Get off Pardews back

Whether or not Pardew is succumbing to Ba's demands is an open question, and whether 4-3-3 is the readily deducible answer to all our problems is too. What isn't open for debate is that we haven't moved forward from last season's squad, something which is seldom a recipe for success in this league. Our players are aging, not made-up of up and coming youngsters who would benefit from a season of honing abilities. Teams know who to target and how we play, and teams around us have spent money wisely to advance their playing squad. I think a lack of transfer funds at what appears a critical point on reflection, has compounded issues.

Personally, I think our tactics have been poor on more than a couple of occasions this year, but against Fulham, once we got going, I thought it was an away performance we can probably build upon. Our next few games are incredibly difficult, it'll be interesting to see how Pardew approaches it.

 

We should just go for it against Citeh.

 

Last season Yaya destroyed us in midfield, this year he's been pretty poor, but most teams/players on a poor run have thumped us, so I'm not too optimistic at all!

Operation "Damage limitation til January" might dictate Pardew defends Chelski-against-Barca style

 

There are no easy games coming up, even against QPR who Harry will have fired up.
We have to try and go for a win in every game. We need to get back to winning back to back games.
Yes wev'e had injuries but all teams get them and I do wish Pardew would stop making it an excuse.
The fact of the matter is from getting into Europa league it has shown how thread bare our squad is.
Pardew tactics and subs are baffling sometimes but I think we have to stick with him.

 

Have to say I'm actually starting to disagree with this "we have to win every game" thing. I think at the moment, there should be times if we're drawing where we shut up shop.

I hate negative football, but at the moment we need every point we can get, so away from home, especially against tougher teams, I think we've got to take a different approach to the Pardew "we try to win every game".

Obviously there are certain teams we have to beat (QPR at home for example), but I think we should be approaching the Man U and Arsenal games with the idea to slow the game down, get men behind the ball, and maybe catch a goal on the counter if we get the chance. Just until we get back to a decent position in the table.

 

Agree completely. There is nothing wrong with being more cautious against teams who are clearly stronger on paper. Particularly away. Maybe Arsenal is an awkward one because they are every bit as vulnerable as us at present. People won't like this but I'd actually consider a more direct physical approach and look to upset the applecart.I simply think its about doing what is required over the next few weeks.

 

Exactly, last year, the "try to win every game" approach was fine as we had nothing to lose once we were safe, and it paid off with wins against chelsea away and man u at home. But this year we have to be a bit cleverer - we just need to get points, - survival and a more than decent cup run will do me now.