Cronky

A performance that's hard to assess. Scored twice, otherwise absolutely crap.

What a game. To take down a team like Chelsea with 10 men and the 3rd choice keeper is a great feeling. Some good individual performances but I'd say pick of the bunch were Ayoze and Colback. Ayoze did very well with what came his way, and Colback put in some really telling tackles and passes.

I did not want to see the Drog.

He's done remarkably well, particularly considering who he's up against. The lad has no fear. Pretty much as expected. Their class is showing, but we are creating one or two chances.

I'd have kept the defence as it was, but I like the attacking line -up. We've got a fighting chance here, you miserable sods.

Morons , but they have a point. I only saw him have about 3/4 consistently good games and I go to most What does that mean, "3/4 consistently good games?" 3 or 4 games where he played consistently well all the way through rather than just a spell in the game. Played the game correctly and worked as a team player with obviously his personal skills used to their best when needed Was such a shame he wasn't a grafter like Gouffran. I suspect that HBA does this as well - compares himself to a player he doesn't rate, and then says I'm better than him, how come he's playing and not me. Then he's hard done by and the manager doesn't understand him etc etc At every level of football, there are people with that attitude. The player that rises to the top is the one that's determined to make the very best of himself. When they suffer a setback, they work all the harder to prove the manager wrong.

I think this lad has arrived. He's in the last year of his contract and it worries me that he's going to play a blinder against a big club and someone's going to come in for him. We should offer him a new deal now.

That is an obvious and unarguable point, and it is testament to the stubbornness of human nature that so many people are not prepared to even moderate their views, in the light of it.

I disagree completely. He's got a decent shot on him, and he can also be effective down the middle eg when he set the goal up for Sissoko against QPR. And when he beats an opponent, he often gets right past - it's not only a matter of gaining a yard.

He still seems to have faith in Cisse. I'd have either Armstrong or Riviere in there. Neither are great options, but we'll need to battle to get a result and Cisse's motivation is very brittle IMO.

If it's his own doing then he's a fool. Even if it's League 1 - go and play. Well he's playing now, and for the first time he seems to be first choice for his position. Perhaps he made the right call.

Probably fatal for me to contribute here, but the Telegraph did state that UEFA had already come to a conclusion on Ashley's situation (which they hadn't) and then tried to say that being sent the regulations (which was all that happened) was the same thing as being sent a decision. It's the sort of thing that most people and organisations in the public eye have to suffer in silence. The club should be doing the same, but it doesn't detract from the fact that the Telegraph have been a bit naughty.

Pelle is not the bravest player I've seen.

You're talking about the player of a year ago, who was trying to do too much a lot of the time he had the ball, and was unreliable in helping his full back. He now plays much more to the situation in front of him, and puts in a decent defensive stint. You can never be certain, but I think the lad has turned the corner.

Remarkable performance again, particularly considering he's a straw-weight from the Spanish Second Division who's having to play as a lone striker in the Premiership. He improves with every game. For a young player, he reads situations very well and manages to make the best of what comes his way.

I'd agree. The criticism on here is ridiculous.

I don't think that Sissoko is Wenger's type of player. He's French and doing well at the moment, which is enough to start speculation.

Owen? Souness? Are you sure?

Like stealing from a multi-storey car park, that's wrong on many levels.

interesting that this is the conclusion you've drawn from a thread being empty. Reasonable, considering that the vast majority of posts had been critical or abusive.

Interesting that that's the first post on this thread in a while. I think he's proved his worth.

I've always rated Song, and I think he makes a difference to them. Hopefully, he's still out. But generally, I'm quite looking forward to every game now. Apart from Chelsea, I think we have a chance of getting a result anywhere.

Assuming Dummett stays at CB, Haidara will benefit from having an extended run in the side. Up till now, he's never looked completely sure of himself. He's a good athlete and needs to make better use of that.

Nice little feature here in the Mirror - http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ayoze-perez-admits-meteoric-newcastle-4693587 His attitude to self-improvement really comes through, and also his determination to seize this opportunity. He seems a very focused lad. He gets knocked to the floor 20 times a game and just picks himself up and gets on with it. He doesn't moan to team mates or the ref (a lot). Then when a chance comes, he's in the sort of positive frame of mind to take advantage. Incidentally, I think he was criticised a bit harshly for missing that one-on-one against QPR. Those chances aren't always as easy as they look. Despite pressure, he managed to get a decent shot away and on target, and it's often a matter of luck whether the keeper blocks it or not.

I think Henderson has reached his highest level of incompetence. He's shown great application in getting there, but now and then his lack of natural skill becomes apparent.