Away Toon

It was a beautiful free kick from Cabaye, I don't understand why the French goal was disallowed.

Spain 1-0 against the Frogs

1-0 Ramos who hit the post first with a free header, put his hands on his head and then just in time watched the ball ricochet to him before he thumped it in from around 6 yards, nearly went over the top.

He's currently part of the French team watching the Spanish keep the ball and run rings around them. No goals yet though, Spain are looking for perfection first.

I thought Vieira and Petit were the best centre midfield partnership for Arsenal and then for France.

Sorry can't be bothered to translate it but basically the Spanish especially Del Bosque are saying that Cabaye is the most talented midfielder the French have, he takes the free kicks, he directs the game, he's a little bit their Xavi. Karim Benzema, « l'un des meilleurs attaquants du monde et un joueur extraordinaire », selon Vicente Del Bosque, et Franck Ribéry sont les deux joueurs que craignent le plus les Espagnols, à la veille de recevoir les Bleus, à Madrid. Mais ils sont aussi noté l'importance de Yohan Cabaye dans le jeu français. « On connaît bien les Français, assure Cesc Fabregas. Il y a eu quelques changements depuis l'Euro, de nouveaux joueurs, mais il y a toujours les deux meilleurs, Benzema et Ribéry, et aussi Cabaye à la création. Il faudra faire un grand match pour les battre.» Vicente Del Bosque, qui a aussi souligné que le forfait d'Abou Diaby était une absence importante pour l'équipe de France, est allé plus loin, concernant le joueur de Newcastle?: « C'est sans doute le joueur le plus talentueux que la France ait au milieu, juge le sélectionneur espagnol. Il tire les coups de pied arrêtés, il dirige le jeu. C'est un peu leur Xavi. » Malgré sa victoire en quart de finale du dernier Euro (2-0), l'Espagne ne s'attend donc pas un match facile, face à son principal adversaire pour la première place du groupe. « Après ce match, il y aura encore quinze points en jeu, note Del Bosque. C'est vrai que cette double confrontation peut être capitale pour les deux équipes, presque comme un match de Coupe. Mais on fait des prévisions aujourd'hui et, après, on peut aussi perdre des points ici ou là. » - L. D., à Madrid

Linked with Hooper in the Sunday rags. Liverpool as well. Maybe Hooper could play with Cisse, we know Ba can't.

I was going to go but the weather is pretty wild today and into tomorrow, with a tropical wave heading up through the islands, lots of rain and lots of wind. Still nice and warm though!!

Come on Antigua, 1-1 after 30 minutes. USA population 300 Million, Antigua 75,000.

Sammy's there by default because the others we've tried wide left have been generally terrible when they have played, Obertan, Marveaux, and Ba. Admittedly we don't have many options but that's what happens when you don't invest and strengthen. Could try Amalfitano though it looks like Pardew doesn't rate him.

Well maybe Sammy can play on the left in a 433 Cisse certainly can't and Ba sulks when he's asked too. Maybe Ferguson can, maybe Marveaux, but no more of this 442 shit with Ba and Cisse getting in each others way, and the midfield overran.

I think today just showed what a lot of us have been thinking, and that is Pardew is not utilising our players to the best of their ability or picking them in their best positions, or apparently using the training ground to either defend better or keep possession of the ball.. He insists on playing 442 and yet there is no sign that Ba and Cisse can play together, we don't have any wingers, and Cabaye and Tiote constantly get outnumbered and then overran in midfield. It's time Pardew grew some balls and ditched the 442, and started making some difficult decisions. Irrespective of injuries, Perch is not a premier league Centre-Back, Ferguson is not a Left Back, Anita is not ready to play as a defensive midfielder. I would go for a 433 Krul, Anita, Taylor, Colo, Santon, Tiote, Cabaye, Jonas, Ben Arfa, Ba, Sammi Ameobi. Simpson for cover at RB, Perch as a Defensive Midfielder, Shola and Cisse if Ba is not working, Ferguson to play left wing if we need to change the system, Williamson if we really have to etc.

We were completely out classed, quite simple really, too many average players and a technically challenged manager. Still only another Eight years.

good job Cleverley still can't finish

Why is Tav. at left back and not Ferguson? Why is Perch at right back and not Tav? Why doesn't Pardew play players in their proper positions? Wasted opportunities.

We have arguably been the worst team in all five games we've played so far, and yet we've 8 points from 5 and are mid table. Bonus.

That was definitely the proverbial smash and grab, daylight robbery whatever you want to call it. Great point

Everton could have had 4 and should have, mind you we also missed 2 sitters

Well Everton have improved from last season and we haven't, and as they hammered us the last time at Goodison, this is not looking good.

pathetic

easy

Jesus this is one sided, goal must be coming

Can we have Jose back in January please?

Where has all this bollocks come from about players all wanting to play in the CL? All they want is to get paid more money.

Ah the keyboard warrior. Get a life and grow up.