jep

Absolutely agree, think he did well today. Rafa seems to like him, and I can see why. He's got somewhat of a unique role in the team, in that he's one of the few players allowed to run with the ball, and dribble. He's got the technique for it, and although he's not consistent enough yet, there's no one else in the team who can do the job he does better. SO much of our game right now is about creating space, particularly for Shelvey, and Perez more than once today had two or more players closing him down with the ball at his feet, which I think is exactly what Rafa is looking for. And I think the style Rafa wants to play would benefit so much from having a tank centreforward, which is a slot Slimani hopefully can fill for the remainder of the season.

In all honesty I'd expect them to, being 0-1 down at half time. No doubt they got a talking to, because they looked horrible in the first half, regardless of how we played.

A man-date with Mourinho, by the looks of things.

Thread necro I know, but my word, we could use someone with his passion right about now. Just rewatched the 4-4 vs Arsenal, and him and Nolan pretty much won us that game. Or point...

This has far more to do with our tactical shortcomings than it has to do with Sissoko's passing skills, I believe.

It's being mentioned as one of the top countries in the world regarding tax rates, with significant refunds for certain trading activities, as well as refunds for companies who distribute dividends to shareholders. Something of an ideal location for a company like the one mentioned in the previous article I guess

Don't know if it's been posted, but an interesting tidbit about the Falcao transfer and third party ownership:

3-7, 0-4 twice, numerous 0-3. It's the theme of this season - a worrying lack of fightback. e: actually 0-3 only twice as well, point still stands tho

Cisse was a bit unlucky today but his head never went down to his credit. However, the fact we've got to put out main CF out on the wing for 5/10 minutes to give Shola a rest is embarrassing. "How, Papiss! Let's switch for a bit, I'm pure fucked man. I'll gan up front for a bit and yee can work the wing." His head is already down, and it's plain to see. He had 3 very good chances in the span of 15 minutes in the first half, and all three were aimed towards the centre of the goal, where the goalie was standing. They were good saves, but a Cisse in good form would've put them out of the goalies reach, I'm sure. We need him to hit form soon, or someone other than Shola fucking Ameobi to partner him up front, because he's as much of a poacher in front of goal as you're gonna get. And a poacher out of form needs someone by his side that'll feed him, just as Ba did last season.

Harsh. The bloke's obviously got an issue, and afaik he hasn't said a thing about it? More concerned that San Lorenzo can't keep their trap shut. Blatant 'Arry-tactics going on.

I get the feeling he's woefully dependent on having consistent performers around him, or at least someone in front of him that he's established some sort of cohesion with. As poor as Gutierrez has been, at least he's tracked back consistently, leaving Santon less exposed than Obertan has.

Head injury to Michu, Tottenham was allowed to play on and countered.

Our passing in general is atrocious. All our players look like they've evolved peg legs

Neither am I Just made me think of Terry Mac.

No excuse, but the explanation is obviously that we missed out on our CB transfer target(s). Fairly sure Pardew knows he's an atrocious defender.

It seems as if he's just motivating our confidence-run attacking players to get them firing, but honestly there's no structure at all into what we're playing. He's there to gee up the lads, you mean?

Genuine question: Has a manager ever changed his philosophy on how they get thieir team to play football Of course, Pardew himself did it last season around March. Why he's reverted back to the shite that saw us draw at home to the Mackems and Norwich in February, i just don't know. It's cowardly, negative and completely needless with the quality we have in the side. He's shit scared of using Ba out wide again. But he won't have to do that now. Cisse needs to be dropped.

Did he punch it or was it unintentional? Not intentional, by the looks of it.

Not the first time tonight. It's just petulant, and he needs to stop that shit.

I was talking about the game in particular, not the season as a whole. Hence the the word "hoping"

How so? We were poor today, and I think our weak links showed today - Williamson particularly - and Ashley was there to see it.

I suppose it's wishful thinking, but maybe our performance will show Ashley that investments will have to be made to mount a challenge for a CL spot next year.

http://gemakei.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/futurama-shutup-and-take-my-money.jpg

Be quicker if I told you who wasn't. Everyone playing for Newcastle, minus Danny Simpson.

He actually had his eyes on something other than the ball in the first half. If he did that more often, he'd be far more useful for us.