AlanSkÃrare

Seemed to be on the end of an elbow from Roberts wasn't he?

We need Ben Arfa at home, someone to unlock teams playing the way we do away from home.

That's a lot of defenders.. pretty much four somewhat offensive minded players on the pitch..

Welbeck and Richardson are incredibly shit. Especially Welbeck. And there is the opener from van der Vaart..

Kadar could step in at LB. If we get stuck with Perch or Ryan Taylor at RB I'd be worried, but hopefully Hughton will stick Steven Taylor in there. Up front I think we will struggle really bad if we lose Carroll. Ranger seems to be developing all the time but he's not ready to fill Shola or Carrolls boots yet. The situation with him coming on for Shola towards the end of games is ideal. Full of energy and running, hopefully he'll add some goals soon and just kick on from there. He could well be Sholas replacement in due time. Having said that, I think it's a tricky one wether we should bring someone in or not, wouldn't do Rangers development any good. Santa Cruz on loan and Ranger going out on loan is something that could work.

Can't remember the last time I was looking forward this much to a game or was feeling this positive about NUFC. Line-up speaks for itself. Should be able to give Ranger a proper runout again, seems like Hughton prefers him ahead of Lövenkrands right now which is great news.

Been talking to a couple of Swedish Arsenal fans who reckon nobody has been more successful and thorough in their tactical approach at the Emirates than us this season. You can fault Fabianski all you want for the goal, it was a massive leap from Carroll and the fact that we limited them to 3 shots on target all game is unreal. Probalby already been posted but this is interesting and very encouraging. The bit about Tiotés passing is hard to get to grips with, what a signing.. http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/11/08/newcastle-arsenal-tactics/

Did they actually end up paying those £11m? Wasn't the fee brought down to something like £6m because of Southampton needing to accept the money upfront instead of installments cause of their financial difficulties... Quite a steal at that it seems.

Super cross for Carroll, also had another good delivery from a deeper position that Carroll failed to control properly. Really encouraging to see that we possess a better alternative to Perch. Remember the game at Swansea when Dave Cotterill torn him a new one, looked a different player today. Too early to judge though, but Hughton seems to have improved a lot of our players over the past year.

Unreal

Not our players, thank god for that. http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/partying-man-city-golfers-get-rounds-andrews-7341739/

I think we had just gone 8 games without a win when he took ill, still there are interviews with him saying we were on a "fantastic run". Anyone else remeber the almost 7 minute long post-match interview to Skysports at Blackburn after we lost 0-3 when he said he was "forced to play 6-7 injured players every week" or something like that..?

Obinna had his way with Simpson, and still he looked good compared to Perch. Needs to get some of the basics right (ie not jump when someone fakes a cross or a shot, was completey taken out by Obinna a number of times in the first half due to this).

Came out to collect crosses better than before yesterday. Seems more in control of his area now. Produced a great save from that Piquionne shot that was ruled offside as well. Needs to play and we can't send both him and Fraser Forster on loan, so I'd rather he keeps his place ahead of Harper.

Simpson has looked considerably more comfortable than Perch.

Williamson is struggling with everything

No team news yet?

Is that Dunnes 9th OG in the Premiership? Not a coincidence.

Not sure that was red tbh, thought Ekotto got the better of Biabiany before Gomes murdered him

He will have his ups and downs all season like every other midfielder. I think he started the season very well with a couple of terrific displays, especially at Everton where he was brilliant alongside Tioté. I think one of the reasons why both him and Tioté looked bad on Saturday was because of the change in formation. Instead of Tioté being the anchor they had to share the different tasks, and obviously failed to do so. Not many teams manage a two-man centre partnership in the Premiership, and so therefore I think Hughton should be careful with that. Having said that, Bartons approach and urgency is something we need and will need throughout the season. His character and willingness to keep going will be a great asset, especially away from home.

Saw that Adam Campbell came on for the U18s today, lost 1-3 to mackems. Joe Joyce said something about Campbell being "in and around the U18s now". Sounds promising with a 15-year old making his mark.

Capello said something about trying U21s in the upcoming friendlies. Surely Carroll will get his chance?

The Dutch really had their way with us today. Some of our defending was awful, only positive of the whole game was when Toivonen put his boot in van Bommels stomach. Huntelaar on his day has to be one of the best finishers in the world.

Holland-Sweden should be cracking. Think we'll sneak a point. Mellberg being out is a big miss though. For those watching, take a good look at the battle between Wernbloom and van Bommel in midfield, Wernbloom is one of the most provoking players around, good footballer as well.

Arsenal, Fulham and Everton. Genuine clubs and neither of them are in possession of too many players that are right idiots.