Tiresias

All the 'they haven't had tough games' crowd need to have a look at how we play right now, we take our opportunities when we get them and we're tight bastards at the back. Most of all we're not boring to watch, without being foolishly open. Last season was spent a little looking over our backs as we knew we were riding some luck at times, and losing games we really should win, and we would win. Still think the handling of kicking Houghton out was tremendously harsh, but Pardew is doing well. Almost worringly, Ashley will sack him soon at this rate.

Absolutely, was concerned when we got him, I knew he could score, but wasn't sure how mobile he was.

Glad for him really, he was really starting to look like a flop, now shown he does have some quality. Would like him used in games like this, and Marveaux used in more...fun...games mind.

Wonder which Penalty Pulis thought was soft?

Having him at the back just makes everything so much calmer. Struggle to think of better defenders in the league, everyone's defences this year have been leaky but ours.

What's great there is the big gap between us and Norwich in 7th. Even if we lose against the manchester clubs and drop down the table somewhat we're in a great position.

Excellent performance tonight. Absolutely integral to stopping crosses coming in.

Excellent, only concern is getting dependant on him

Terrible tackle just after coming on, could conceivably been a red. Redeemed himself later with a spot on tackle, that if he'd got a bit wrong would have seen him off.

Less worried about ACN now. Well done.

Got it spot on tonight, completely blocked off their wide play (made easier by them shrinking the pitch ;D ) and forced them to try and play it through the middle, barely any crosses came into the box from open play. Our defence and keeper were completely ready for their set pieces. Didn't conceed too many dangerous free kicks either. A less confidant manager might have stuck 5 in midfield and left 1 up front, which may have killed our ability to score. Was a bit worried after he got out thought and lucked out vs Wigan, Pardew got this spot on.

awful news, hope he recovers

FUCKING HELL YES! O0

hahaha Crouch

Collo is brilliant. Just brilliant.

Apparently britannia is very rarely boring...what is he on?

obertan probably should have scored there

Ref clearly felt bad for penalty against us so decided to even it off...not brilliant in long term...but fucked if I care

Marveaux on now to get some possession back

Stoke are a really really boring side aren't they?

gutirerrez has completely brickwalled the left wing.

My only worry is Stoke getting frustrated and start doing really bad tackles. (also an implosion isn't beyond us )

Pardew does not look happy haha

Cabaye looks hungry too

Can they stop saying Krul is lucky