Heron Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 Can't wait for that to be sang against Spurs. Sky will fucking love it, that's the downside. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
QBG Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 5 more points this month and we're halfway to safety only 3 months into the season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BooBoo Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 Great start but hopefully Pardew will have learned a few lessons yesterday: I. I dont think Obertan is someone who should be starting away from home. He doesn't strike me as someone who will dig in against the odds and I think his pace would be much effective as a sub, coming on against tiring defences. II. Speaking of subs, Lovenkrands is the last player we should ever bring on when defending a lead. He has little pace and limited strength. He cannot hold the ball up and he's limited to being a half decent penalty box poacher these days. III. Ben Arfa is a conundrum. From the comments I've read I don't think Pardew is keen on starting him. I don't know whether that's because he's loathe to drop in form players or because he doesn't think Ben Arfa is ready yet. I've a feeling he'll stay on the bench until we inevitably pick up an injury or two to solve Pardew's problem for him. IV. Spurs will be a test, they've got very good wide players and I just wonder whether Pardew will hold Santon back again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sifu Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 Great start but hopefully Pardew will have learned a few lessons yesterday: I. I dont think Obertan is someone who should be starting away from home. He doesn't strike me as someone who will dig in against the odds and I think his pace would be much effective as a sub, coming on against tiring defences. II. Speaking of subs, Lovenkrands is the last player we should ever bring on when defending a lead. He has little pace and limited strength. He cannot hold the ball up and he's limited to being a half decent penalty box poacher these days. III. Ben Arfa is a conundrum. From the comments I've read I don't think Pardew is keen on starting him. I don't know whether that's because he's loathe to drop in form players or because he doesn't think Ben Arfa is ready yet. I've a feeling he'll stay on the bench until we inevitably pick up an injury or two to solve Pardew's problem for him. IV. Spurs will be a test, they've got very good wide players and I just wonder whether Pardew will hold Santon back again. A bit of both I reckon, the lad has been out for a year so I'm thinking the plan is to ease him back into the side. However in the meantime, Pardew will probably argue that the side he's putting out now has been doing well for him/given the club a fantastic start so why change a "proven formula" so to speak. Relating to your last sentence about Ben Arfa, I reckon this is very likely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 Agree with everything that has been said in here so far. Delighted at the start we have made both in the league and the cup. One very winnable game away from the quarters. As has been said before, I'd like to see Marveaux come in for Obertan. He was absolutely terrific in the Carling Cup game against Forest and looks like he really utilise's his pace, unlike Obertan. Santon has to come in at left back for the Spurs game which will hopefully mean Raylor takes Simpson's place at RB. Can't fault Raylor for his work rate and efforts this season and I think Simpson has been a bit of a liability this season in a few games. Hopefully, a rest from the first team will get him back to his top form like it did last season with his best games coming against West Ham A/Mackems H/Arsenal A when he came back into the first team. Think one more sub appearance from Hatem will do and after that I'd like to see him be put into the first X1, probably in place of Best. Think it will be harsh on him because he's been brilliant so far but Hatem has quality where he can see a pass or take a shot like no one else in our team can. Also, I think huge credit has to go to Pardew for the start we've made. He had a frustrating transfer window but he's got the players working brilliantly together and we've played some cracking football so far this season. Long may it continue Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliassenfredrik Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 What do people mean by "easing him into the side"? (based on a lot of comments here and nearly everywhere) I mean, his injury is FINALLY behind him, he is back to full fitness training wise, so the only thing he needs is match practice. Which he will gain from playing MATCHES. And when you have a player as good as Ben Arfa, you simply have to play him, especially when you're not Barcelona. I can understand the cameo in the Blackburn game. Fair enough. Also kind of understandable that he wasn't given game time against a physical Wolves side, but on the other side; what kind of excuse is that? He's not made of glass, and he's fit. Play him. If I were to define "easing him into the side" it would be exactly what is happening now, and so the easing bit is over and he is bound to start against Tottenham. Why Marveaux did not start on Saturday I can't explain, at all. I understand that you have to take into account that our side is unbeaten, but as said in other threads; it's better to get HBA into the side while we're on this excellent form, rather then do it after the inevitable defeat. Especially when thinking of better opposition, like Tottenham. Same obviously goes for Davide Santon, who has to replace either of the fullbacks. Yes, we're unbeaten, but that's not an excuse when looking at some of the individual performances. I believe in reason, not always what the table speaks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolution Number 9 Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 What do people mean by "easing him into the side"? (based on a lot of comments here and nearly everywhere) I mean, his injury is FINALLY behind him, he is back to full fitness training wise, so the only thing he needs is match practice. Which he will gain from playing MATCHES. And when you have a player as good as Ben Arfa, you simply have to play him, especially when you're not Barcelona. I can understand the cameo in the Blackburn game. Fair enough. Also kind of understandable that he wasn't given game time against a physical Wolves side, but on the other side; what kind of excuse is that? He's not made of glass, and he's fit. Play him. If I were to define "easing him into the side" it would be exactly what is happening now, and so the easing bit is over and he is bound to start against Tottenham. Why Marveaux did not start on Saturday I can't explain, at all. I understand that you have to take into account that our side is unbeaten, but as said in other threads; it's better to get HBA into the side while we're on this excellent form, rather then do it after the inevitable defeat. Especially when thinking of better opposition, like Tottenham. Same obviously goes for Davide Santon, who has to replace either of the fullbacks. Yes, we're unbeaten, but that's not an excuse when looking at some of the individual performances. I believe in reason, not always what the table speaks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magpie Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 What do people mean by "easing him into the side"? (based on a lot of comments here and nearly everywhere) I mean, his injury is FINALLY behind him, he is back to full fitness training wise, so the only thing he needs is match practice. Which he will gain from playing MATCHES. And when you have a player as good as Ben Arfa, you simply have to play him, especially when you're not Barcelona. I can understand the cameo in the Blackburn game. Fair enough. Also kind of understandable that he wasn't given game time against a physical Wolves side, but on the other side; what kind of excuse is that? He's not made of glass, and he's fit. Play him. If I were to define "easing him into the side" it would be exactly what is happening now, and so the easing bit is over and he is bound to start against Tottenham. Why Marveaux did not start on Saturday I can't explain, at all. I understand that you have to take into account that our side is unbeaten, but as said in other threads; it's better to get HBA into the side while we're on this excellent form, rather then do it after the inevitable defeat. Especially when thinking of better opposition, like Tottenham. Same obviously goes for Davide Santon, who has to replace either of the fullbacks. Yes, we're unbeaten, but that's not an excuse when looking at some of the individual performances. I believe in reason, not always what the table speaks. So would you drop either Ba or Best and put him straight in against Spurs? For me it's the perfect game but does one of them deserved to be dropped? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliassenfredrik Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 What do people mean by "easing him into the side"? (based on a lot of comments here and nearly everywhere) I mean, his injury is FINALLY behind him, he is back to full fitness training wise, so the only thing he needs is match practice. Which he will gain from playing MATCHES. And when you have a player as good as Ben Arfa, you simply have to play him, especially when you're not Barcelona. I can understand the cameo in the Blackburn game. Fair enough. Also kind of understandable that he wasn't given game time against a physical Wolves side, but on the other side; what kind of excuse is that? He's not made of glass, and he's fit. Play him. If I were to define "easing him into the side" it would be exactly what is happening now, and so the easing bit is over and he is bound to start against Tottenham. Why Marveaux did not start on Saturday I can't explain, at all. I understand that you have to take into account that our side is unbeaten, but as said in other threads; it's better to get HBA into the side while we're on this excellent form, rather then do it after the inevitable defeat. Especially when thinking of better opposition, like Tottenham. Same obviously goes for Davide Santon, who has to replace either of the fullbacks. Yes, we're unbeaten, but that's not an excuse when looking at some of the individual performances. I believe in reason, not always what the table speaks. So would you drop either Ba or Best and put him straight in against Spurs? For me it's the perfect game but does one of them deserved to be dropped? Would drop Best, as Ba is the better player and he also deserves it based on the last two games. Best has impressed me lately though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rey Mysterio Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 What do people mean by "easing him into the side"? (based on a lot of comments here and nearly everywhere) I mean, his injury is FINALLY behind him, he is back to full fitness training wise, so the only thing he needs is match practice. Which he will gain from playing MATCHES. And when you have a player as good as Ben Arfa, you simply have to play him, especially when you're not Barcelona. I can understand the cameo in the Blackburn game. Fair enough. Also kind of understandable that he wasn't given game time against a physical Wolves side, but on the other side; what kind of excuse is that? He's not made of glass, and he's fit. Play him. If I were to define "easing him into the side" it would be exactly what is happening now, and so the easing bit is over and he is bound to start against Tottenham. Why Marveaux did not start on Saturday I can't explain, at all. I understand that you have to take into account that our side is unbeaten, but as said in other threads; it's better to get HBA into the side while we're on this excellent form, rather then do it after the inevitable defeat. Especially when thinking of better opposition, like Tottenham. Same obviously goes for Davide Santon, who has to replace either of the fullbacks. Yes, we're unbeaten, but that's not an excuse when looking at some of the individual performances. I believe in reason, not always what the table speaks. So would you drop either Ba or Best and put him straight in against Spurs? For me it's the perfect game but does one of them deserved to be dropped? Would drop Best, as Ba is the better player and he also deserves it based on the last two games. Best has impressed me lately though. Best was much better than Ba yesterday. It's a really tough choice but one of the two simply has to make way for Hatem. Best has the better all round game but Ba is all about goals so on that basis Ba probably edges it. Glad Pardew has to choose and not me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
binnsy Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 A fantastic start to the season and the whole atmosphere around the club and with the fans is brilliant. The start has exceeded our expectations however, if was important for us to get off to a good start, as why i wouldn't necessarily say we had easy games, we had games that we'd have said were winnable when the fixtures came out and getting the points on the board is a bonus for when we fave the tough games in November . The feel good factor though isn't just with the first team as we also have the reserves with the prospect of going top of the reserve league above Man U should they win their game in hand against Bolton this week which i expect them to do. The under 18 academy side beat the mackems 4-0 at the weekend to also go top of the league as well. It is probably a sign of how far we have come and how good the start has been when we are now debating about whether or not the likes of Raylor and Best should keep their place in the side.....if someone had predicted that before the season started you'd have said he/she was mental!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan_Taylor Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 International breaks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beren Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 I've added a poll, just to spice things up on here on an otherwise boring Saturday. Omitted the Manchester and Chelsea spots, but left in everything from 4th down for the few extremely optimistic and positive posters on here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiresias Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 I've gone for 9th, which I think would be a pretty solid result to build upon and a compromise between the great start and the optimism of that and the nagging worry it can't go on forever and we're going to have a slump. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 I said top 10 to my mates the other week so I'll stick with that - voted 10th. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest axel Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 9th. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiLvOR Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 Who the hell put 20th I put 7th. Come at me bros. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David28 Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 Voted 6th. It's too early to vote, though. Lose against Spurs and it can go wrong from there. Win against Spurs and who knows where we can finish? That's why I think the match against Spurs is so very important for our season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fenham Mag Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 I genuinely believe 7th, i think we are best of the rest outside Man U, Man City, Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool,Chelsea. Could even pip Arsenal for 6th . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenige Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 Think the real test comes when we start playing the better teams. Not necessarily Man City or Man Utd, but more the Spurs, Everton and Liverpool. Have been delighted with the start, the only game where we were really second best was at QPR and we still came away with a point. I'm not getting carried away yet, but there's unless we get stung by injuries we shouldn't fear anyone outside the top few teams and at the moment with this kind of momentum should go to anyone thinking we can pick up points. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sifu Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 I got excited and chose 7th but having had a longer thought about it, I say we'll finish 8th. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norseman Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 Voted 10th as I did before the season started. I think its easy to get carried away with the great results we've had so far, but I'm sticking with my prediction. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
matta Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 top 10 finish would be nice. Would be very happy with 7/8! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mimifrench Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 Please, stop with your pessimism... I voted 4th, and i think i'm the only one lol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 9th. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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