themanupstairs

Could those talks not have taken place today if we wanted them to? I'm just flabbergasted that we decided not to play him when he's still ours, yet didn't want to change the gameplan and ended up playing f***ing Shola Ameobi in his place. It's pretty obvious from Pardew's comments that the club couldn't wait to draw a line under the whole thing. For the first 20 minutes or so, our players looked completely amped, and I genuinely thought Everton were in for a backlash thumping. That may be the case, but if it then means having to play Shola for the full 90 minutes plus extra time when we've known for years he's only effective for 30 at the most I think we've cut our nose to spite our face. f*** that! Since when did losing Ba to injury or to Chelsea have to mean playing Shola for 90 minutes? You need to read what I wrote. I'm not saying playing Shola for 90 minutes was the correct decision at all, but that is what actually happened, so my question is if that was in pardew's mind, why did we not try our utmost to have a player whose registration we own on the pitch playing for us, unless we weren't allowed, in which case that's fair enough in itself, although it still shouldn't have resulted in Shola playing. Aye i know what you meant. The question was directed at the manager not at your post.

If he cant switch things in a couple of hours what chance has he got during a game, explains his s*** subs etc He could have changed it, but what about the players? Would they be comfortable with an entirely different set of instructions, for a different position, a couple of hours before a game? He made the right, if unpopular, call last night. That's laughable, how long do you think it would have taken to tell and coach Cisse to play in his usual position? Yeah, and the others? What others? Sammy, Obertan or Marveaux would have played in Cisse's place. And? Obertan had been playing on the left, in this formation. Marveaux had been playing as part of the midfield three. Sammy is Sammy. If we'd taken Marveaux out of the midfield three, someone would have had to replace him. That would have been Perch. But, wait, Perch was playing right back. So, who do we play there? Santon, and bring Fergie in? Who knows. My point is that Shola for Ba was a straight swap, and the work in training could be retained. If we'd went for Cisse up top, then we'd have had to make at least three other changes. I'd agree that Shola was a straight swap for Ba had he been a player of similar quality. Being a big b****** doesn't justify the straight swap however. Shola's movement (lack of) up front dictated our forward play. The only time he got into a good position he fluffed his shot wide. And? Just because Shola has similar physical attributes to Ba doesn't mean could replace his quality forward play. I really can't see how making this straight swap benefited us in any way last night. It was a defeatist move by the manager. As soon as Chelsea's bid was made, Pardew should have had an arm around Cisse to tell him "right, it's your time son - get out there and do what you do best". Probably ridiculous to say this in hindsight, but I'm pretty confident we'd have won last night if Cisse started in the middle. The amount of fouls and aimless headers by Shola was staggering and hindered us big style. I've already said how I think the straight swap benefited us. I was annoyed when I saw the team, but calmed down when I realised why it had been done. Cisse scored and we had chances to win the game. I'm not reaching for the razor blades because a player I don't like got a game. Dafuq man, I love me some Shola! On as a 70th minute sub to hold on to a lead or to try and win a game. He's not a 90 minute player by any stretch.

The manager would be busy preparing for games, and everything should be running on squad schedule. On deadline day everything is geared towards making that final signing or two, so the manager would have planned ahead for that. I guess.

If he cant switch things in a couple of hours what chance has he got during a game, explains his s*** subs etc He could have changed it, but what about the players? Would they be comfortable with an entirely different set of instructions, for a different position, a couple of hours before a game? He made the right, if unpopular, call last night. That's laughable, how long do you think it would have taken to tell and coach Cisse to play in his usual position? Yeah, and the others? What others? Sammy, Obertan or Marveaux would have played in Cisse's place. And? Obertan had been playing on the left, in this formation. Marveaux had been playing as part of the midfield three. Sammy is Sammy. If we'd taken Marveaux out of the midfield three, someone would have had to replace him. That would have been Perch. But, wait, Perch was playing right back. So, who do we play there? Santon, and bring Fergie in? Who knows. My point is that Shola for Ba was a straight swap, and the work in training could be retained. If we'd went for Cisse up top, then we'd have had to make at least three other changes. I'd agree that Shola was a straight swap for Ba had he been a player of similar quality. Being a big b****** doesn't justify the straight swap however. Shola's movement (lack of) up front dictated our forward play. The only time he got into a good position he fluffed his shot wide. And? Just because Shola has similar physical attributes to Ba doesn't mean could replace his quality forward play. I really can't see how making this straight swap benefited us in any way last night. It was a defeatist move by the manager. As soon as Chelsea's bid was made, Pardew should have had an arm around Cisse to tell him "right, it's your time son - get out there and do what you do best". Probably ridiculous to say this in hindsight, but I'm pretty confident we'd have won last night if Cisse started in the middle. The amount of fouls and aimless headers by Shola was staggering and hindered us big style.

Could those talks not have taken place today if we wanted them to? I'm just flabbergasted that we decided not to play him when he's still ours, yet didn't want to change the gameplan and ended up playing f***ing Shola Ameobi in his place. It's pretty obvious from Pardew's comments that the club couldn't wait to draw a line under the whole thing. For the first 20 minutes or so, our players looked completely amped, and I genuinely thought Everton were in for a backlash thumping. That may be the case, but if it then means having to play Shola for the full 90 minutes plus extra time when we've known for years he's only effective for 30 at the most I think we've cut our nose to spite our face. Fuck that! Since when did losing Ba to injury or to Chelsea have to mean playing Shola for 90 minutes?

If he cant switch things in a couple of hours what chance has he got during a game, explains his s*** subs etc He could have changed it, but what about the players? Would they be comfortable with an entirely different set of instructions, for a different position, a couple of hours before a game? He made the right, if unpopular, call last night. That's laughable, how long do you think it would have taken to tell and coach Cisse to play in his usual position? Yeah, and the others? What others? Sammy, Obertan or Marveaux would have played in Cisse's place. And? Obertan had been playing on the left, in this formation. Marveaux had been playing as part of the midfield three. Sammy is Sammy. If we'd taken Marveaux out of the midfield three, someone would have had to replace him. That would have been Perch. But, wait, Perch was playing right back. So, who do we play there? Santon, and bring Fergie in? Who knows. My point is that Shola for Ba was a straight swap, and the work in training could be retained. If we'd went for Cisse up top, then we'd have had to make at least three other changes. I'd agree that Shola was a straight swap for Ba had he been a player of similar quality. Being a big bastard doesn't justify the straight swap however. Shola's movement (lack of) up front dictated our forward play. The only time he got into a good position he fluffed his shot wide.

Could those talks not have taken place today if we wanted them to? I'm just flabbergasted that we decided not to play him when he's still ours, yet didn't want to change the gameplan and ended up playing f***ing Shola Ameobi in his place. It's pretty obvious from Pardew's comments that the club couldn't wait to draw a line under the whole thing. For the first 20 minutes or so, our players looked completely amped, and I genuinely thought Everton were in for a backlash thumping.

If he cant switch things in a couple of hours what chance has he got during a game, explains his s*** subs etc He could have changed it, but what about the players? Would they be comfortable with an entirely different set of instructions, for a different position, a couple of hours before a game? He made the right, if unpopular, call last night. That's laughable, how long do you think it would have taken to tell and coach Cisse to play in his usual position? Yeah, and the others? What others? Sammy, Obertan or Marveaux would have played in Cisse's place. And?

If he cant switch things in a couple of hours what chance has he got during a game, explains his s*** subs etc He could have changed it, but what about the players? Would they be comfortable with an entirely different set of instructions, for a different position, a couple of hours before a game? He made the right, if unpopular, call last night. That's laughable, how long do you think it would have taken to tell and coach Cisse to play in his usual position? Yup. It boggles the mind how someone can actually use that as an excuse, and even more that some believe it to be true. It would be more believable had he said he played Shola from the start as a gesture of good will having told him he wasn't going to the only major tournament he will ever have the chance to play in. Dave mentioned it I think, and I could see that being the case. Not this preparation guff.

Probably doing the photo shoot as we speak. Could well play in the cup.

Yup. When Santon got into position to take the ball on from Shola I jumped up thinking it was a goal already, having seen Cisse stay onside and be available for the tap in. Fuck man. It's these little moments that make you wonder if we're in for a tragic season

I doubt it. He forced his way out of all said clubs precisely so he could make this "dream" move. Massive wages on a decent length contract is exactly what he's been looking for.

I'd take him in a back up role. However as he wants to leave Swansea because he's not getting games I don't see why he would come here to be the same even if he is a fan. Would Newcastle be "home" for him? If so it could be a family decision rather than a footballing decision.

Should've clocked Phil Busquets in the chin when he went after him for "diving". Marveaux slipped and didn't even protest for a free kick. Good to see him having a run in the side. Hope he's still here in Feb.

IMO the priority should be to keep a clean sheet here. The confidence that would give us would be huge. If that means it goes to a replay then so be it. We need our defenders to believe in themselves again. If we manage a goal or two beyond that then great. Clean sheet or bust.

That's very true, but what choice do we have now? He plays the way Shola should be playing but isn't.

Yup. Hopefully we set up right for Brighton and he tears them a new one. He looked confused when he went off and sat on the bench having just produced one of our most dangerous attacks up to that point. I'm sure the players start to wonder if their manager knows what he's doing in these situations. Been brilliant the last few games. Keep on keeping on Gabby son!

Cabaye 10 S Taylor 9 Ben Arfa 8 R Taylor 7 Vuckic 6 The rest 5

Part of the learning curve for a young player to be honest. He's shown enough in the past that he can be sound defensively. If Ryan Taylor had been fit he'd be in the team at his expense by now. On that note, how we miss Raylor's random dead ball threat

Forget the circus around him for a minute... I thought he was quite good when he came on. Holds the ball up infinitely better than Shola does these days. Could have made more of an impact had he had more minutes on the pitch. If he's earned a reprieve from Pardew then we'll need to see more of him at some point. I'd start him away at Brighton and give him the opportunity to have a go against championship players. I hope we won't need him fighting for survival, but if we do, it's best that he's ready. Fuck knows we need every fucker who can run and kick a ball.

A few stunning runs last night with very little end product. We MUST do something to bring this lad on. He either needs to go out on loan, or start in a long stretch of matches. Pardew and the staff must decide what his best position is, and play him there regularly, or strike a deal with a loan club who will play him in that position. Would be a great shame if his talent goes to waste.

Victor fucking Anichebe loves playing against us when he's not facing Nolan.

Energetic and very intelligent. Fast becoming undroppable. The very definition of a "carrilero" to coin a tollemache term. Superb little player.

How has BR not got a goal here? Two convincing wins on the spin has them up there and 11 points ahead of us.

Agreed. If he would make the permanent switch I'd drive him to Little Benton myself. Debuchy, Remy, Odemwingie and Lescott would be the ideal transfer window at this point.