James

Roeder made Shola play despite him having a serious career threatening injury that needed an operation.

Pretty nasty injury he had though, probably won't see the best of him until Ben Arfa is back.

Anyone else hear that the ref told Ben Arfa to stop play acting?

Atrocious, no more, no less.

He's their asset. They might recall him so they can, in their opinion, give him the best care and rehab. I think that because we paid for the loan we have rights on this one.

He's still got it. Our rivals will be disappointed they didn't go for him come the end of the season. And I'll be bold and say he'll still be playing for us in the PL in 2012.

Krul - 7 - his best PL game so far Ali Fumaca Dia - 3 - What a plank Colo - 7 - Calm Williamson - 6 - Solid Campbell - 7 - Talent remains, physique still good enough Enrique - 6 - Poor by his high standards Ben Arfa - n/a - Sorry Routledge - 2 - Nothing Tiote - 9 - Beast Barton - 6 - Did nothing wrong Jonas - 9 - Best game for us Nolan - 3 - Defended him when in form, but now he isn't. Shola - 6 - Rightly given place in the team, but in place of wrong player Carroll - n/a

Doesn't mean we can't. Just means we don't have to. We'll be able to monitor his fitness, send a cheap bid to Marseille, and watch how no-one else is interested because of fitness question marks.

you'd rather he started shit ? Nah, just remember how some people loved Scott Parker for playing the exact same way then quickly became fed up for playing the same way and not trying forward passes. Tiote brings the ball forward really well. There was one instance when he just ran through the centre of the pitch over a distance of 30 yards, playing three or four one twos before setting Shola off.

If he continues his performances against everton, stoke and man city for another 25 games I'd say he'd be the most talented player we've had since Shearer retired.

Perch is such a plank.

Keep Shola, he is making Man City defenders work which is stopping them playing it out of defence easily. Carroll does need to come on though.

still think we can do better. There is good stomach in this team, but I think the manager does need more stomach.

Groin injury. He could have probably carried on but we were playing safe.

Its not the ankle so there is a chance.

There was a bit when Tiote ran about 30 yards in a straight line forwards, playing about three one twos. Was class. Makes a change from our CMs standing still as soon as they've passed.

Leg could be two months, ankle a lot longer, looks like it was his leg just below the knee

Shola has done well in terms of his general play in the final third, holding the ball well and linking up well with others. He may be frustrating, but he is the kind of player we need. However we need someone higher up, i.e Carroll. I'd take off Nolan or Routledge to accomodate the pairing.

Shola has played well

Shola's done well, deserving his selection so far.

Colo's injured

Looks like the kind of injury that stopped Smith being able to play as a striker.

Carroll hasn't really been on it since he injured his ankle, it is quite possible that he isn't properly fit and our lack of decent alternatives means he's had to play while not at his best. However it disappoints me that while the players Hughton didn't sign can be dropped for poor form, those he did sign play despite one being the worst player we've had this season.

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