KaKa

City fan at work knows someone who works for the MEN (spot on about CH before I heard any rumours) says we have made an official approach to Citeh for Wayne Bridge on loan.

 

Wouldnt understand this at all unless Pars doesnt fancy Jose?!? WB is going to come here and warm the bench.

Bizzare. Makes sense on almost no level. Old, expensive, injury prone and hasn't played in ages.

Who is Nicko?

An untrustworthy journalist.

Carlton Cole can get f***ed! He's just Shola Abeobi mark 2

 

I'd take Behrami from West Ham if we could get him. He can cover right back and right wing, he's quick and he scores goals.

If we are getting anyone from West Ham it will be Behrami I believe. We were actually linked recently. He can play accross midfield and at right back so as you say, very useful.

Seb Larsson is a very good player. No way he comes here to be a squad player. It's the reason he bolted from Arsenal in the first place despite Wenger wanting to keep him. He's the type that would rather go to a lesser club to play every week. Can't really see him playing on the left in the same way you wouldn't really see Beckham on the left either, you want him on the right side crossing early and often as this is his main strength.

If he is really coming in then Joey will be moving back inside I would imagine. If Barton is moved back inside I think having Larsson to link up with on the right will certainly improve his performances in the centre compared to what they have been previously this season. When Barton's played centrally Routledge has largely been a dissapointment on the right and this has been a hinderance. Don't think we should discount Joey in the centre so quickly, and Larsson will certainly also provide everything Joey has been giving us from the right recently.

Ultimately, we might see one striker up top if Larsson comes in. If this is the case then I hope it's more of a Chelsea style system, where two of the three midfielders (i.e. Barton/Tiote and Nolan) are then encouraged to get far forward to support Carroll. Because it seems when we have played with one striker previously, only Nolan has pushed forward.

Think it's more likely that we will be looking for a direct, pacy left footer who can whip in some decent crosses. Jonas just isn't getting it done. There isn't enough decent delivery coming in from that side. Jason Puncheon seems to make sense.

Loved his calm and composure. He wasn't surprised by what he was doing out there. Seemed really confident throughout. Didn't have any moments that left one tearing out their hair like Shola regularly does, and I wish I could let him know how much I appreciate that.

Walker looks a good prospect, is Naughton as good or worse?

 

Worse.  Likely to join Leicester on a permanent basis sometime.

Why did you buy him?

 

Walker was the one we wanted, Sheff Utd wanted to get Naughton added into the deal, don't know the full details why.   Buying Naughton as well as loaning Walker back to Sheff Utd was the easiest way to achieve the main aim, signing Walker.   As Naughton only effectively cost £1m there was no real likelihood that we would lose money.  Seems like Naughton will be going to Leicester for £1.5m.

Are you hearing yourself? What on earth are you on about?

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2011/1/5/1294264445327/Leon-Best-005.jpg

Taylor's funny. Leon Best's second goal is the pic. Look at Taylor screaming for the ball in the background. As if Leon was going to pass it from that position.

Christ, your on Sky Sports already talking about Carroll as if he's a Spurs player. Cringe-worthy.

who was talking?

 

Some identikit Sky mong?

pardew deserves huge amount of credit for that - totally vindicated his decision to play best up front. as someone said in the prematch thread - he was arguably fighting for his newcastle career, having not scored a league goal for so long. i wouldnt go over the top and say he's done enough to make amends for a year of being crap - but you can't ask for anymore than that in one game.

 

Barton and tiote were sensational in the middle. gap in quality between those two and west ham's bottlers was significant.

 

And Colo and Enrique absolutely took the piss at the back - in fact they were more comfortable than in those easy championship games last season.

 

west ham should go down playing like that.

 

oh, and parker's s****. so embarrasingly over-rated in the media and by wham fans.

Good Lord! The guy hadn't played yet 

Seems people actually convinced themselves the guy couldn't play football.

So excited for Best. Been tough going sticking up for the guy on here. Aside from the goals, which were all taken very well and with tons of composure (always a good sign!), the guys all round play and workrate could not be faulted. He's physical and he moves well, far more co-ordinated than Shola for example. The best thing about Leon Best tonight was how much of a pleasure it was to watch him play. Doesn't have the knack for doing those senseless and infuriating things that are Shola's trademark. Great night.

Tonight is the night the legend of Leon Best begins ...

Great freekick by Barton by the way.

Two left footed finishes. He's right footed by the way!

So ... let's talk about Leon Best then!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

Jonas the clown

Jonas is extremely frustrating.

Best has turned into Ronaldinho 

Couldn't have missed, tbh.

Gerrrout

LEON BEST!!!!

HA HA HA HA HA! GET IN!

Great finish.

f***ing hell, I'm a bit behind, just saw the lineups. Could be an interesting game! Can't decide if this spells the end for Ranger or if Pardew will give him another chance, depending on attitude. Still on the bench, Loven and Best ahead of him in the pecking order currently..

 

If his attitude is suspect am glad pardew is taking the hard line with him...the lad should respect us and his career more than turning up late and putting half arse shifts in. He'll come good I'm sure and I'm sure this is he best way to handle him.

Yeah, I agree. It's not likehe's been banished to train with the kids or left out of the team. Starting games is a big responsibility and one he should earn with his effort everyday in training. He'll be okay.

Party poopers! Stop wallowing in self pity already. Give it 5 mins at least. Best's first start is at home. Think he'll be flying.

 

It's called being a bit realistic. Would love for him to suddenly blossom. Can't see it happening really.

 

Think he'll be solid. He is good enough to at least do what Shola does in general. As far as being a goal threat? Well, we'll find out. He hasn't really played much at all so let's hope he surprises us.

 

How many times have you seen Leon Best play?

 

Enough to know he is at least good enough to do what Shola does in general play, as it isn't very hard i.e. foul the opposition centrebacks every now and then, get a bunch of offsides, lose the ball carelessly when he isn't under much pressure sometimes, win a few headers, link play well sometimes, miss a few sitters. However, can he pop up with the odd goal at this level like Shola does? That is the key question.

 

How many times?

 

Enough to know times.

 

It's a simple enough question.

I wasn't filling in a log book! I just know he isn't a complete donkey. His general play is okay. I remember that much even from his few appearances last season. Had a couple of nice assists for Carroll last year. I could easily ask how many times those writing him off have seen him play, and it would be the same answer. Some are hopeful and some aren't. Stop internet bullying me!

One thing's for sure, I reckon Best will put in more effort than Shola does some times. I know it doesn't count for much, mind (see A.Smith), but if he can hopefully get himself in a position to score something might work out. Law of averages says he'll get at least one chance, hopefully it's a tap in, he scores, feels a bit better about himself and we'll see what he do. If he's crap for whole 90 minutes I reserve the right to rescind this optimism and lambast him. Go on Leon, my son.

How many times have you seen Leon Best play?

Party poopers! Stop wallowing in self pity already. Give it 5 mins at least. Best's first start is at home. Think he'll be flying.

 

It's called being a bit realistic. Would love for him to suddenly blossom. Can't see it happening really.

 

Think he'll be solid. He is good enough to at least do what Shola does in general. As far as being a goal threat? Well, we'll find out. He hasn't really played much at all so let's hope he surprises us.

 

How many times have you seen Leon Best play?

 

Enough to know he is at least good enough to do what Shola does in general play, as it isn't very hard i.e. foul the opposition centrebacks every now and then, get a bunch of offsides, lose the ball carelessly when he isn't under much pressure sometimes, win a few headers, link play well sometimes, miss a few sitters. However, can he pop up with the odd goal at this level like Shola does? That is the key question.

 

How many times?

Enough to know times.

Party poopers! Stop wallowing in self pity already. Give it 5 mins at least. Best's first start is at home. Think he'll be flying.

 

It's called being a bit realistic. Would love for him to suddenly blossom. Can't see it happening really.

 

Think he'll be solid. He is good enough to at least do what Shola does in general. As far as being a goal threat? Well, we'll find out. He hasn't really played much at all so let's hope he surprises us.

 

How many times have you seen Leon Best play?

Enough to know he is at least good enough to do what Shola does in general play, as it isn't very hard i.e. foul the opposition centrebacks every now and then, get a bunch of offsides, lose the ball carelessly when he isn't under much pressure sometimes, win a few headers, link play well sometimes, miss a few sitters. However, can he pop up with the odd goal at this level like Shola does? That is the key question.

Ranger should deffo start today. No wonder he acts out a bit when he never gets a start. Best and Loven - for gods sake.

 

Acts out? Please enlighten us.

 

Misses a couple of trainings, a few late-comings etc.

Sorry but I find your reasoning crazy.

Wasn't to crazy about his trail of thought either I must say.