Gallowgate Toon

He's best coming into that space. Could be a neat tactic to have Riviere play the channels, de Jong pushes up and Cabella drifts in to the hole. Would need to encourage movement and would leave gaps, though, so won't happen.

I do despair, like. Cabella was an incredibly effective player at Montpellier, he's not just some daft show off. He's not Ben Arfa in terms of dribbling but there's plenty of good in his game, both on the ball and off it. As usual, we need to play to his strengths and not allow him to be doubled up on. Let him drift and give him support and he'll create and score plenty.

It's almost as having at least one proper winger is good.

3 games, man

Positioning was rubbish, as was Sissoko's. Neither plugged defensive gaps or got forward much.

A couple of positives but totally outweighed by some absolutely massive negatives. Namely some of the most comical defending I've ever seen.

What the fuck's he doing with our central midfield? They were here nor there, today, fucking oceans of space in the middle.

He took Clichy down the line against City, if I recall, so he does have it. Just seems to be a little lacking in confidence and not baiting his man enough to make his move.

Useless knobhead.

He'll learn. He's a good mover off the ball and a talented playmaker but his style's going to have to change a. He'll also need more overlapping from the full back, if we keep him out right.

Some flashes of good things but he's not quite the target man Pardew wants him to be.

Hope that's Gouffran out, now. He's raw but makes space for others and doesn't hide when in possession.

Fucking Gouffran, man.

I really, really, really hope he drops Gouffran for this. I want Sissoko as our main central midfielder but would play him wide all season if it meant no Gouff.

Surely Lacazette would come here now that Lyon aren't in Europe?

He's looked a little lost in the opening couple of games. It'll be interesting to see how motivated he is this year now that it looks like he's probably not going to get his 'dream' move.

Man U are pretty passive. Neat enough in possession but not enough penetration, especially out wide. Sounds eerily familiar.

Indeed, Parky. There's still a functional side there but it lacks balance, purpose and direction.

Meh, he didn't have much trouble with his dribbling against City so I don't think it'll be too much of a problem. Just had to get used to the physical nature of playing here, we'll play more defences like Villa rather City so he'll now know what to expect, in terms of physicality. Teams like Villa will always double up on him, in which case he will need other players to move around. Good luck with that Remy. De Jong seems like he can think for himself and will move a bit, that's the only hope though.

Massive football pet hate of mine. Fans not giving players new to the league enough encouragement if they don't hit the ground running.

Meh, he didn't have much trouble with his dribbling against City so I don't think it'll be too much of a problem. Just had to get used to the physical nature of playing here, we'll play more defences like Villa rather City so he'll now know what to expect, in terms of physicality.

I'd play our strongest available eleven. Got to try and get some confidence into the new players, none of this faffing about.

It's only his second game in the league and he's already created some really good chances for others. He'll adapt and realise he has to release the ball quicker. Although, he should have done better with his chance. I just hope people don't directly compare him to Ben Arfa. He's not the same type of player and never will be.