Probably because they were too busy watching the ball go over their heads.
Most of the time our defenders are forced to hoof the ball because Tiote and Cabaye offers no option in the centre. Do you know how many times Cabaye did go back and help to pass the ball forwards? ONCE.
Tiote is better, at least he did show up even if he failed to bring the ball forward. Cabaye is simply a no-show today. I have been his biggest fans but today it is f***ing ridiculous.
for me manager should see this things and do something. if they dont do what you demand then drop them. because that movement creates place to pass and it also creates space to other players to get ball.
He did. Guthrie was brought in to do that job. We did pass the ball much better since Guthrie's there.
I ain't sure what's happening to Cabaye but his form since 2012 has been shocking.
I think he`s tired. Tempo of the game is totally different what he has used to and when you play almost all games it takes you mentally as well
Cabaye has had a 'rest' for three games before today. Tiredness doesn't wash with me.
Poor performance today - I'd have started Ben Arfa in the place of Ryan Taylor. He former might lose the ball, but at least he tries to make things happen and would have had them on the back foot. Have said it before, but will say it again - I see worrying parallels between Pardew's treatment of Ben Arfa, and what he did with Tevez and Mascherano at West Ham. I'm not saying Ben Arfa is in Tevez's league, but Pardew seems unwilling to trust flair players.