Sifu

Can see us getting a result here. Man U have been poor by their standards recently (didn't see their game yesterday though) so we might as well play the same system we had against City yesterday. Hopefully it'll go well and hopefully we'll also have Tiote back. 1-1.

Aye.

It was the lad's worst performance for us this season (well maybe QPR was worse). The penalty he gave away was stupid, why did he have his arms spread out like that? You shouldn't do that at this level. The second goal was his mistake too, such a poor touch. For the past 11 games or so before City, he has been reasonably solid (QPR game aside), so it is harsh to drop him just like that. But his weaknesses were exploited yesterday so it may be time to ease him out of the side.

My thoughts from yesterday: The lads shouldn't be too disheartened by the result. We did play the best team in the country atm so it was always going to be a big task to get a result from the game. Our team spirit was still there and we didn't give up even when we went 3-0 down. Colo and Saylor were solid at CB once again and they did shut City out for most of the game. Ben Arfa's performance was very positive, was good to see the lad perform well after what happened at Eastlands last year. Some good attacking play here and there and should have scored in the second half. Silly penalty to give away though. In fact, all of City's goals were avoidable. It was Raylor's worst game this season, the penalty he gave away was stupid - why did he stretch his arms out? He should have known better at this level. Their second goal, such a poor touch from Ryan. Still, all in all it was an encouraging display.

Indeed

Regarding the Nike rumour, like some people have said, can't see Nike sponsoring our shirt going down too well with Puma.

Stelling

Can see this too tbh....

Oh dear god, if Southgate gets the job.......

I reckon he'll stay in the end (for another season at least).

The pressure does seem to be off now. For the past 12 games, we've kept the same formation and pretty much the same team too. So now I guess it wouldn't hurt to try a few changes, the key/possible ones being: properly introducing Ben Arfa into the team and possibly Santon too. Perhaps we could try a 4-3-3 formation at some point too (though guess that depends on the opposition).

Agreed. Aye.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/11/19/2764199/qpr-owner-tony-fernandes-asks-the-clubs-fans-for-a-transfer-wish- Should go well.

All in all, was a positive performance from the lad. Some good runs here and there and was definitely a good attacking option. That chance we had in the first half with Ba' shot, Ben Arfa should have taken it himself imo. If only he had scored that chance he had in the second half when he waltzed through the City defence, we might have had a different result another day. Oh well, wasn't to be this time. (Silly penalty to give away too mind). Promising.

No offence to your mate, but wearing a Juve top at a mackem game is worthy.

Oh yes there is!

That but with Gosling on the right IMO. Ben Arfa fans to go menthol. The lad does need games, granted, but is the City game the right one to go with Gosling? I suppose he would track back more than Ben Arfa but then again Ben Arfa would give us more options in attack and we might as well go for it against City. The pressure is more on them imo.

Aye.....

A simple solution.

If this is true, then I reckon we'll see Ben Arfa or Shola starting. Rather see Ben Arfa than Shola, I want to see their smug faces when he scores a hatrick. Same, I'd definitely rather see Ben Arfa starting than Shola. But it depends on what system Pardew wants to play, if he wants someone to try and hold the ball up, then he may very well pick Shola.....