Hopefully we'll start seeing the best of him. We're starting to use his ability off the ball, not just on. He's got some canny skill, but his best use is his pace. Did you see it when Ameobi played that back heel pass for Ober to run on? That's what we need to do more, play him through, because without the ball, no one is catching him. On the ball he's not as quick. I'm really happy to see him starting to come good.
Looks like we have just failed to discover he is a left winger afterall. Done well of late has brie heed. Looks strong on the ball too having bulked up considerably
Thought he did well last night and although no one would call him brave, he got stuck in to a couple of tackles that previously he would have bottled. Guilty however of turning his back on the Baines free kick. Was l the only one who was at a loss as to why Pardew subbed him ? He was providing some threat at least. Have to say some of Pardew's tactical and sub decisions of late have left me shaking my head in confusion. Hope Obertan continues his vein of good form as it can only be good for his confidence.
Thought it was a poor sub. He had been really quiet after the break but had just showed his first sign of life. Nothing wrong with waiting to see. Aye I forgot about the free kick, you need braver people in the wall so I blame Pardew for that.
Mind you, Baines caught that free kick with such power, not sure l would have stuck my face in front of it either lol. Funny isn't it that l was berating Ober for being a whimp, when with hindsight, still, l am not being paid shed loads of money to risk a broken nose, and it's not as if the ball was going to ruin his good looks lol. Onwards and upwards.
See I'm old fashioned and your face has to go in the way for me! As a manager though you have to know your players and know who is going to be brave enough to do that. As you say its not like he was risking his good looks either. I wouldn't call him a wimp as such because it just isn't for some people. Its down to the manager to make sure you have it all sorted before you go on the pitch. Its like in cricket when you stand at silly point/silly mid on or off/short leg. Some people are just made for it, they won't shy away and will get low. Sometimes teams opt to put the least experienced guy in there but it should always be who is the best fielder there.
Sort of agree with you Pouchy, however deciding who goes in the wall is a training ground issue, the wall is positioned at the time by your keeper, and where each player stands within that wall, is at the time for me, down to your Captain to ensure is correct. Perhaps therein lies part of the problem, as recently, Colo just doesn't seem to be commanding and leading the team with the vigor he previously did. I thought his body language looked off and there is too much eyebrow raising and shoulder shrugging going on, whereas before there was passionate encouragement and debate. Guess that diminishes when your luck is out and things are not going well, but then, that brings you back to your leadership and role models. Sky Sports are just about to show a piece about the issue of defensive walls and those who did and those who didn't. Should be interesting viewing.
Glad to see this discussion cos he seemed to be getting a lot of stick from toon fans last night & not knowing any thing about him I thought he had a fairly good first half
You'll not find anyone more critical of Colo at present than me GITF. Seriously disappointed. Thought he fully deserved all the praise he got last year when new to the role. Leadership is both being commanding on the pitch and leding by example. he is neither at present. He must have costs us 6 goals over the last 7 games or so and that is simply not good enough from your captain, particularly when they are as talented as Colo. I feel walls is a mixture of things like many things in football. A manager should dictate to his players how he wants walls set up etc. Captains should ensure those thoughts are followed in the heat of battle and of course players should show a degree of intelligence too. None of those seemed to have happened last night. Only Pards and the players know if they orgainse these things on the training ground but I suppose you'd have to hope and assume they do! I do have faith he'll regain his composure again though as he is surpremely talented and has led well at times (Mackems away)
It was only recently that I learnt Obetan's forenames were not infact That and ****ing as all I ever herd was "That Ficking Obertans" so I assumed his parents just didn't like him. It was a real shock to learn his actual name was Gabriel. Being playing well of late, no idea what Pardew subbed him last night. Keep it up TF
The lad has improved a lot. Showed some great skill last night and not afraid to get stuck in. Couldnt believe it when Pardew took him off.
Was opening bowler and batsman, but when I wasn't bowling I didn't mind where I fielded. Was told by a pro that I was worth my place in the team for my fielding ability alone.
I thought it was strange also... it didn't make any sense unless he was tired? He's not played a great deal recently so I would be surprised if it was fatigue...
Hard to understand Pardew's actions at times. Doesn't seem to be any logical reason behind some of them, guess we've just got to trust that he has a valid reason for what he does.
Clueless I'd say, until proven otherwise. I liked him last season... A lot of victories were in direct relation to his tactics and preparation for sure. But this season has just been an abomination. As for Obertan, yes he has been playing well...So why sub him? The same reason I was pissed off the previous game where he took off Cisse who was our most dangerous player at that point of time. I like how Obertan and Marveaux have upped their game recently. It's only going to make us stronger
