Wil

Fronting up and lots of repect to the refs throughout from Joey.

Seem to have Joey Barton in the middle of my life right now and it looks like he'll be living closely with me over the next year, like some kind of delinquent/mischievious son. Hope it doesn't become unbearable. Twitter and it's use to drive media stories is making everything so much worse. One anxiety I have is without Nolan around to generally help keep the lid on, on the pitch it might just get out of control when teams inevitably target him again. Hope Joey is strong enough to deal with it, because I believe we really need the positive qualities he has this year.

Regards Pardew's tactics yesterday, my guess is this season he always wanted to go with Ben Arfa behind a front man. After his injury, he gave Vuckic a try in that role but either didn't see enough, or is just not confident yet, to start him in the prem. So he binned the idea and went for a power game of Ba and Ameobi to try and unsettle Arsenal. Credit to him for changing it all at half time, and he must have been encouraged with Obertan's performance when he was behind the front man. Fully expect him to go with that v Mackems.

Guess it's possible Pardew might still be trying to work out what kind of forward Ba is and how to get the best out of him. Though presumably he must have some idea! Chatting with my son this morning and neither of us could really pin down what his best role might be - on his own, in a twosome, or wide. Just haven't seen enough of him.

Pardew in the Sun... “I took Demba off because we weren’t holding the ball up enough. We couldn’t get enough assets from him,” he said. “For tactical reasons I brought on Gabby...."

Honest interview, and a touch of defiance which I liked.

Was wondering at the time if he picked a knock. Surprised that Pardew would hoik off a new signing at half time.

Trouble follows him around, but today proved to me we're stronger on the pitch with him out there. And we're going to need him this year while the new lads settle in.

Did very well with Colo today. They look strong.

Saw enough about him to feel encouraged. Looks a bargain to me.

Needs to get up to speed with the prem, but confident he's going to be good in time.

Good point there. Obviously a few strangers out there due to the pre season cock ups, but 2nd half thought we did much better.

Very pleased to see Barton in. Psychologically a good move all round, especially given his impact on the game last year.

Never know with these stories, whether or not it's just a previous enquiry coming to light. Sounds as though he might be better than Pieters but more expensive. Would be nice to believe we were going for the better player, but not getting my hopes up on that one!

Ah, just wish I could be there.... Reckon the atmosphere will be just fantastic, and even more pumped if Barton is playing. He could be a real big influence in this game, along with Cabaye who I'm convinced is going to be a great player for us. Come on you lads. I think we can do this one.

Ryan Taylor at left back is the stuff of nightmares I agree but this is what i think he will go with. To think we have Ben arfa and Ferguson to come back in, a new left back, a striker and a couple of decent youngsters banging on the door in Abeid and Sammy Ameobi we are not shaping up to bad at all. Jesus im in danger of feeling optimistic! Agree with the above team, though I think Krul might be in there instead of Harper. And that bench is not bad, not bloody bad at all! And as you say others to come as well. Thanks. Has given me a lift as well! Reckon we probably have to go with Ryan Taylor, he's had the most experience there - quite a bit for Wigan.

Looks like we're still awaiting news of that meeting between Pardew and Barton this morning. Guess things won't become clear until the team news tomorrow, though the rags might get hold of it first. Really hope there was a positive outcome and Barton is staying. Think it would give everyone a big lift.

Think there will be something about Barton feeling wanted also. Can see that Pulis would absolutely love to have him at the centre of his plans, and could be persuasive. Also he could become the main man again. Whereas the dynamic on that score at our club has changed completely. Though personally would love to see him get his head down and stay another year.

From the Mirror.... Stoke boss Pulis has offered Newcastle midfielder Barton a lucrative deal that would make him the club's highest-paid player. Barton is available on a free transfer and the Potters have moved to head off potential interest from Arsenal by dangling a £55,000-a-week deal in front of the controversial star. The England international, 28, has encouraged Stoke after Pulis held initial talks with his agent and will press ahead with the deal on Friday. Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Stoke-step-up-pursuit-Joey-Barton-Nicklas-Bendtner-but-admit-Peter-Crouch-will-not-be-joining-article784152.html#ixzz1UlM9iHw6 Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register here

It was always going to be Liverpool, unfortunately. Bit too painful to think about that too much. Allegiencies to players eh? Turnover is so great these days. Anyway, come on in Erik - hope you have a great few years with us. I'm looking forward to seeing you play, and will be right behind you from the off.

Really liked his TV interview. Seems a good guy. When asked about the other French players.... "Yeah, seems like we're taking over!"

Would be interesting to know why we did not make a serious move for him. Seemed to fit the profile. Think he'll do well at West Brom. makes their strikeforce look pretty decent.

Caulkin - "Believe Pardew still has to persuade board to free cash for striker though. Meetings this week." Would be nice to know what this means exactly. It implies either that all these weeks the hierarchy have not actually been willing to back the manager's call for a 2nd striker, or that they've reached the end of Carr's list and need persuading to back Pardew's judgement on one.

Don't know him, but he must be decent enough if he is a regular Dutch international. I'm pretty pleased. Could have been a lot worse.

Wondering how Gosling might be doing. Sounds like he might be in there v Arsenal.