I honestly don't know what people expect when he receives the ball with back to goal in his own half, with three men on him. He's misplaced at the moment. It's harsh to call him poor when he's not being allowed to play his own game at the moment. Pardew said it's "his world" when he's got the ball, but the boss hasn't allowed it to be having restricted him by a deeper position.
If there's 3 men on him,there must be at least 2 in space... oh wait.. Simmo, Williamson, Obertan