Gallowgate Toon Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 It's been mentioned before but playing Ben Arfa on the wing could also help with building up his confidence (ie. running at and beating defenders mainly). Certainly, he's only started 3 games since he came back. He needs to build up match fitness, momentum and most importantly, confidence. I ultimately think he does suit a free role but for now, the wide area is ideal. If we're going to play him as a number 10, the current set up of the side needs quite a bit of tactical tweaking to suit it. Our last few attempts at it, have been a little half-hearted imo, i'm intrigued as to how it would work against Norwich mind, in a more open game compared to facing the league's top sides. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Wish people would just accept that Pardew and HBA have come to the conclusion he should play centrally. I don't know if it's just because people hate Obertan or what, but I don't see the big deal with him preferring the centre. People are conflicted. They want him in the team but at the same time it's obvious he's less suited to that role than a striker who'll allow Ba to play his natural game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallowgate Toon Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Wish people would just accept that Pardew and HBA have come to the conclusion he should play centrally. I don't know if it's just because people hate Obertan or what, but I don't see the big deal with him preferring the centre. People are conflicted. They want him in the team but at the same time it's obvious he's less suited to that role than a striker who'll allow Ba to play his natural game. It's really not the right situation or time to flat out claim that it won't work, there are too many factors to consider and not enough time been given. I agree that right now, it's not suitable but I personally think it will be in the near future. I'm curious as to what you think Ba's natural game is by the way? In what way does HBA hinder his game, apart from apparent less work rate? I see a striker that is a predator in the box and has intelligent movement and pace that can see him work off the shoulder as well. It's not like he'd have to be some kind of targetman for the formation to work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 I think Ba's more effective ghosting into the box. Ben Arfa being there places far too much focus on him. We need someone who can play higher up the park than Ba, and do the donkey work when necessary. Best generally makes a good fist of this, plus he's far more of a goalscoring threat than HBA. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliottman Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Has to start for me on Saturday. Had three very difficult games where had less of the ball, now let him see what he can do in the next three against lesser opposition. These three should be the confidence builders. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 I think Ba's more effective ghosting into the box. Ben Arfa being there places far too much focus on him. We need someone who can play higher up the park than Ba, and do the donkey work when necessary. Best generally makes a good fist of this, plus he's far more of a goalscoring threat than HBA. Do you think Carroll and Ba would have worked? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Depends which Carroll you're talking about. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Depends which Carroll you're talking about. http://i.imgur.com/tPdbY.jpg No. http://i.imgur.com/jSDJM.jpg Yes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 That version of Carroll - the one that scored the winner against Arsenal - could probably play alongside any intelligent forward. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimistic Nut Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Would Ba get into those positions as he has done countless times this season if Carroll was occupying those positions? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 He certainly managed it with Best in the team. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimistic Nut Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Best plays completely different to Carroll though, he'll pop up wide, drop deeper, etc. Asking Carroll to do that would be a waste of his stengths. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 I don't agree. Carroll was often very effective for us dropping deeper to win the ball and turn it into possession. Plus, Best very rarely drops deeper than Ba. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimistic Nut Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 I don't agree. Carroll was often very effective for us dropping deeper to win the ball and turn it into possession. Plus, Best very rarely drops deeper than Ba. Difference was though, Carroll was the main man. Regardless whether we think Best is playing a similar role or not, Ba is the main striker now. I just don't think they'd have worked. Best and Ba works to a certain extent because I think Best is more willing to do more of the donkey work to help create stuff and make space for Ba. I doubt Carroll would/could do that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 I don't even think it's a valid discussion to be honest. Carroll is completely irrelevant now. Ba is only the main striker because he's getting more goals, and Best to a large extent facilitates that with his selflessness and his threat in the box. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fenham Mag Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 Pardew is a ....God Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Benarfanufc10 Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 WTF pardew shola ben arfa was very good vs city good vs man U and 45 min no ball kick and rush vs chelsea (chelsea win in CL Valencia 3 bestteam of liga) Obertan plays all game Ben arfa loan if pardew not want him. Kick and rush out of top 10 pl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BlacknWhiteArmy Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 Cool story bro. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alberto2005 Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 WTF pardew shola ben arfa was very good vs city good vs man U and 45 min no ball kick and rush vs chelsea (chelsea win in CL Valencia 3 bestteam of liga) Obertan plays all game Ben arfa loan if pardew not want him. Kick and rush out of top 10 pl Out of the top 10? Below who you moron. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 Shola offered more in 45 mins last week than Ben Arfa. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skirge Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 HBA will be gutted BUT I think he is looking at more route one today, midfield protect the back.. I can understand it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M4 Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 Not completely without merit though. Games he's started were against some of the best teams in the league. Him starting today could have given a fairer chance to shine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Icke - Son of God Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 Does seem bizarre that Pardew's patience with Obertan/Raylor/Simpson seems to be endless but HBA gets dropped after a pretty anonymous 45 minutes against one of the better sides in the league Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 Shola offered more in 45 mins last week than Ben Arfa. And yet we scored no more goals in the second half than we did in the first. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Benarfanufc10 Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 Does seem bizarre that Pardew's patience with Obertan/Raylor/Simpson seems to be endless but HBA gets dropped after a pretty anonymous 45 minutes against one of the better sides in the league Mascherano example pardew i don't understand why For best why not but shola and obertan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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