BrickTop

Apparently we've had more shots than them. How?

If we go down do you think he'll jump ship? Seems to really have a soft spot for SJP, which is saying something under the current climate.

Berahino just missed an absolute sitter 3 yards out in the last minute of ET.

Positionally, I think Cabaye was a bit better, yes. I think he was equally naughty when tackling and whilst he maybe got stuck in a bit more. I don't remember him being particularly effective at it and he was pretty immobile, as well. I would disagree. Cabaye may not move like Delph but he knew where to be, how to pick up runners etc. he and Tiote for me where excellent defensively in that 4-4-2. To some degree athleticism is over-rated when it comes to defensive midfield play. Busquets is no top athlete but defensively he's superb because he's so intelligent off the ball, always thinking. Cabaye's nowhere near that level obviously but in the PL he's one of the most intelligent CM's. Off the ball it's night and day between him & Shelvey. Shelvey barely looks interested and doesn't look like he knows what to do most of the time when off the ball. I very much like Shelvey on the ball. Don't want to criticise the lad too much. This. Shelvey's positioning is almost nonexistent. Even on the ball it is a detriment if the opposition are pressing him in any sort of sense, whereas Cabaye has the knack of finding space to make a pass even when there is very little. However, in terms of finding a replacement for Cabaye (albeit it taking 2 seasons) I think he is as good as anyone to fill his boots.

"Life hasn't been easy for the 28 year old in recent times." That is very clear. There is absolutely no chance this guy is in his 20's.

cabella had more chances to play in a team that wasn't half as rancid as this one before he got that injury iirc thauvin has started 3 and had 10 sub runouts for 420 mins or so of league action in one of the worst teams in the division You think the team was better last season? Not a chance.

This. They kept both Shelvey and Gini very quite in the middle, our two main calls for service. Gini given no room or holes to play 'in the hole'.

The moment the line-up was announced I was dreading a 3 CB formation. I've not liked 3-5-2 ever since Pardew made a pathetic attempt at match preparation away to Stoke in 2010-11 season by adopting a 3-5-2 to cope with their style. We got walked over that day 4-0, and I distinctly remember how fragile the backline looked playing together. Unless you have 2 very capable WB's, it's a formation change that needs a lot of practise before implementing into a match.

The lad can actually complete a through ball to an attacking team mate. Something not performed by any of our central midfielders since Cabaye departed. I'm in. Genuinely looking forward to seeing Gini & Ayoze get rewarded for their off the ball movements for a change!

WHY is he trying Perez on the left away to top of the league? I'm all for tinkering when things aren't going well but really? now?

Overall I thought we were a little unlucky. Conditions crippled the way we play, suited Villa more than us. If it wasn't for the boggy pitch we'd have run away with it.

In terms of performance it was everything I expected from a early kick-off away day. Before the game I was sure we wouldn't turn up. Bournemouth were everything I've been told about yesterday. I think this can be put down as a one-off poor performance that we got away with by the skin of our teeth. Makes up for last week and we're finally out the drop zone so I'll take it.

NUFC in second half capitulation shock. Only positive: Cabella finally showing his potential.