Kanj

I love the fact that there is this hunger for a post Et'o/Drogba generation - and he hasn't gone the route of an Adebayor who seems like an absolute mess of a footballer who on his day is nearly unplayable but is a massive problem in the dressing room. This lad, like Ba, has worked hard to get to where they are and will continue to do so. Just still wow'd that we signed a player of his talent and promise and he's going to line up for us - next to Ba as well. Just wow.

yeah, has nothing on Ben Arfa or Luque. Seriously, they're mostly soft goals against s**** opposition. No evidence he can do the business on a cold night at the Britannia. Its not like the club scouted him through youtube, apparently they've monitored him for 2 years. Apparently so. But lets face it, he's never played in anything close to the Premier League. We need to be smarter about this. Should have taken him on trial first like with Jason Prior, or at least a loan with a view to a permanent move if he cuts it. How many clubs have been burned by buying players with good scoring records in foreign leagues? It's a lot of money to spunk away on Mateja Kezman II. Every transfer of any player outside this league is a risk mate. You have to trust your scouting, homework and gut that the fee justifies the player and that he produces on the pitch to justify a quantifiable return on the investment we've put into him.

Me, i see a PSG move for him near the end of his career as surely he knows he would just massacre the french league and not be up against the best knowing that the standard of the PL is greater than french league. But this has to go a long way - def could see a new deal put in front of him soon that I think (hope) he signs.

Gorgeous, and you consider if we keep all of these you have say a healthy Marveux into the team and we have some brilliant players there

he knew what he was doing. What a guy. Mike Ashley prob watched as Ben Arfa weaved through, played a beautiful ball to Best who played a ball to nobody b/c Shols was just jogging into the box, then decided to sprint at a snails pace then as it cleared, he fell over and layed on the ground. Mike had it, couldn't even slug his next pint as he had enough with Shola.

I hope we dont sell him. Hes a valuable member of our squad.

. DLKNDSOIFJSD_FK)JF)£J")RJ£)$J"£)$£PJO£$MO!!!!!! Do the Steve Wraith style text from AC

wow

Sub appearance and goal like

Honestly, (posted this in the HBA thread in regards to that "lazy run" when trying to get on Best's ball across the box) but I think he is incapable of lasting more than 30-45 minutes unless he's been out for quite some time. He seems to be carrying either a knock and soldiering through it, or he's just clearly unable to handle playing football for a full match. His body has clearly changed with age and injuries, the man has hit the weight room a ton, and credit to him he looks like a tank - but don't think his body and footballing skills can adapt to it and he's really not meant to be such a brute force like that. He's lost all of the pace he had when he was younger; he used to have some decent skills too. I get frustrated with him too, and just really can't get on board with his "lack of effort" b/c to me, I think he is - I just think that he's unable to get to the postions later in the game b/c he's just either injured or in need of a sub. AND IF thats the case, then AP needs to haul the man off or use him only as a sub. He's obviously starting bc we are so thin up front at the moment with Demba at ACON mind you...

To me it looked like Shola was knackered to the point he was nursing a knock or something, people bang on about his play - I think the big fella is honestly just too big for his own bones or body to handle. He was a bit like Sammy before, thin and leggy - now hes built like a damn tank and it looks to have massively changed his fitness levels and ability to the point where hes just all power and good for about 30 mins.

Going to be lush as he continues to develop his trade to the rigors of this league. His pace and quick passing and movement when attacking is excellent.

He had a hell of a tantrum whilst on the stretcher. Looked like a foot bone injury at the most for me, metatarsal - the fact he was able to get up and walk up to Derry and shove him seems somewhat good news no?

He's certainly beginning to look the player we signed last season and the one who tore up Everton. He's gliding past defenders with ease, playing the ball well and holding possession brilliantly.

would just love Best to hit his form and hold it when Demba returns, the two of them on top of their game would just be well...you know.

Hoping Cabaye is Ok as well

Shoal look hurt or tired nearly all match! Well done for 3 pts. Great start to Sunday for us toon supporters in the USA Assured performance all round, bar Shola who looked off all match. Best getting on the score sheet was huge and hopefully it'll continue until Demba gets back. HBA is a must starter now on, AP get it sorted mate

Can't for the life of me figure out our formation or shape. Jonas roaming?

Santon wasn't clearly full of confidence before he joined us too right? We knew we were getting a young man battered by the pressure of the San Siro and expectations he was to be the next Maldini?

6 defenders out there

Wasn't this guy the 2nd choice behind Kev Gaimero?

Think there are a few major glares in Danny's game, but one thing can't be said about his effort, commitment and those beautiful goal line clearances. Those alone have saved us some crucial points

Yes thats the one.

Brilliant, love this guy. His slide tackling at times is just brilliant. And Colo, my word take a bow son, made it look like training

useless in the air with heading?