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.

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.

I know we're "Newcastle United" and all, but why can't we try a young player in place of this guy? If Villa can do it, so can we. At worst Tav, Streete, or Good will perform as bad as Williamson. At best, well, we could see some decent energetic defending.

There's a great deal of complex thinking and preparation that goes into a match of professional football. Go read a book or something. No doubt about that. But I can't believe that a squad of players at our level can't readjust to fit Cisse back in his preferred position where he is most effective to score goals and win the match for the team! Bloody hell it's not rocket science!

Absolutely. Very worrying when a manager admits to having no flexibility. What the fuck do they do in training? How much of our play do they actually rehearse? Is no one paying any attention to their teammates' responsibilities? A well drilled, well coached squad will have zero problems adjusting to a minor change in personnel as they would should a player get injured the warm up or something. Pardew has dug his own ditch here.

What the f*** does that even mean? Obviously a player passing a medical is vital otherwise what's the point? Pardew doesn't half come out with some s***. By far the worst "speaker" we've ever had as manager in my time supporting the club. So much anger.

Welcome aboard. At least his third account. No clue who it is hope it's vicky hope it isn't tbh