Gallowgate Toon

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.

Also, Villa were minging. They better hope Benteke comes back in to some decent form when he gets fit again. We at least had a semi-excuse of some new players adapting. Pardew-esque tactics from Lambert too. I swear he was much more positive when Norwich manager.

He has been better than expected Not a fashionable player but will be important for us considering how scrappy the majority of our games are probably going to be.

Absolutely grim that he subbed off Ayoze, like. Fucking Gouffran managed to stay on despite doing nowt but dwindle on the ball in good areas, miss easy chances and pass it back to his full back.

Thick. Still doesn't understand better ways to open up teams that sit deep.

Ready or not, he sticks wide and can drive to the byline and deliver a ball. Once again, our play today was too slow, too narrow and not direct enough.

His presence is starting to fuck me off. Possibly one of the lazier members of the team now, too.

Makes good runs but will need service. This is a problem when Gouffran is one of our wingers.

Solid but too narrow, played in to Villa's hands. Needed someone to stretch the pitch and be more direct.

Ahahaha Fuck off, Pardew.

Pardew's 'generals' being ousted, slowly but surely...

He's more of a proper playmaker than HBA. Not as naturally gifted but very intelligent.

Ba's obviously an absolutely brilliant finisher but I really don't think he's got the all-round game to spearhead a really top side. His touch and passing are very erratic, for example.

I'd take Sinclair, like. Dodgy spell at WBA, yeah, but he showed some good stuff at Swansea.

He looks the sort that could probably play anywhere in the front line. Out wide (either side), second striker or on the shoulder.

Reckon he'll be shunted out when Tiote and de Jong get fit, meaning Sissoko goes wide. Frankly, I'd even start Perez or Aarons ahead of him, in his current form. Striker or not at all.

He played well. Pleasantly surprised.

He'll be good if he gets service and support, I think. Not going to smash any records or anything, but could get 12 goals and have a hand in quite a few others. Play a proper winger every week and we'll see the best of him.

No. I did too. He's a f***ing braindead. Nonsense, he was one of the best players on the pitch. I thought that too.

Decent, I guess. Thought Pards balled up by switching from the central 3. Room for improvement, obviously, but I think we'll be a better possession team this season. Not that that's saying much.