Sifu

Poor from Pardew tonight. We were having a legitimate go at Arsenal in the first half so really, if he had used the same tactics that had served us pretty well in the first half then it would have arguably led to us getting a result imo (nicking a win that is). Those second half tactics were completely atrocious and uncalled for. By adopting the long ball tactic, we basically decided to gift Arsenal with a lot of (too much) possession which, of course, led to a barrage of attacks from them. Such tactics also led to the entire midfield not being fully utilised and that was clearly to our detriment - it meant that Ben Arfa and indeed, our midfield became less influential as the minutes went by. To be brutally honest, we didn't deserve to win and that's down to Pardew's negative showing in the second half - it was almost as if our entire plan for the second half was to hold onto a 1-1 draw and not "go for it". So disappointing. Oh and it's also quite worrying that this isn't the first time that the long ball has formed the basis of a gameplan. I'm really hating the sight of Krul hoofing it forward every single time the ball's played back to him - for me, Krul doesn't do that out of choice, it's quite apparent that it's all Pardew's instructions and I've got to say, I'm becoming increasingly worried about Alan's recent over-reliance on the long ball. Pass and play, Alan, pass and play! We've seen that he is willing to adopt some form of carpet football so the fact that he's not using it often enough is so frustrating. Losing Steven Taylor has really been a massive blow for us - he was one of the players who liked to play the ball out of defence instead of hoofing it forward and by losing that key cog of the pass and play tactic, Pardew's tactics have become more direct which has been to our detriment at times. I still have faith in Pardew btw but it has to be said that these last couple of months have been really frustrating and that's really down to the manager. Pardew should really be brave and go for it in the remaining 10 games. It's time to earn your money, Alan!

We weren't too bad in the first half imo. Kept possession well most of the time, we coped well with Arsenal's attacks (Van Persie's goal aside) and we were passing it around decent enough (which led us to having an actual go at Arsenal). Then it went wrong in the second half - those long ball tactics didn't help our cause whatsoever. Firstly, it left Ba with nothing to thrive on and that ultimately meant him not having a good game; secondly, it meant that Ben Arfa's influence in the game lessened, what with the ball bypassing midfield and Hatem; and finally the long ball led to a loss of possession which in turn led to almost a barrage of Arsenal attacks. So really, Arsenal deserved their win but for us to lose in the 94th minute (where did the 5 added minutes even come from btw!?) was very gutting but you can't really argue that on the whole, Arsenal were the better team. Like I said in the "Hoofball" thread, I mentioned to my mate at half time that all we needed to do was to pass it along the deck - if we did this then we would have been fine (in terms of attacking and defending). But alas, that didn't happen and we're left with a night full of utter disappointment. Regarding the actual goals, Williamson and Simpson were at fault for Arsenal's. Shame really as I thought they both had decent enough games. Ben Arfa's goal was a good one, some nice precision and power with that shot. I also have to add that I lost quite a bit of respect for Van Persie tonight. His behaviour tonight was completely unnecessary. Prick.

Too much hoofball in the second half for my liking. Such tactics basically meant that we were destined to lose possession 99% of the time. Fuck's sake. I mentioned to my mate at half time that all we needed to do was to pass it along the deck and then we'd be fine (in terms of attacking and defending). Obviously that didn't happen. Long ball --> loss of possession --> constant Arsenal attacks.

Great goal from the lad tonight. A lot of precision in that shot! Was a nice celebration too Wasn't very influential in the second half but that was down to the long ball tactics more than anything. Hopefully tonight is the start of an extended run in the side until the end of the season. He has to play because he can produce that one moment of magic that will benefit the team.

To be fair, Arsenal raped him last season too. Arsenal raped our entire defence last season (I assume you're on about the 4-4?).

I actually thought he wasn't too bad overall but, like Simpson, he made a crucial mistake which led to a goal for Arsenal. Shame. What's happened to him? Was solid enough last season (especially when once upon a time, the Coloccini-Williamson partnership was deserved the first choice CB pairing) but he's been so out of form recently. Maybe he hasn't properly got over his injury (he was out for some time) and maybe that has affected him mentally? I don't know but what I do know is that I'm seeing a CB who has declined this season (almost alarmingly). Sort it out Mike, we need to see the Williamson of last season!

Gave his all as always but really, he was poor overall. What really needs to be done is Pardew instructing him to push up a lot more. Let Tiote do most of the defensive work and tell Cabaye to attack. Yohan may be used to playing deep but really he needs to get that out of his system - for the Tiote-Cabaye partnership to properly click, they need clearly defined roles. It really does look as if Tiote is the attacker and Cabaye is the defender - should be the other way round man!

Overall (for 94 minutes anyway), thought it was one of his better games. He certainly kept Oxlade-Chamberlain quiet for most of the match and made some crucial goal line clearances (not that it matters now). However, that throw-in was shite and definitely pressurised us which indirectly led to his Arsenal's goal. People can argue against it as much as they want but Simpson's throw-in started a chain of events. Could have thrown it to Shola straightaway imo, I would have been confident of Shola holding up/keeping the ball if he had received it. Sorry Danny but Arsenal's winner was primarily your fault. Absolute shame for him like - he did have a decent game.

Must win. We'll nick it 1-0.

The lad just needs to improve his positional/defensive play. After all, he started out as an attacker/winger so defending isn't his forté yet. He'll be fine in time, just needs the right coaching.

Got to say, was mystified when Perch came on for Santon (was pretty much against such a decision) but then Perch made a great tackle on Walcott (?) in the first couple of minutes of the second half and as soon as that happened, I went, "oh, fair enough" Decent half from Perch.

So.........what did he do tonight? He was pretty much anonymous. Bad touches here and there as well as a lack of anticipation/movement. It has to be said that a footballing brain would do him a lot of good like. As much as I would like to give him a chance, I have to admit, he's fast becoming a lost cause....

Dunno if I'd recommend it but it'll defo be on in Sports Bar opposite the Town Hall. Thought it was canny when I went. Very student-y though.

The world is a weird place so you never know what could happen.....

Do you know what, f*** it, I'm heading into town to watch the game.

Much appreciated VI

Why wouldnt you? My record isn't exactly brilliant! The last few matches I've watched in town has usually ended up in a loss for us..... But the strong possibility of Ben Arfa starting has got me all excited now!

Hmmm, still deciding on whether or not I should head into town to watch this game...

Would there really be that much bother at a place like the Emirates, even if you did do the occasional moan? Obviously it isn't America but surely it can't be that bad? You wouldn't get your ass kicked or anything, right? Just a bunch of banter? The way I see it is that it's better to be safe than sorry. The Emirates might be a bit laid back but I personally wouldn't risk doing anything against what's considered the norm there.

The golden rule for sitting in the home end at an away game is: as long as you can restrain yourself emotionally (if we score, decisions going for/against us), then things should be fine.

This tends to happen every time I speak to a non-NUFC fan.

Good to see some action being taken, needs to be taught a lesson.

Sounds like a good plan like. Can't wait to see the youtube video

I think I might go and sit in the front row in a Newcastle shirt. DO IT! I concur!

Just set Tiote on him and we'll be fine