.

  http://www.theyoungernolan.blogspot.co.uk

• 20 Owldman // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:09 PM

  We lost because their keeper pulled off two stunning saves end of story .

• 21 hotdog // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:10 PM

  I like santon but you can’t ignore that teams are creating chances down his side. Elliott pulled off a good save in the second half with Danton nowhere to be seen and gouffran the wrong side.

  How many chances did cisse actually get, two I think! So we can’t say he is missing lots of chances but he is snatching at what he does get IMO

• 22 Ginger // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:12 PM

  It was an alright performance in my opinion to be honest, nothing good nothing bad.

  Elliot did alright.
  Debuchy was good attacking but not very good defensively.
  MBiwa was rather disappointed with, think he had a poor game. He made some poor pass backs too Elliot which nearly cost us. Have to remember though it is his first full game and he did improve as time went on.
  Steven Taylor was man of the match for me, outstanding performance. Pulled the whole defense together.
  Santon had a decent game, did get caught out a few times but played a better game defensively then he has been playing.

  Gutti had an alright game to be honest and I really can’t stand him at the minute. Still needs to be replaced because I think that was his best game of the season, and yet it’s still poor.
  Tiote got better as time went on. Started off making rough tackles when there wasn’t a need for him too do it. Swansea just seemed to skilled for him.
  Cabaye – Worst game I’ve seen him play. Whenever he got the ball he ended up kicking it out of play with a pass. Corners were horrendous. Poor game.
  Moussa another cracking game by him, becoming a real quality player this kid.
  Gouffran was slowly becoming one of my favorite players. Had a poor game for his standards today, missing a chance and constantly seemed to lose possession. He did do some good things too though.

  Cisse – I’d rather Shola started, enough said.

• 23 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:15 PM

  Team for Stoke

  ———————Elliot———————-

  –Debuchy—-Taylor—–Collocini—-Santon–

  ————Cabaye————-Anita———-

  ——HBA———Sissoko——Gouffran—–

  ———————-Cisse———————

  I thought Tiote had turned a corner against Southampton but he has proven to be little more than a yellow card machine this season and Anita should get back in the starting line up where he belongs bearing in mind he was one of the first names on the team sheet for Ajax. HBA in for Gutierrez is a no brainer and that team should be more than enough against stoke.

• 24 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:26 PM

  Mactoon,
  Any links for Motd it never recorded on my thingy box.

• 25 remember69 // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:28 PM

  Robin @ 10
  “Ashley suddenly comes to his senses and realises he has employed the worst manager in English football – See more at: http://www.nufcblog.com/2013/03/03/pardew-its-absolutely-galling-we-didnt-get-anything/#sthash.ozzuTEet.dpuf”

  I admit I’m no expert, but I have to think that as AP was voted manager of the year BY HIS PEERS he can’t be as bad as you make out. Could it be that AP/other managers know something you don’t or is Robin just your pen name (for Guardiola?).

  Comments like that do make you sound that you have nothing of value to say.

  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying AP is the best manager in the world but you have to put forward valid arguments if you wish to be taken seriously.

• 26 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:32 PM

  Since last summer we have seen four strikers leave and one brought in, a position we have been woefully short in since relegation, how ambitious is this !

• 27 remember69 // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:39 PM

  Jail,
  I hear you, but am praying that they holding out for a striker that will really raise the team level.
  Of those that have left who would you have wished to keep other than Ba? Xisco, Ranger?

  I have to believe they have irons in the works and are making head roads into a summer signing – don’t forget we had Remy lined up until the last minute.

• 28 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:45 PM

  Remember,
  So I forgot about Xisco so thats five out one in, would have kept a hold of Best at least until a replacement was found.

• 29 northernirishtoon // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:46 PM

  On a lighter note seen this on twitter thought it was class

  And then I saw his face
  oh Yanga Mbiwa
  hes got pace
  no doubt in my mind
  I’m in love, Toon, I’m a believer
  Yanga Mbiwa on the Tyne

• 30 arpeco19 // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:50 PM

  Time to drop Gutierrez, next game I’d play:

  GK: Elliot
  RB: Debuchy
  CB: S.Taylor
  CB: Mbiwa
  LB: Haidara
  RW/AM: Gouffran
  DM: Tiote
  CM: Cabaye
  LW/AM: Santon
  CM/CAM: Sissoko
  STR: Cisse

  You can alternate between 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-4-1-1, 4-5-1 without even making a substitution… What a class team, definitely think santon has to be brought into midfield to let Haidara have the left back spot, looks a really good young player, big and strong aswell…

• 31 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:52 PM

  Anyone else starting to miss Ba ?

• 32 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 1:59 PM

  Novo
  Teams targetted Santon all season mate Jonas covered for him a lot and now Gouffran does. As for their goal MYM should of cleared it and it should never of gotten to Santon to be fair

  I just don’t think we always need to have a scapegoat they were lucky to win and all things being right it would of been a nil nil affair neither team did enough to win out right imo

  We win as a team we lose as a team

• 33 MacToon // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:05 PM

  There’s a link here J4A but very slow loading for me and a pop up or two:

  http://www.footballorgin.com/2013/03/premier-league-bbc-match-of-day-motd.html

• 34 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:10 PM

  This team would rip a new one out of teams..

  Debuchy-mbiwa-taylor-haidara
  ————–tiote——-cabaye———-
  ——Benarfa–sissoko–santon—–
  ———————-cisse——————–

• 35 Munster Mag // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:12 PM

  Pardew ade a fool out of homself wuth his seething post match reaction. Asked if he would change anything – in relation to defence – he said no, with his eyes bulging. I’m sorry mate, but your defence is shit and needs to be worked on. Santon CANNOT defend and if you are too stupid to see what needs to be addressed, well we aint going to go far. Swansea should have been 2 up and probably over the hill by half time.

• 36 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:16 PM

  Not only would santon play well there but his value would rocket if he scores and assists on a regular basis and im sure he would do just that.

  I wonder if hed do it…. my guessin says no.

• 37 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:17 PM

  @ Cockney

  Why drop Gouffran for Santon ?

• 38 Munster Mag // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:17 PM

  Outside the box, if you think Santon especially is that great you;re mad. He’s a poor defender – doesnt mark up, goes to sleep, plays off the wrong foot. Debuchy is much better, but you gotta ask, why did we sell Routledge? He’s miles better than Obertan and caused Debuchy plenty of hassle. Mbiwa also needs to start learning to head the ball.

• 39 robin // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:17 PM

  Pardew, for 8 more years!!! Fou!

• 40 Munster Mag // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:17 PM

  Cisse, completly agree. Santon for Goofy – wtf???

• 41 MacToon // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:19 PM

  Remy I think would have made a big difference but it didn’t happen. I still have faith in Cisse though but as already said we are short up front, even if it’s having someone to provide competition for him or more importantly cover for any possible injuries.

  Our full backs seem to be our weaker links atm but one is young and can improve and the other is new to the team and league.

  Yet again I enjoyed the game if not the result. I don’t agree with Pards though as we made quite a few errors at the back. Poor balls back to Elliot and poor positioning at times too but ofcourse we can improve on this and MYM has gained another games experience.

  One thing that really annoys me is when we give up possession far too easily at times. We work so hard to win the ball but then a simple misplaced pass means we’re back to working hard to win it again. It is getting better though compared to our first half of the season.

• 42 outsidethebox // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:32 PM

  munster mag…yeah still think santon is the best left back at the club…name a better one in last ten years??..i would like ap to try him further up field ..he is right footed thats why he and anyone else collo included looks as if playing off wrong foot …have said for a long time need left sided centre back..

• 43 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:40 PM

  Is that a joke? Why drop gouffran for santon? Do i need to show u homy assists sanoton has got from a lb position?

  Hes the most creative player we have and he plays in defence. Plus pardew likes defencive cober so why not have some defencive cover but can still create alot more than jonas.

  I like gouffran but hes not anywhere near benarfa and santon for me.

• 44 robin // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:43 PM

  Remember69, Your correct you do not know anything! So what Pardew, won a back slapping award for being the suprise over achievers last season the guy is fast proving all his critics correct this season. He hasn’t built on last seasons success, Ashley has gave him five new additions to the squad but the loser either plays them out of position or doesn’t play them at all. He continues to play Jonas, at the expense of more mobile players his timing of substitutions is a joke as is his choice of who comes off and who goes on.

• 45 Ginger // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:46 PM

  @Cockney

  If you’re doing that I’d rather have Gouffran played in the striker role instead of Cisse at the minute like.

• 46 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:49 PM

  Robin,
  I think its you that is the lesser informed we have won for out of the seven games since the new additions being denied five out of seven by the referee and linesman and five out of seven with two draws if it wasn’t for a nasty injury to the star man of the day and some poor finishing yesterday.

• 47 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:49 PM

  Santon would shine in a LW position, but he would never be given the chance cus pardew hasnt got a clue.

• 48 MacToon // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:51 PM

  did the link work ok J4A?

• 49 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:55 PM

  Jail for ashley

  Yes spot on but how can u say thats pardews doing?

  If u were running 100m in 11 secs but then got given performance drugs and then ran 10 second flat would that be your doing?

  No! Pardew has been given a brilliant squad and is making them perform to the ability we should expect.

  Sure enough hel need more players in the summer cus these arent good enough. Its a joke.

  He needs to go in the summer!

• 50 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:56 PM

  Is NOT*

• 51 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 2:57 PM

  @ Outside

  I think Enrique is still probably one of the best Left backs we have ever had. Santon definitely has the potential but that is all it is so far and time will tell as Santon is still a young lad. There is only one player I have ever seen make Enrique look like a mug and that was Ben Arfa. Other than that he would out muscle and outrun most wingers.

  @ Cockney

  Santon is creative but would he be anymore creative than Gouffran or HBA on the wing ?, I doubt it. Gouffran has already scored once and effectively made two with his shots against Chelsea and Southampton falling to Sissoko.

• 52 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 3:01 PM

  Ginger

  I still have faith in cissse, he did hit that with his left yesterday and again didnt have many chances to attack.

• 53 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 3:05 PM

  Yes and in that time santon has created 3 goals from lb….

• 54 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 3:10 PM

  How can u doubt something u dont have a clue about?

  Santon in that position wouldnt dissapoint and id like to see what hes like there.

  Santons a better dribbler, passer, crosser, and provides defencive cover, good in the air and could cut in and be far more affective when doing so at the back.

  I cant believe u would suggest he wouldnt be better than gouffran in that position after assisting so many goals this season.

• 55 Ginger // Mar 3, 2013 at 3:14 PM

  @ Cockney

  Nahhh it’s sad for me like, I love Cisse but he’s playing really bad. I actually blame Pardew for this when he put him on the wing, he just hasn’t been the same player since then.

• 56 tequilamag // Mar 3, 2013 at 3:18 PM

  Cockney, Santon has only had 4 assists from 28 games, Gouffran has 2 in 5. No way would I drop Gouffran for Santon.

• 57 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 3:23 PM

  @ Cockney

  You say

  How can u doubt something u dont have a clue about

  How many times have you actually watched Santon playing as an attacking winger like ? Because as far as I can tell the only time he has was very early in his career but clearly you know more than every other manager that has decided to give him a primarily defensive role.

  I am not saying he would not be effective there just not as good as Gouffran or HBA. The way you rate him you would think he is the next Gareth Bale.

• 58 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 3:59 PM

  WWYCD. Agreed.

• 59 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 4:02 PM

  Cockney ,
  I don’t really see how your analogy is relevant.

• 60 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 4:03 PM

  Mactoon
  I haven’t tried it yet mate

• 61 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 4:26 PM

  Four wins and a draw out of seven since the new arrivals,if you applied this ratio to our thirty games played in the Prem we’d be sitting on a minimum of 52 points now coincidently is the same as Chelsea and one above Spurs whom I claim we could have been competing with had investment been made at the right time .

• 62 nufc786 // Mar 3, 2013 at 4:33 PM

  http://www.tynetime.com/2013/03/03/newcastle-united-corners-where-its-all-going-wrong-and-how-to-fix-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=newcastle-united-corners-where-its-all-going-wrong-and-how-to-fix-it

• 63 K T Cat // Mar 3, 2013 at 4:36 PM

  We give up one goal to a good team at home while playing a reserve keeper and center back and everyone wants to behead our defenders? Really?

  I really want to see the guy do well, but Cisse is our problem. He’s got himself completely psyched out. He reminds me of Kelly Gruber in the 1992 World Series. (How’s that for an obscure reference?) If it wasn’t going to ruin Cisse forever, I’d do what Ginger #22 suggested – Start Shola. At least his brain isn’t an MC Escher drawing.

• 64 K T Cat // Mar 3, 2013 at 4:37 PM

  Jail for Ashley #60 +1.

• 65 do the hatem shake // Mar 3, 2013 at 4:50 PM

  i think our first team is so much better then arsenal they are shocking now their defence is one of the worst in the prem

• 66 89Norcal // Mar 3, 2013 at 4:54 PM

  You could argue Santon DOESNT provide defensive cover…

  As we’ve said, the 1 thing keeping Jonas in the squad is likely his contribution to covering for Santon after pushing high.

  Santon is a class player and could end up being great, but he tends to switch off and ball watch periodically.

  He should take some pointers from Debuchy.

• 67 stuart no9 // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:00 PM

  every one keeps going on about pards being great last season . manager of the year etc etc. I,m sorry that means absolutely nowt. Cisse was probably the striker of the season- enough said.

• 68 Yorkie Dave // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:05 PM

  Team for the next game should be

  Elliott
  Debuchy Taylor Coloccini Haidara
  Anita
  Cabaye sissoko
  Ben Arfa santon
  Gouffran

• 69 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:07 PM

  @cockney
  I happen to partially agree with you, as I think santon should be on the left wing, and people seem to forget that santons had some assists this season including the winner against chlsea, and another when he cut inside a belted a dipping shot so the keeper spilled it to ba or cisse ( cnt remember which one ).
  And as for gouffran, I would put im up top, until cisse gets his act together, ( not saying that his ability has gone ).

• 70 89Norcal // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:20 PM

  @NUFC_LEAZES END

  He had 2 in that Chels game, another to Gutierrez

• 71 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:22 PM

  Dont get me wrong, i like gouffran think hes a good player but i actually think if santon if given the chance would impress far greater than what u think.

  Plus gouffran cant play europa so where better than try him out on thursday.

  If pardew likes defencive cover on the wing but would like that player to create alot going forward then why not?

  As an attacker hes the best we got other than ben arfa. And hes also the best dribbler we got other than benny boy.

  Santon is actually my favourite player at newcastlr and has proved to very consistant season.

  Just cus he hasnt been played there doesnt mean hel be worse than gouffran. He has the ability to be a world class winger, WHY NOT TRY HIM THERE!!!!

  At the end of the day, its worth the supposed risk as he could be worth 10 times more than what hes worth now as we all no attackers go for more money.

• 72 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:23 PM

  @89NORCAL
  aye that’s right, that proves my ( an nearly everyone else’s ) point even more hahaha

• 73 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:30 PM

  Santons played left back for a few seasons now, do u not think hel provide cover for a defender if needed?

  The guy makes mistakes becaise hes always attacking and wants to help the team in a ttack as he knows he has the ability to create goals.

  In the left qing position he would constantly have chances to cut in and create and dribble passed defenders and be happy to cover as it would not be as much defending as what hes used to, making him a happier player!

• 74 89Norcal // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:31 PM

  @NUFC_LEAZES END
  Yes top player, can’t imagine how good he’ll be in 2 or 3 years.

  I know everyone wants to see another Maldini or superb attacking fullback, but maybe he would be better suited stationed higher up the pitch.

• 75 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:36 PM

  Is there a more over rated youngster in the league than Aaron Ramsey?
  The lad is shite

• 76 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:43 PM

  @norcal
  who knows, he become another gareth bale??
  he started as a full back

• 77 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:46 PM

  Mr T @12

  Agree – we are clear of relegation form and also Sissoko is not really a No10 but a box to box midfielder. Once we have a PEA or equivalent then we’ll be able to rebalance the side again. If Cisse scores every other game that is pretty normal for a striker so he needs to knock one in this week …

  I think confidence is a massive part of most players’ games and if you listen to the business news it runs the country .

  Seriously though – a loss of form has to be down to confidence as players don’t lose ability overnight, as long as they keep a good level of fitness, and the margin between scoring and having a save made or hitting the woodwork is pretty fine at this level. As striking is pretty much instinctive then dropping him ain’t going to restore that killer touch. His judgement positioning wise needs coaching but that could be over-anxiety.

• 78 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:47 PM

  TADS

  Ranger, Sammi ?

• 79 89Norcal // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:48 PM

  @NUFC_LEAZES END
  I sure hope so lol.

  btw Arsenal’s defense has been shocking this match. Only reason they are in the game is because of Bale’s deflection OG

• 80 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:51 PM

  Think it pretty harsh to give Santon stick for the odd youthful error – how good was Bale at his age ? I hope we keep him long enough to see him mature into the world class player he promises to be. Work in progress not the finished article.

• 81 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:53 PM

  Yo yo
  Not really, no one rates ranger and sammi really isn’t that highly rated!
  Ramsey has been hyped for years and is nothing short of utter shite everytime I’ve seen him play, how is he in an arsenal squad ahead of podolski???

• 82 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:53 PM

  Love to see this on thursday..
  442

  Debuchy-taylor-mbiwa-haidara
  Benarfa-sissoko-cabaye-santon
  Gouffran-cisse

• 83 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:56 PM

  Cockney
  You won’t see it though, gouffran is ineligible

• 84 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 5:58 PM

  Oh yea shit marvo instead…

• 85 cockneymagpie90 // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:01 PM

  Or maybe 4141
  And stick tiote in the dm role and have cisse up top on his own in that same setup.

• 86 nufc786 // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:01 PM

  Aaron Ramsey Horror Tackle Broken Leg
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJJscj8Ujo4

  ramsey was never the same after this

• 87 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:10 PM

  Santon on the wing might work but why get angry about it not being tried? Krul up top could would but am not gonna try if its not tried

  Santon was bought as a LB, he’s always played full back for us and he’s our best LB at the club not a tough one to see why he continues to play there

• 88 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:13 PM

  Toonarmydownsouth
  U rate Podolski? Don’t see it myself. I quite like Ramsey though so each to their own

• 89 Ginger // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:16 PM

  @ K T CAT

  Shola played really well the game we started him. (Can’t remember which one it was, a game in the Europa) To be honest its best off playing another striker as it should give Cisse a kick up the arse!

  Santon on the wing/attacking mid may work. He often goes past numerous players so doing this further up the field would result in a higher assist/goal ratio. In my opinion, it’s far too risky to do this though. We could still possibly be relegated, so playing a left back on the left wing to put an even less experienced left back on the pitch is pretty risky.

  I have a question for you all, disregarding injury and everything, what would be your best team?

  Krul
  Debuchy-Collo-STaylor-Santon
  ———-Cabaye—Moussa——–
  Ben Arfa—Marveux—-Gouffran
  ——————Cisse—————–

• 90 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:17 PM

  WW…,
  I was talking to a mate about our conversation on Ranger,he pointed out that if a club sacks a player the club still holds his registration and can prevent hi.m playing until his contract runs out,so a likely scenario is that they finally had enough on him to sack him so just give him the opportunity to walk and his contract ripped up,so he might not even have received a penny.

• 91 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:25 PM

  JfA
  Never thought of that fair point maybe he will be working in Nandos soon then. On a serious note I am interested to see which (or if a) club pick him up

• 92 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:32 PM

  @ WWYCD

  Nando’s ? . That’s far to good for him . I reckon he will be flippin Big Mac’s by the end of the month

• 93 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:32 PM

  WWYCD
  Rate him than Ramsey tbh, Ramsey always seems to panic and take a heavy touch or just pass the ball to no one
  Podolski has the ability to make something out of nothing and is not afraid to shoot from more than 4 yards, which can’t be said about most the arsenal team!!
  Having said that don’t watch arsenal to much and general seem to only catch games where the looked flustered and short of ideas!

• 94 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:36 PM

  Unfortunately some club will sign up that waste of space ranger, really hope we didn’t have to pay the little fcuker any compensation!
  Mind you he might not end up anywhere if the scummy little b@stards banged up for rape

• 95 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:39 PM

  BPC
  Haha wouldn’t be shocked am sure he’d look very fetching in a hair net

  Toonarmydownsouth
  Not a fan of Podolski like never been impressed by him. I think Ramsey always looks to get on the ball which I like, he’s a decent player but not amazing…same can be said about a lot of Arsenals players though

• 96 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:43 PM

  IMO Arsenal only have a few really good players like Wallcott, Cazorla & Wilshire. Other than that they are nothing special.

• 97 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:45 PM

  Yo
  Very true mate has to be said arsenal have the most average squad of an arsenal team for years
  Apart from cazorla and Wilshire there pretty average
  Maybe Walcott

• 98 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:47 PM

  Plus szechney is possible one of the worst keepers in the league!!!

• 99 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:50 PM

  @ tads 97

  Great minds and all that

• 100 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:51 PM

  Toonarmydownsouth
  Aye its a shame because I quite like Arsenal and I do like Wenger but football moved on and they didn’t. Agree on Wilshere, Cazorla and Walcott are above the rest of the team maybe the Ox when on form

• 101 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:52 PM

  I reckon that Piers Morgan is going to give Wenger pelters tomorrow in his column.

• 102 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:54 PM

  BPC
  Aye mate they have dropped off a lot and we steamed in on the cheap players turning to gold aspect of the game

• 103 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:56 PM

  Yo
  They used to be one of the best teams in Europe to watch IMO always used to watch there CL games, still are great to watch on there day but they are few and far between now, arsenal fans are fast losing faith in wenger who, for me, is paying the price for selling there stars and buying in some strange signings like arteta (good player but not really the arsenal mold) park, chamack, squallaci(?) etc.

  Still would be happy to take the Ox and Walcott from them

• 104 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 6:57 PM

  BPC
  

• 105 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:01 PM

  Toonarmydownsouth
  From my understanding its wages that are their trouble they have money to buy players but can’t afford their wage demands so they are stuck buying good rather than great players…were close to getting Mata but Chelsea met his wage demands and Arsenal wouldn’t so I’ve heard

• 106 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:06 PM

  That’s what annoys me about teams like Chelsea and Arsenal. Their fans kick right off when they don’t make the Champions League or fail to win a trophy for a few seasons. Look at us, its been about 50 years since we have won anything and we still support the club no matter what and is the main reason why I think NUFC fans are the best in the world. Even if someone told me now at the age of 21 that Newcastle would never win anything in my lifetime I would still support them till the end. HWTL

• 107 beefman13 // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:06 PM

  It was a case yet again of whathaves, shouldhaves, couldhaves, i wonder if we are ever going to give a full consistant 90 mins, this time the second half was improves over the first it just seems to go in cycles ie either first half decent or second half.

  Of course the signs are more promising, why not give lads chomping on the bit a go for 20/30 mins at least, for me its bloody criminal that anita and marv are being frozen out, at 84 mins we were not going to make any changes, AP woukld have settled for the point without doubt, again he shot himself in the foot, we could have snatched that game yesterday with fresh creative legs for 20/30 mins, yet again i have a gripe with the manager, he dosnt ever fail me somewhere along the line during a game, he talks about positivity, well he was terrified of loosing the game yesterday, he could have went for it grabbed the booty and back to Tyneside instead of his whatovs couldovs and shouldovs.

• 108 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:07 PM

  WWYCD
  You have to say fair play to them then if they have a wage cap and refuse to budge on it, personally think the league should have a fixed wage structre any way, not a set wage for every team, but certainly a limit set through club profit etc, bit like the bundesligue

• 109 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:09 PM

  BPC
  AHEM we won the Championship

• 110 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:11 PM

  @ WWYCD

  Oh yeah . I can drop down dead tomorrow a happy man

• 111 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:12 PM

  Toonarmydownsouth
  I agree mate meant to be coming in with the BT money in a way but doubt much will change

• 112 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:14 PM

  BPC
  Haha wouldn’t go that far…wait until we win the carling cup

• 113 beefman13 // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:20 PM

  My team v anzi on thursday.
  Elliot
  santon
  Hadiera
  Mbiwa
  Saylor
  Anita
  Cabaye
  Marv
  Cisse
  Shola
  Gouffran

  Ben Arfa for god sake were are you, thing is he will still probably ease the fella in meaning more starts for guttierez who i firmly believe is in the starting eleven ahead of gouffran, (shakes head in disbelief)

  Pardew will start Simpson on thursday, he may even start jonas again, hes the gaffer, its a long long season though Alan, lets get the squad used more.

• 114 Lucky Les // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:22 PM

  Much better standard of post today especially WWYCD @ 32 and Big Papa Cisse@ 51. The tone of some of the posts yesterday were a little crazy to say the least.

  We have 10 games remaining and need to win at least 3.The Stoke game will be tough especially without Krul and perhaps Colo and failure to win would thrust us back into the relegation mire.Looking on the bright side a win will see us well on the way home .A vital game in our survival fight as the relegation battle has not been won yet.

• 115 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:25 PM

  TADS

  Well I think Ramsey’s injury has left him a lesser player for sure but he is still decent EPL – though Podolski is probably a more rounded player on balance.

  Gooners are suffering a lack of silverware probably because of their wages and signing policy. I don’t think their model has failed – after all we are supposed to be following it. The big bucks clubs have squeezed them out over the last ten years in terms of wages but also signing fees really. But then they’ve squeezed everybody out. Spuds are having a good season because Bale is in stunning form and AVB is actually much better than Chelski think. Take Bale’s contribution out of the side and they’d be a good few points worse off. I always thought Gerrrard won stuff for the Fools and Bale is the same – a real stand out player, and that makes a difference.

• 116 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:26 PM

  Beefman
  Gouffran can’t play in europe for us he played for Bordeaux in the EL

• 117 Deana // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:37 PM

  This is my team for our next league game. Very attacking with lots of pace in front of Cabeye to pick out some killer passes. I’m dropping Cisse as I think Gouffran is more capable of getting bread and butter goals, his contribution to the team is better and he understands the offside rule. Difficult decision to leave Taylor out but I want to see Collo and Mbiwa play together. Two similar defenders in that they are very comfortable on the ball, modern defenders with a good touch. I think Taylor is good but he’s always capable of getting caught out and doing something silly.

  What do you think gents?

  Debuchy Collo Mbiwa Santon

  Cabeye Tiote

  Benarfa Sissoko Marveaux

  Gouffran

• 118 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:37 PM

  Lucky Les
  Cheers mate. Match days tend to bring out the aggressive posters on here…also the limited debaters. Its easier to avoid here after a defeat or just stick in some judgemental/wind up comments which is quite fun

  I can see the Stoke match being the worst of the season quality wise lots of kicks flying but I’d be disappointed if they beat us a draw without injuries wouldn’t be tragic though

• 119 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:38 PM

  Yo yo
  Arsenal seem to have a habit of not being able to fully rehabilitate players after severe injury, makes you realise how lucky we are to have benny still

• 120 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 7:58 PM

  TADS

  Yeh but we seem to have had a lot too many injuries over the years.. Didn’t we only get undersoil heating at Benton last year ?
  I’m amazed we never had that years ago.

  I never thought Shearer got back his mojo after his injury either.

• 121 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:00 PM

  yo

  We need 3 points really just to settle the team again and get us above the unwashed.

• 122 WWYCD // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:05 PM

  Yo-yo
  Ideally aye but a draw isn’t the end of the world and Stoke can be horrible little gets

• 123 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:11 PM

  Deana; I thought Mbiwa looked a little lightweight on Saturday and Michu isn’t exactly a powerhouse. I can’t see us going against Stoke without Taylor.

• 124 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:14 PM

  BPC. Newcastle will win nowt in your lifetime.

• 125 Deana // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:16 PM

  123Novocastrian66
  Good point….. We may well need his presence in the air.

• 126 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:20 PM

  novo66

  As you don’t have the power of foresight you don’t know how long BPC might live so that is a wee bit pessimistic.

  Bet we win something within 5 years.

• 127 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:31 PM

  @ novo

  I hope your joking

• 128 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:46 PM

  I am pulling your leg but I would bet on it.

• 129 Munster Mag // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:46 PM

  Outsidethe box@ 42 …name a better left back??? Er how about Enrique – a mile stronger defensively. Santon is a SHIT defender.

• 130 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:50 PM

  yo-yo. No I can’t see the future. I wasn’t predicting BPC’s demise or anything just that we will not win owt.

• 131 Munster Mag // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:51 PM

  Deana, how can you leave out Taylor after yesterdays game? Some manager you’d be – I’m sure he’s be chuffed. Best defender yesterday by a mile and you drop him?

• 132 aidantoon // Mar 3, 2013 at 8:55 PM

  Yes we got beat on Saturday but let’s move on now as we still in last 16 of cup and 3 points to gain on Saturday, yes it is time I feel to drop Jonas as he doesn’t do enough for a winger. Not going to slay of santon as he has got lots of good points but don’t feel he is a left back.
  Would love to have some real competition for cisse so if he is not having the best of games we could bring someone good on.

  We are not to far away from having a top 6 side.

• 133 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:06 PM

  Cisse is definitely struggling in front of goal. His general play is good but his finishing is woeful. It’s as though he can only lace it. See Kagawa’s goals, quality. Would love Cisse to show the same sort of composure in front of goal.

• 134 Munster Mag // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:13 PM

  I reckon Anzi will hurt us badly. 3-1 in Russia.

• 135 Fostino // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:22 PM

  very dissapointed with yesterdays loss obviously enough.

  i feel for anita and marveaux…those guys deserve more of a cameo than what they get. tiote should have been taken off for either at half time..he was on a yellow and ineffective. both anita & marv would have suited the swansea midfield. there players were too quick and sharp so tiote was too vunreable to continue playing them in case of the 2nd yellow. we needed to bring on another creative influence.

  jonas & gourfran were both quiet yesterday so the 2 lads should have got a fair chance.

  disaapointed with cisse too…no doudt a speedster with a cool finish would have seen us a goal. im afraid shola as 2nd choice striker is a major problem and needs addressing in he summer.

  we missed colo yesterday too..when he leaves in the summer..he def needs replaceing with a fellow who can dominate the air.

  santon had an off game..i hope we dont get on his back but we should be confident giving haidra a try..im looking forward to seeing him again thursday

• 136 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:26 PM

  Fostino,
  All this talk of Ashley making up for his mistakes blah blah blah, five strikers have been let go in seven months and one brought in a fact overlooked by the Ashley brigade, it beggars belief.

• 137 Fostino // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:29 PM

  jail for ashley

  it should have been sorted. was clear demba was going so a replacement was needed. i can understand that missing out on remy was a blow so im hoping the summer is will be sorted once and for all. p.s. remy took his goal well yesterday

• 138 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:32 PM

  Novo

  Pheww that’s a relief

  JfA

  We were gazumped with Remy and didn’t have Plan B available – so the list system they’ve talked about target 1 – target 2 – target 3 blah blah doesn’t work that well.

  I’d blame the casino manager for that

• 139 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:33 PM

  Fostino,
  Do you think if Rangers go down Remi would be welcome here.

• 140 tequilamag // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:35 PM

  JFA I assume the five you mean are AC Lover Best BA and Ranger.we have brought in Cisse Ba and Gouffran. So Ba cancels out Ba so that is 4 out and 2 in. Ranger was a waste of space and you could argue Sameobi is his replacement and probably a better prospect. So really it is 3 out and 2 in.

• 141 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:36 PM

  Yo-yo,
  Do you think we would have brought Remi and Gouffran in, if we had brought two strikers in I would have seen it as the perfect window and might have even forced myself to give the fatman a bit of credit.

• 142 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:36 PM

  JFA. Fostino. Striker(s) are definitely a priority in the summer, I reckon 2. Centre half too if Colocini leaves.

• 143 Jail for Ashley // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:41 PM

  Tequila,
  Xisco, whether people agree or not his CV says striker and if your going to include Sammy Ameobi that is six strikers gone in seven months from a position that has needed vast improvement since AC got sold.

• 144 toonicle // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:42 PM

  Now is not the time to go moving Santon up to LB. IF they want to try that over the summer and in a few preseason games i’d be interested to see how it works out, but not now at the end of the season. He didn’t have a great game yesterday, it happens. How many other players have had a bad game this year and are still first choice? He just needs to work on getting back quicker.

• 145 tequilamag // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:46 PM

  JFA I forgot about Xisco but as he never really played for us so I can`t really count him. Sammi is only loaned so i would assume if we had really bad injury problems he would be brought back. I do see your point though and agree we need at least one new striker in the Summer.Less of a problem now that we no longer play 442 though.

• 146 Novocastrian66 // Mar 3, 2013 at 9:50 PM

  I’d have Remy.

• 147 Black and White with an army lol // Mar 3, 2013 at 10:11 PM

  i think Pardew is over his head if he thinks we can beat Anji have you seen there players and the style they play, well better than us.

  and for cisse i agree with most that we should drop him and give goofy a shot up front and play santon on left or right wing.

  but as we all kno that wont happen Pardew’s two top boys ( jonas, shola ) will always be first choice no matter what.

• 148 Black and White with an army lol // Mar 3, 2013 at 10:14 PM

  when HBA is back i wonder who will he drop on the wing mmmmmmm?

  if cisse got injured who will be our striker mmmmmmmm?

  now i guarantee every 1 on this blog will get the correct answer

• 149 yo-yo // Mar 3, 2013 at 10:14 PM

  JfA

  I think Gouffy was on our radar anyway more a Shola upgrade than replacement for Ba and capable of playing wide as well as inside forward. If Remy had turned out to sign for us we would be playing him LW which I think (not sure) he’s been doing for QPR. Gouffy wouldn’t be getting the playing time if Remy had signed so maybe its for the best as Gouffy is getting up to EPL speed reasonably quickly but imo has a way to go yet to get to his best.
  I’d like to see him as striker in a 4-4-1-1 just to see how he does sometime.
  We really do need is a left sided LB and LW capable of being real starting 11 standard. (Haidarra ? ) . Personally I prefer to have players who don’t always have to cut in on to a stronger right foot – but Benny contradicts that I suppose

• 150 Fostino // Mar 3, 2013 at 10:26 PM

  jail for ashley

  jury still out on remy..sure he got 2 goals so far but he’s injury prone so il wait till end of season. id rather some of the other strikers were linked to

• 151 jimmysmith // Mar 3, 2013 at 11:00 PM

  “Its Absolutely Galling We Didn’t Get Anything”

  Pards must think we came down in the last shower.

  Could’ve gone either way. It went theirs. That’s football.

• 152 jimmysmith // Mar 3, 2013 at 11:04 PM

  Elliot looks a good keeper, but is he not a little thick in the midriff for a top pro and why?

• 153 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 3, 2013 at 11:39 PM

  Alan pardew if you are reading this then please take my following squad’s into perspective

  Anzhi (a)

  Elliot
  Simpson colo m’biwa haidara
  Anita cabaye tiote
  Marv shola Jonas

  Stoke (h)

  Elliot
  Debuchy Taylor colo haidara
  Sissoko cabaye Anita
  Ben arfa gouffran santon

• 154 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 3, 2013 at 11:46 PM

  Yoyo

  I may have read your comment wrong but massadio haidar IS left footed, so he doesn’t need to cut in

• 155 nick_9 // Mar 4, 2013 at 12:08 AM

  Leazes it would be a big call for Pardew to leave Cisse out. Do you think time on the bench would help him find the net better? I’m my so sure it would help him so all we can do is carry on providing good service and hope he slots away the extra chances. If we are to drop him I think I would rather see a midfield and forward line of:

  ——cabaye—–tiote——-
  Arfa——–Anita——-sissoko
  ————gouffran—————

  That team for me would work very hard and gouffran, sissoko and Arfa all pose a serious threat with the ball or usually keep hold of it well. Jonas has to be out the team for me. Fans slate santon stating how a fullbacks job is primarily to defend well that’s correct but what is a wingers job? Is Jonas doing a wingers job? Anita isn’t a winger but he did ok working the channel at fullback when he covered for Simpson, even obertan looked more lively on the left before the new arrivals came.

• 156 Fostino // Mar 4, 2013 at 12:23 AM

  nick 9

  when ben afra comes comes back…jonas surely has to be the one that makes way. i also think marv & anita shouldnt be sparred…two quality creative players who dont lose the ball easy. they would have been well suited to swansea game…i just look at swansea team and they have come a long way..if n dyer, britton, rout ledge…even allen when he was there…would they be getting into the toon team…i think not…pardew wouldnt give them a chance. i must admit…their play is impressive

• 157 nick_9 // Mar 4, 2013 at 12:48 AM

  Fostino you’re right their play is impressive and they have a lot of British players too. Us newcastle fans admire entertaining football so credit where it is due, I wish our players moved about off the ball as much as Swansea do. Anita when I’ve seen him looks very good near the edge of the box but poor at defensive duties, he needs a role where he doesn’t have to defend so much. Marveaux I’m not as convinced with, he shows glimpses of class but I’ve got this impression he doesn’t graft enough when he is on the pitch. That being said though he is very technical but certainly isn’t a winger. Perhaps with the formation I poste earlier he could also play the role I put Anita in.

  Jonas isn’t responsible for our defeats/performances but an old saying goes that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I would like to see him dropped even if Arfa isn’t back, I’m not bashing him but we should always be looking to improve aspects of our play whether it be personnel, tempo, movement, shooting, defensive duties etc.