Beren

Part of me wants to know the depressing statistic of how many games we've been in a leading position and not gone on to win the game under Pardew's brief tenure so far.

:lol: That cheered me up. Good delivery.

He's a complete phony imo. Ignoring today's performance because he might not be fit, even at his "best" he plays more like a sweeper than a centreback, i.e. drops deep and looks to mop up loose balls because it's easier to do than to actually go in for the tackle against a moderately talented player and win the ball. Which is why his primary form of defending involves throwing himself in the path of a shot, when for most centrebacks it's about intercepting the ball or getting a tackle in. Should be a priority to move him on this summer. Probably better for his career too, as he has it too easy here so might actually have to focus and improve his game for once to get a start elsewhere. Top post.

Harper and Jonas were fantastic. Tiote was commanding but overworked. Staylor and Loven... *sigh*... there are no words. Ferguson looked really promising - didn't seem as tentative as you'd expect, but I guess with bodies dropping like flies around him there was no time to be meek. Really fucking frustrating to get 1 point from those 6. Our squad is so thin though, what did we expect? [Answer: probably too much]. Very annoying to be so close but so very, very far. Really polarised and disjointed performance, much like this post. No fluidity or rhythm, but there could hardly be with so many changes in formation and square pegs in round holes. Overall feeling: really annoyed.

I'd agree with that

You what? There are more goals in this. It's not like we've been solid, we've panicked whenever the ball's come near our goal. I think it's a fair scoreline overall so far but I definitely don't think it's the end of the scoring. As I've said countless times, when we have space (or should I say presented with space) we're a pretty good side and that's been true for decent parts of that half. Equally, get into us more and shut us down and you can easily get something from this. I did think we were very in control after we scored. It didn't last for a very long time, admittedly! But we did look comfortable.

I like to keep an open mind and not have my immutable opinions on players - but I look at him, and I can't help but think "walking liability". Even after we conceded, and he went on a marauding run down the right before a one-two eventually got away from him... I was convinced he was going to big boot the Everton lad. Instead he just put in a dirty-ish-looking tackle. Doesn't look like he thinks - just plays on instinct and emotion.

A decent Everton have evidently turned up today. Two competitive sides with roughly the same about of quality about them on the pitch, both look really hungry. Hope we can turn it around, but that was hardly a shameful showing. It does, of course, suck that we're behind having looked so in control though. Arteta has been class, but has been allowed so much time on the ball it's untrue. Neutralising him by giving him no room to breathe is half the battle against these lot. Then it's just maintaining the pressure. We are creating chances, but we're way too exposed - and while the mounting injuries/players playing out of position aren't helping - we could at least keep a decent rough shape at the back. Also, this forum is barmy at times

Not having that, Enrique was ball watching! C'mon, credit where it's due that delivery was amazing.

Really good freekick in all fairness.

Arteta has way too much space on the left.

Quality play.

After all our surrendered 1-0 leads of late, really would love a second goal.

Quick bastard typist.

Really clever from Jonas and Williamson - then quality by Nolan and Best :thup:

Tiote breaks Neville's ribs.

Nervous now. Like I was before the Villa (h) game.

Can only assume it's some kind of procrastination on their part. Like when you were a kid and you had homework to do, so you'd clean your room instead to make yourself feel as though you'd done something productive.

Not to unduly create the unnecessary Hughton vs Pardew arguments again in this thread, but it occurred to me that one thing about Hughton's reign that went largely unnoticed was that he did have a fantastic record of keeping players fit - be it by virtue of luck, coaching, rotation or whatever.

I heard he was so upset at Loven starting over him again, he kicked Pardew in the gonads and Pardew cut him from the squad and told the press he was injured because he is fond of keeping problems in-house. I heard he stabbed Pardew with a tattoo needle. I heard he attempted a drive by but forgot his gun Nah, he was just late.

I heard he was so upset at Loven starting over him again, he kicked Pardew in the gonads and Pardew cut him from the squad and told the press he was injured because he is fond of keeping problems in-house. I heard he stabbed Pardew with a tattoo needle. Fuck off, shit-stirrer.

I heard he was so upset at Loven starting over him again, he kicked Pardew in the gonads and Pardew cut him from the squad and told the press he was injured because he is fond of keeping problems in-house.

I did notice your increasing apprehensiveness at the swathe of 2-goal+ margin victories predicted.

3-1.

Simpson at RM then, presumably. Interesting - his form going forward has been very erratic, but maybe without responsibility to track back (as much) he might find some rhythm. Hope the Ranger injury isn't too serious. Loven won't last the 90, so very thankful Shola is on the bench. Hopefully he'll be fit to start from next match onwards.