ponsaelius

WHAT A FUCKING GOAL. 3-0.

I got offered a ticket. Turned it flat down, not worth the effort/risk.

Also stunned to see him score with his right foot off a snap shot. I was sure he'd try and control and turn onto his left

Funny because I wouldn't exactly call van Persie the most direct of forwards generally, quite the opposite actually. I agree he's class though. Yeah, he's not exactly out and out route one but he gets in the box, and gets shots away, which is a massive improvement on anything else they have. I've just been frustrated in the past by him because he's the kind of player who'll play with his back to goal, look for the pass, slow the game down etc. He also rarely plays on the shoulder of the last defender. He does like a shot though, moreso than the rest of the team. He's as direct as anybody they have bar maybe Arshavin who has seemingly gone flat this season.

Yeah I thought it may have been a Pardew bluff until I saw that article. Bit elaborate to have his comments published on the site under 'My derby day disappointment' if it's all just a ploy.

Quick, sharp passing in midfield. Pouncing on errors. Counterattacking quickly with pace and accuracy. Crisp control when recieving the ball. Clinical finishing when in on goal. None of this happened under Benitez yet is now happening under Leo. Players must have really hated the waiter.

Funny because I wouldn't exactly call van Persie the most direct of forwards generally, quite the opposite actually. I agree he's class though.

IL PRINCIPE!! Leonardo is a gorgeous, gorgeous man.

To be honest it does seem like a rarity in the game atm.

DEKI!

Yep, couldn't justify the fee which is fair enough. But if his contract is now running down it may be possible to get him cheaper.

Fuck off man

Nervous as fuck now like. Really hope Smith doesn't play. Be fucking stupid if he does.

great shout. fantastic little player who would be a perfect partner for carroll. had a massive impact on cameron jerome's game last season due to his brilliant movement, good link play and a touch of spontaneity. reminds me of bellamy a bit. I agree, although I don't think he's the kid of signing we'd look at. Couple this with his past 'failure' at Birmingham and I think it's highly unlikely. I put failure in inverted commas because despite his goalscoring record he was very important for Brum last season. Did a lot of the work to make them an effective team, running the channels and linking up play. Replacing him with Zigic/playing Jerome up top on his tod has turned them into a very predictable, cumbersome team IMO. If FM is anything to go by the lad is out of contract very soon (either July or Jan I can't remember). Personally I think he'd be a good option to consider.

That wasn't Ben Arfa's debut. 'Full debut' thar innit.

Not that I rate him particularly highly but letting him go particularly on loan just seems like shooting ourselves squarely in the toes. We already have enough squad weaknesses in terms of wide areas ffs. If he goes and somebody like Taarabt or Hammill comes in I'd be pleased. Maybe Gradel aswell, but I don't truly thing he's any better than Routledge. Routledge is a better player than Jason Puncheon.

The more I see West Ham 'play' this season the more I am convinced they are far and away the worst team in the league.

Based on? I've always thought this to be honest. He seems dignified in defeat, far moreso than the likes of Allardyce, Pulis etc.

Surely you'd recognise former Real Sociedad star David Vaughan?

Ah man missed the interview.

Was just about to post this haha. Went looking for Beardsley's hattrick. That tackle is an execution like. Fucking hell.

Harper Simpson Williamson Coloccini Enrique Barton Guthrie Routledge Nolan Jonas Sherla I wouldn't have been surprised to see this, but with Pardew's comments about 2 up top then take away Guthrie and add one of our useless strikers.

Suppose it's good news we're looking at both Barton and José's contracts. Worrying that he's seemingly reducing any expectation of signings though.

That would be funny if 2 of those suggestions wouldn't stroll straight into our potential team for Sunday.

Bruce has been pathetic in his response. After the derby wasn't there quotes like "It's our aim to finish ahead of them now"? Pathetic.