Sifu

Was pretty much anonymous out there. Was better when we was moved to LB imo, linked with Jonas well at times. I have mentioned this before, I can understand Raylor starting if we wanted to play a more "conservative" game. Today, however, was not one of those games where a "conservative" approach would have been the best option. Today was more rather about running at/attacking what is/was an unfrightening mackem team.

He's really looking worse (or rather, his performances are declining) by the game. That shirt pulling that gave away the penalty to the mackems was really idiotic. However, he was better in the second half. Still, some worrying signs. To me, it really looks as if that Williamson is s**** when the whole team is s**** but good when the team looks good - guess he needs confidence from others playing well and draws inspiration from that? (I really have no idea what I've just said there tbh). I still have some faith in him, I think.

So, my summation: We were terrible, absolutely terrible in the first half. The tactics were all wrong - the amount of direct football we played was annoying and it caused the mackems no problem whatsoever. They deserved their lead tbh. Ben Arfa's introduction definitely changed things for the better in the second half, we actually started to play some football - something which troubled the mackems. Sure, Sessegnon's red card helped our cause but in end, the standard of football we played in the second half was miles better than what we've seen recently. It was encouraging stuff and I hope Pardew learns from today (for example, I hope he now sees the merits in starting/giving an extended run of games to Ben Arfa - he can really make a difference). Thank fuck for Shola btw! He really saved the day, he truly is the mackem destroyer. Wish he had taken the penalty though. In the end, at least we didn't lose. A decent, deserved point in the end but still can't help but think what could have been had we been positive from the beginning (by that I mean, passing and playing). Lessons have been learned from today, hopefully.

He was sent off for being a cunt.

Any reason why he was brought off? Was it down to an injury or was it just a tactical substitution?

His introduction changed the game for the better for us. He made a huge difference to our attacking play - we started passing the ball better, we kept possession well most of the time and that ultimately led to chances for us. Positive. Sure, he did lose the ball a few times but everything he did in an attacking sense outweighed such a negative. He simply has to play and MUST START the remaining 11 games. Pardew must have seen the light now, surely? Run of games = fitness improves = sharpness improves = better chance of being an influence on play.

Wasn't it his 50th goal for us today as well?

Thank f*** for Shola the mackem destroyer eh? Really saved the day.

Simply put.

Surprisingly still relaxed. Though will probably be a nervous wreck come kick off!

No we f***ing don't man! We're the home team FFS. Why don't we make THEM have to take into account our offensive players? Why isn't it MON the one who is saying "They have a young boy Hetem who has made a big impact and looks like he could be the new *insert generic name here*. We have to take that in to account."? It's f***ing pathetic, man, it's James f***ing McClean, we are actually going to keep Ben Arfa on the bench because of James f***ing McClean Mate, that quote was fake/made up!

Have you put any money on him this week? Not yet, but I will.

Whoa, the resemblance is uncanny!

Have you put any money on him this week?

Less than 12 hours until kick off.

I would definitely start him. I'm going to go along with Wullie's suggestion - just put Ben Arfa on the left and move Jonas to the right. Firstly, Santon and Ben Arfa would have Larsson and (possibly) Gardner to deal with - players who are hardly the quickest. Our lads should be able to handle them imo; and secondly, Jonas would give Simpson that much needed protection and I think Jonas would be better equipped to handle McClean. One final note too, Ben Arfa's best games for us have come from the left wing so why not put him there? Go on Alan....

A smile from N'Zogbia!

Sigurdsson's goal, nice.

This. EDIT: Actually, looks like Bogdan is the new number 1, Jussi was on the bench today.

Great finish from Van Persie.

Just seen that penalty given against Szczesny. Was never a penalty like, good thing Kuyt missed - justice was done.

They're also more than likely to have shots on goal from outside the area. From what I've seen, it's launch it forward then wait for Gardner/Sessegnon/Larsson to have an attempt from 25 yards.

It's a loan , within a loan .... http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6z5r5yHhK1qcahcq.png

I'm also relaxed about tomorrow. I don't like it.

Wants him out etc.. That being said if he trusts him enough to think it will be a big year for him next season I don't see why he shouldn't be given more chances this. Unless he means 'Big' = make or break. Either way it doesn't look like we want rid. It didn't sound like it, which is good, but we all know AP talks a good game. Interestingly he put great emphasis on HBA's injury. Said it was very serious and was bound to take time to get over. Seemed to imply this was a season of 'adjustment' for him. Sounds like the Ramsey situation at Arsenal a couple of seasons ago.