Christmas Tree

2 assists last night

I read or heard somewhere today, comments from Pardew that basically he wants another couple of prem wins on the board to allow him to attack the cup more confidently.

Tiote, Cabaye, Marveaux, Ben-Arfa, Santone, Abeid..... Havent these all arrived under his watch and probably a few others who slip my mind?

Deserves the keys to the city.

I've a feeling that's what it will be, although Pardew might start Obertan instead of Marveaux to avoid chucking in Marveaux and Ben Arfa into the team together after a long absence. Understandable but a bit of a shame considering how well they seemed to link up last night.

Agreed. Although I'm still under the impression that Obertan just needs a run of games to build up his confidence so that he can eventually hit top form but on current form, has to be Marveaux and Jonas on the wings. The cross with the outside of his foot for Coloccinis goal... Any what about that cross? Should we start Lovenkrands on Saturday too just because he scored two goals yesterday? Not when the current goalscorer (Best) is in form and scoring goals. If you view Wingers as creative then Obertans two assists last night should come into consideration when deciding whether to replace a winger who is out of form, creatively.

Agreed. Although I'm still under the impression that Obertan just needs a run of games to build up his confidence so that he can eventually hit top form but on current form, has to be Marveaux and Jonas on the wings. The cross with the outside of his foot for Coloccinis goal...

Must be a great opportunity for the young'uns to be learning from the likes of Cabay, Benny and Marveax etc.

That's a valid point to a degree, but he just seems to lack composure after doing all the hard work. Its not as though he was setting them up left right and centre for Carrol. Bottom line for me is Marveaux has to start on the left and let Obertan and Jonas fight it out for the right wing spot.

Think Jonas is the one player in the team who is the most like Bovril, love or hate. (Hate being far too strong a word of course) I think the problem is what he doesn't bring to the team ie, crosses, assists, goals.

Pardew said in that radio interview linked a few posts up that he likes Abeid but thinks he 1 or 2 things short from pushing for a first team place. Sounds like just short of the bench at the mo.

Thats fucking bullshit for a start like. Not sure why you would say that? He usually loses possession when he's done his run up the field. Even on passing ability, Obertans played a lot less time than Jonas, has made more passes and more successful passes at that. His pass success rate is 86% compared to Jonas's 71%. Not saying that Obi is definitely the answer, but imo he deserves a run on the right instead of Jonas...if that's the likely outcome of Marveaux's inclusion.

Really? Who? Well virtually everyone who has posted regarding the situation in the last 24 hours. Even Jonas fans seem to be accepting the left wing is no longer his and hoping he gets a shot on the right wing instead of Obertan.

Nice post match 4 minute audio interview with Pardew on the bbc website here http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14893631.stm

So you dont think having Coloccini attacking in the 118th is good or you dont think Pardew deserves the credit?? Confused.

But a defender couldn't do what Jonas does in an offensive capacity so that's a daft comment. Everything goes through Jonas down the left, I don't think it's any coincidence that Enrique looks human after all now he doesn't have Jonas in front of him. Yes his end product is weak, but a winger with end product who goes missing for large parts of the game isn't necessarily an improvement. Maybe not, but he deserves a shot at it.

Have I inadvertently shagged your wife or ran over your cat?

It always amazes me how the Jonas defenders continually say....."Yes, his end product is crap but....". HE'S A WINGER!!!!! If we simply want someone to help out in defence, lets play another defender there. And all this carries the ball out of defence stuff. Yes he does at times and sometimes he does get a free kick, BUT, the majority of the time in just ends up in the ball being given away to the opposition so they can attack us again. I would much rather have a little less defending and more attacking from my wingers thank you very much.

What's our "best" team though? Obviously due to your agenda against Jonas, I know he's not in it. I love how not particularly liking one player equals an agenda. I think the best team for me if everyone is fit is this. Krul Simpson -- Taylor -- Coloccini -- Santone Tiote ------------- Cabaye Obertan ----------------------- Marveaux Ben-Arfa Best I think the ones in bold are in most peoples starting 11 and the only waverers are Obertan and Best. As Best is scoring then he should keep the shirt. That just leaves Obi. If you are a big Jonas fan you will want him in instead, if you are sick of Jonas's lack of end product you will want to stick with Obertan. The cross from the bye line with the outside of his boot for Coloccini was sublime.

Aye, loads better than Keegan like. Careful not to mistake Keegan 1 with Keegan 2. A whole different can of worms but had KK not being a tad short financially I dont think he would ever have come back. I think Pardew so far is doing magnificently. I like he's made us harder to beat I like the never say die attitude I like the style of play I like that he seems to understand what its all about up here I like that he doesnt winge I like that he doesnt blame the players I like that he can be critical of those above him I like his craic I like his manerisms I like his interviews And I like his smiling

The thing is virtually everyone wants to see him given a start on the left wing instead of Jonas so making excuses etc is only putting off the inevitable. I would get my best team starting on Saturday and try and build up some game time / understanding against the "lesser" teams than put it off and start introducing them against the Manchesters and Chelsea.

Credit to Pardew and the lads that our style of play now means we have Coloccini in the box trying to score in the 118th minute.

I must admit, without getting too cocky, I really fancy us putting on a good show on Saturday. Lots of rested first teamers who are playing well. Add to that a sprinkling of Marveaux and Ben-Arfa and an expectant home crowd buoyed on by a cup win and......well, it just might get tasty.

Starting to look like the best manager since Sir Bobby for me. Lots to like about the fella.