OK let's relax now!

Sure it was a toothless, gutless and disappointing display which showed how much we lacked that leadership and experience that Nolan brings(the goals as well), that defensive solidity Tiote gives us, Best's work-rate, threat and energy, Ameobi's experience, strength and power. Not including Ben Arfa's creativity which would've unlocked a stubborn and determined Villa defense. I noticed a couple of things which I want to point out.. feel free to disagree with me!

1) I thought Guthrie played really well in the first half but unfortunately faded away in the second. Lack of match fitness/stamina at fault IMO. Showed good composure and technical ability.
2) Ranger was very disappointing IMO. Needs a loan move(CC/SPL level). Collins had him in his back pocket ALL day long. He showed his lack of experience and ''know-how'' in two situations were he could have passed it to the ''active'' Loverman but didn't because of greed and wanting to shoot for glory all by himself.

3) Team selection by Pardew was a bit wrong IMO. Should have started Raylor, shifted Barton to CM and left Colo back with Willo.
4) IMO with a full strength team(including Ben Arfa) we could've won. Villa didn't play that well at all in the first half but improved and edged us in the second, although a draw would've been a fair result.

IMO this game showed we need a quality CB(better than Willo/Saylor) to partner Colo. We all know who would be the perfect one.. but I'll love Brede Hangleand*? as well, sure he's not getting any younger but surely worth a cheeky bid, same with Swacross/Huth?

ROLL ON MAN UNITED! IRELAND'S DEBUT!

 

It's our own fault for not playing him down in the CCC.

You can see the potential, he just lacks the experience which he should have started getting the CC.

 

Agree, move on and get ready for Man U with Tiote and Ireland in the side. I wouldnt target a CB primarily though, Colo is class and I dont really have a problem with Williamson. Would like us to see how Kadar gets on as well before throwing money at what is not a massive issue IMO.


Team for Man U:

----------------Harper
Simpson--Williamson--Colo--Enrique
Barton--Nolan--Tiote--Ireland--Jonas
----------------Shola

That said, I thought Guthrie was good today.

 

I like that line-up Smudger. Push Ireland behind Shola if possible?

 

Yeah it's quite flexible, you'd have Nolan and Ireland breaking from midfield when attacking. Also a much stronger bench compared to today.

Todays: Krul, Tavernier, Ferguson, Raylor, Donaldson, Richardson, Kuqi - 3 senior players
Potential for Man U: Krul, Perch, Saylor, Raylor, Guthrie, Lover, Ranger - 7 senior players

 

Isn't Nolan out for Man Utd?

 

Ah yes, how did I forget, Guthrie for Nolan then in that case

 

Ranger had a hard time, had at least two men on him most of the time. If anything I think Lover was totally disjointed, even more so than normal. You could literally see the hole in midfield where Nolan usually occupies which explains why our strikers were easily closed down and isolated.

Totally laid bare our thin squad, nothing else. Can't knock the effort, they just ain't first teamers and Barton, Colo and Guthrie shouldered most of the challenge in midfield without Tiote to back them up or an attacking midfielder to threaten the Vile defence. I'm not worried in the slightest. If anything it's made me appreciate Nolan more. I'm not his biggest fan but I really appreciate what he does for the club, especially the goals, and we could've done with him today imo. More so than Tiote.

 

Guthrie would fit in that line up, IF we played a Citeh style 4-2-3-1, and have him next to Tiote.

Personally, I'd play:

-------------Harper--------------
Simmo----Collo----Saylor----Jose
--------------Tiote-------------
Barton-------Ireland------Jonas
------Shola--------Kuqi---------

And try to cause problems for them with the two big men up top.

Anyone know when Wor Bennie is back playing fit???

 

Thought Williamson done pretty well today. Taylor looked off the pace and we were better when Colo went to CB and R. Taylor went on the right. At least we got a couple of decent crosses in.

Today showed that in defence we looked ok, other than their goal we kept them pretty quiet. We looked okay because we had all our defenders fit (except Kadar). Up front and midfield was another story. We didn't have Ben Arfa, Gosling, Tiote, Nolan, Smith, Best and Ameobi. If they were available we'd have got at least a point today, probably three.

I'm still happy with where we are, still 7 above the bottom three. With players to come back for the remainder of this season and next season there's no reason we can't push on. Any team missing that many midfielders and strikers that would have been in the first team would struggle going forward.

 

know how you feel mate

 

So says the voice of wisdom 19 and still sucks a dummy, oops sorry from what i read from your fellow supporters you are the dummy

 

I'd like to see Ireland start against United but I wouldn't want to rush him back and Guthrie has played well so possibly start Guthrie and get him on as sub after an hour or so.

 

6-1 on aggregate

 

What are you thinking for my cross that Joey almost score? SO CLOSE!

 

Very good cross. It was a indifferent performance though IMO from you Jose. Tienes que mejorar un poco, pero trabajaste muy duro para el equipo y eso es lo mejor.

 

My head is not on the game fully today. All talking for Liverpool is distracting. =(

I am tired now after game but I have made cheering up on this site after disappointing.

Buenas noches. =)

 

It might sound a little crazy but in terms of another CB to partner Coloccini, d'you reckon we could get Ivanovic from Chelsea for 10-12 million? just a thought.

 

Wages would be a major problem, can imagine him being on 70-80k a week. Also I think they'd be eager to keep him as cover. Would love someone of that caliber though.

 

we would have one if we had nolan and tiote fit, we wouldnt need ben arfa for this one, just not enough quality on the pitch