STM

As you say the key is to not focus the ball on one player, regardless of how good he is. In fact it's important that we use the wide areas of the pitch to create space for players like Ben Arfa to exploit. Cabaye will be the most important player in this regard.

I said the same thing when we sold Carroll, all seemed rather coincidental to me but we are unlikely to ever find out.

I know people complain about our lack of depth in central defence, but we've got 3 fairly competent players fighting for 2 spots in Colo, Taylor and Williamson. I would think most clubs bench strength will be pretty similar. Kadar would have been a good 4th option a year ago but I'm not sure what's happened to him since. Perch isn't ideal as a last resort but how many clubs have good 4th options in that area? This where we need an Aaron Hughes type, someone very competant right across the back. Someone who will be a "squad player" but will get enough games to satisfy them throughout the season. These players aren't easy to find though.

Oh and he hates Obertan. Gupter that is.

There's very little i can see wrong with Pardew's managment so far and there are alot of more experianced managers who would failed in the same position IMO. The fact he's a cockney works against him, not because we are unwelcoming to southern people or foreign cultures in general but more because it fits in with cockney mafia cliche. The single most impressive thing about Pardew's reign so far is the way he has included local people in coaching set up and John Carver in particular is someone i trust. I don't know what it is about the man but i can't help feeling whenever he is at the club that the team is in safe hands, perhaps that's abit naive of me and the romantic in me is looking back at the SBR days with fond memories. In terms of the Hughton/Pards comparison, the most single aspect of Pardew's management that sets him apart from Hughton is his bravery. Hughton's side was solid and gave nothing away (to his credit of course), Pardew is taking a risk getting rid of the old guard in an effort to play a more attractive expansive style. Pardew has the players to do it of course, Hughton didn't. In a similar comparison, Pardew takes risks in the press, sometimes saying daft things, where Hughton would say nowt. They are chalk and cheese in many ways but Pardew is reaping the benefit of a solid defence that Hughton created.

Can't be bad for the lad developing alonside Cabaye, Tiote and Ben Arfa.

I think he means, if you were to rate a wingers ability to track back and cover (defensive) he would be an 8. Which is fair enough as that is the best part of his game. However, i don't think he means, if he was playing at full back his ability to defend would be an 8.

At a guess: Best, Ba, Campbell and Perch were not Carr selections. I think Gosling might have been.

Some really good signings have come from Carr, as well as some solid ones too. I honestly think Obertan will suprise a few people and become an astute piece of business at 3m too. The big test will be identifying (and signing) a good striker.

He will remain un-changed from Villa, which is fine by me. Like someone said before, there's no need to go mad, lets keep things solid and hope our better players come through. Should things not be going swimmingly then we have plenty of options from the bench. Ben Arfa and Marveaux as subs would be brilliant. My prediction is that someone who scored midweek will score in this game (Simpson, Coloccini) and that Best will add to his tally. 3-1

Nice to hear Pardew talk in detail about an injury problem, lets the fans know whats really going on. Refreshing.

We err. Were err. Playing err. Quite err. Well err. Until err. Ben err. Arfa err. Tore err. Us err. a err. Knew err. One err.

Marveaux sounds dangerous.

Has annyone mentioned the standard of the commentary on five live yet? Apparently it's quite bad.

Ben Arfa looks "absolute quality". Yes he is.

Ben Arfa "cruises". Love it.

Man Utd leeds on sky. Commentary talking about Arsenal now.

Here we go Colo gets suspended for Blackburn.

Talked about Rob Elliot for about 15 minutes. Fucking hell.

Rat scores.

Hope he isn't injured.

Is Fergy trying to get beat? Carrick and Valencia in defence.

THIS GAME IS NOT ON TV ANYWHERE.. just saying.

Two of their top threads atm: 1. Should we go for Berbatov in january? 2. Big Karl Henry (apparently he's the best uncapped midfielder in the premiership).

"Spastic Mackem Maths". Best phrase i've heard for months.