Shak

I don't expect it will be an issue personally, as I expect Krul will make a few mistakes while he's in the team, but if Krul does happen to look class it would be a terrible move from Hughton to ditch him for Harper based on nothing other than seniority.

The defensive line and wideouts are both strong points for this football team. The right defensive end position is a concern obviously, but we can address that in the offseason next year, either through free agency or perhaps a trade. I'd still like to see us add another playmaker on offense, but in general I feel good about the direction of the team.

That sentence is ridiculous tbh. How so? Motivation and cultivating confidence is a much more important ingredient in having a good football team, IMO. Not saying tactics aren't important at all, just that sometimes people get it into their heads that we have to start an exact set of players, in an exact formation, if we're going to do well in a game, and that's that's not the case tbh.

More and more convinced by him every week. The Blackpool game was a real mess and I'll admit it had me worried, but the way we've rebounded from it speaks volumes for what the man brings to the table. Yes, I do think he makes some dodgy subs at times, but you have to remember that he's still learning this job. He's improved at it since last year, and with time I think he'll get even better. In any case, I think it's an overrated aspect of being a good manager. Maybe it's the invention of games like FM and such, but I think people (myself included, at times) tend to overestimate how important gameday tactics are sometimes. The real work is done during the days leading up to the game, making sure the players are well prepared and approach the game with a positive attitude and a clear plan with regards to what they want to do. It doesn't have to be some complex chess strategy, just a solid gameplan that the players all understand and can work together to achieve. Hughton seems to excel at this, and as long as he can keep this harmony in the squad I think we'll do just fine under him.

Should have stayed up for this one, in retrospect. Fucking class win, by all accounts. Huge props to Hughton and the entire team.

Someone's in a mood.

I just assumed it was because you're black. That time you asked me where the name Shak came from. "It was originally Shaka." "Oh, where'd that come from innit?" "Well I was a goalkeeper when I was young..." "..." "And I supported Newcastle." " " " God you're a retard."

Didn't get the nickname Shaka for nothing mate.

Doesn't seem to have 90 minutes in him, should have been subbed off today I reckon. Played decently in the first half but hit the wall after an hour, improved on last week though for sure.

You wouldn't have saved that first shot which Krul saved. It looked easy, but it wasn't. Yes I would.

I'd have kept a clean sheet today, tbf. Had very little to do, which is a great indication of how well we played as a team.

Made the right changes after last week, and clearly found a way to get the lads focused again so they could come out and play like that.

Useless display, thank fuck he didn't cost us.

Nearly shat myself at the end there. Brilliant performance and a well deserved three points. Things looking good.

http://images.rockmnation.com/images/user/7/victory_vi.jpg

Right, hold the fuck on lads. Be criminal not to get three points after what we've done today.

Dirty cunt Fellaini. Ref takes no notice, of course.

Jesus christ, what a stonewall penalty that was. Fucking ref is a cunt.

Ben Arfa is class.

All over us here, I reckon a change might be in order.

To the Haddaway tune. WHAT IS LOVE?! It's Hatem Ben Arfa Ben Arfa Howay!! Ideally the entire crowd then starts moshing and singing the tune.

Better than Villa? I'd say so tbh.

What is love? It's Hatem Ben Arfa Ben Arfa Howay!! Fucking cracking performance first half, same again in the second please lads.

Jesus tittyfucking Christ what a goal!!!!!! Halftime glorywank for me I reckon.

Playing great so far. Need to score though.