Lotus

If Santon's out though, as seems likely, it's gonna be the same old 4-4-2 Krul Simpson Willo/Perch Colo Raylor Obertan Cabaye Tiote Jonas Best Ba

It's not like he kicked him in the head. That would have been VERY different. One can't condone it but it is from beyond the reaches of understanding.

An idea. If Santon's fit: Krul Simpson Williamson Colo Santon Cabaye Tiote Vuckic Ben Arfa Ba Obertan Santon's seems a fairly solid defender so far so may not suffer from Vuckic not protecting him too much, also Obertan has the fitness to track their RB should he go on a run. Obertan may benefit from having the option to naturally cut inside on to his right there by forcing their RB to think about tackling with his weaker foot, Obertan also has the pace to go outside (if he uses it). We'll also have Vuckic to put in left side crosses should we need. Cabaye works hard and is disciplined, he can cover when Ben Afra inevitably drifts. Cabaye will also help out Simmo and both can offer crosses from the right. Reckon Jonas could do with a rest.

Way better then our current lot, except Demba. He's more direct and pacy then Demba though. Would suit us perfectly. So disappointed about how this has turned out. Fair do's. I haven't seen him play, just the usual Youtube stuff and tbh, didn't overly impress me but if he was as you've described him then it sounds like a loss. Have to say, didn't think going to a player who'd be off on a tournament the same time as Ba would've been good planning though. Maybe that started to belatedly factor into their decision.

Was surprised we were still pursuing this one tbh. He seemed a bit similar to what we have already. I think what we need is pacy guy who makes clever runs. Kind of like Sturridge at Bolton (although undoubtedly excellent for Chelsea he seems to play wider there than at Bolton).

You want to see him start ahead of Jonas?? Have you got some motive other than football?? Have i missed something here? Do you have a certain ''keeness'' for the lad or summat? His ability to receive a ball out wide and cross into the box one touch later. His ability to scamper down to the bye line and whip balls in. His ability to win tackles (like Jonas). His ability to shoot. His ability to get stuck in and tackle. Surely looking through that he'd be a better replacement for Obertan, no?

You want to see him start ahead of Jonas?? Have you got some motive other than football?? Have i missed something here? Do you have a certain ''keeness'' for the lad or summat?

You thought he was poor because he often played poorly!!!!! Don't think you got a thing wrong there, like!!!! When he first arrived he was alright, got worse, made mistakes that cost us goals. We were relegated, he got some form in the CCC and carried that through to the Prem last season and this and has been getting better all the time.

Aye. To be fair to the player he readily admits he's not used to so much first team football so perhaps he's having to get into it a bit more. Wish he was showing more promise though... I'm all for him 'getting used to it'. However, there's nothing wrong with taking him after we scored the 2nd today. He wasn't beating he man down the line and only looked like NOT losing it when cut inside which is probably what Barfa would have done but to much greater affect.

Because we only had 3 midfielders on the pitch, because Sammy has looked lively off the bench recently, because he might think Sammy is more likely to defend.... I wanted to see Ben Arfa on too, but it was hardly the most shocking decision I've seen. S. Ameobi has looked pretty non threatening if you're honest. Just cause he's come through the ranks and seems a nice lad he's given some grace. If you want to salvage a point though you don't bring on a bairn when you have better options. Poor decision.

He's Pardew's man. Pardew bought him so he's going to have to stick by him. He'll play him.

All 3 subs were baffling! What was the point of any of them???

If you're a manager and you're chasing a game i cannot think of a single sane reason why you'd Sammi Ameobi on instead of Ben Arfa. Whatever the basis of the decision is, it certainly isn't footballing reasons.

He did't look much when he played for the Makems. He did well. Had some good games, had some poor ones. They probably say the same about Bramble. If Nedum is dirt cheap then aye, otherwise surely there's better?

He did't look much when he played for the Makems.

Can you ask it if he was any good?

Wouldn't Cahill be available in January? Would be a good investment as far as the squad goes.

I agree, but it's still pretty bad luck to have three of your best CBs injured at the same time. Not many squads could cope with that without difficulty. Anyone would struggle. I would be surprised though if our Board decided to invest just because a player will be out for the rest of the season. I don't think they would class such a signing as being 'value for money'.

He's not very young. I hope he comes good, obviously. But right now he looks every inch a cast off who was only valued at £3M because Manu had him. Routledge offered more than this fella. Pards seems quite good at bringing players on though and this guy may need a season to grow into it. He lacks heart though and that will always make him inconsistent at best.

I suppose Ben Arfa is injured because i can't think which f**king alternative universe exists where by someone takes off Ben Arfa but keeps Lovenkrands on. I must also assume Santon is crocked because if he's that turbosh1t that Raylor stayed on the pitch instead of him we've really signed a dud there, like.

Anyone think he has the game to be part of a midfield 3? Guthrie.........Tiote.........Cabaye

Thank you!!!! Love it!!!!

Judging by his 'lush and fit' pictures aye Was he p*ssed? The pricetag has destined him to fail but he barely looks like a footballer. £35m What's the name of the song on that video?

You haven't been watching Boswinga much then.

This is such bollox but i might add, in reference to the second by second analysis, i think the Everton defenders have a fair position and i wouldn't fancy Ba to have the legs on Distin frankly.