Yeah, we all had a dig at mike dean but overall he did ok, must have hated both teams today !... agree about stupid yellow cards too, Michu is asking for a ban isn't he ? Im seeing him do daft things like that far too often nowadays, sliding into tackles that he has no right to go for etc but we cant take that away from him can we? his whole game is based on playing on the edge and he needs that blood pumping to get himself gee'd up etc .
Absolutely agree Norway - Michu's passion is what makes him the player he is - yep, he will pick up his fair share of yellows, but his game is all about passion - watched him closely pre-season and he celebrated his goals as if they were FA Cup winners - regardless of the quality of the opposition! That's why he is a fan's favourite - every game is a must win regardless of the opposition, he will always give 110%!
I think most of us realised that our season started today, and there was definitely more fluidity to our game this afternoon, Routledge was much improved on his previous games, shame he didn't get on the score sheet, but it will come, and Hernandez is really starting to motor, but for me, Michu was my player of the game, he is such a dedicated work horse, and so unselfish at the cutting edge of the final third, his pick on the loose ball to Hernandez was an example, because he could have moved behind the ball himself for a easy shot on goal, but instead chose to gift it to Hernandez, for me Michu is in the Jack hall of fame already, and I really hope we can keep him for a good few seasons. I'd like to mention Cannas, as when I saw the line up and no Leon, I was a bit concerned, but have to say that there was no need for any concern, with Cannas coming in, he really is a great replacement for Leon, so cool and assured, yet with grit too, controlling at the back well, and this at just three games in, he looks as if he's played for us for many seasons! All in all a great day, and as Norway has said previously, this should now, put to bed all the negativity regarding our great manager!................
Good post Dragon - exactly as I saw it! Michu was indeed the star player - great vision and totally unselfish, his pass to Ben was sublime - will be keeping a watch on the transfer window; Wenger can do one - there is not enough money in the world that will compensate us for Michu!!!
"and so unselfish at the cutting edge of the final third". Something of the Bard in there somewhere,Dragon. Poetry in motion,boyo. Pulitzer Prize you after,is it?
Michu is the stand out performer so far this season,no doubt about it. His work rate and commitment to the cause,coupled with his vision and unselfishness, make him a prized asset that other Clubs' can only dream of having in their ranks. We are so lucky to have him. Wenger doesn't have enough money at his disposal to even make a down payment on this fabulous football player.
You think so? I'll take it as a compliment from one so learned in all things linguistic, cheers Vetch!............
Yes that one too cartoon, he is so passionate in the game, I just love it, your right AV can sling his hook!.............
I thought canas was motm for me. The ability to be the "go to " guy after just 3 games and look as if you've played in the team for years takes some doing, especially as Leon is normally missed greatly when not playing. I said about canas before he played/signed that he is going to be some player. He hasn't even got into his full stride yet, at times today he was chasing two players for the ball an wasn't giving up either. e has more physical bite than Leon which we are going to need in buckets this season, its going to be good for leon also as now he can play his top game more often instead of being off colour now and again. I think a few of us have said that canas will be number 1 this season doesn't look like we will be wrong either, looks great in that position and doesn't mind having a bash further forward with the ball either .
By the way Vetch, I owe you an apology mate, I was out of order telling you to 'b' off yesterday, sorry for that!................
I agree with your assesment there of Cannas Norway, but for me Michu was everywhere, and I know he got carded for something daft, but he's all heart and passion, and I really love that in a player, and he edged it for me over Cannas!..............
I love the way ML in todays interview makes sure he reminds the press that Canas was a freebie when they wanted to talk Jonjo's performance. Canas is this years Michu type bargain
I didn't see it,Dragon,I guess it was on the thread I stopped reading.. No problem,anyway,I know you love me really,especially when I recommend you for a pulitzer,pullover,or whatever?
Glad you didn't see it then, anyway all water under the bridge of life's colourful tapestry Vetch! Oh the Ides of a footy forum.................
Finally, I am able to get back on the board. Great job, done well; a nice and essential 3 points. It was good to see us getting and keeping the ball more. We need to be a little sharper in our tiki-taka style of play. Would have liked to have seen Ki in there instead of Shelvey, but that's my last gripe on the loss of Ki, it is what it is and we move on. Lovely bit of composure and skill by Pablo to set up the first goal and glad he finally slotted in the second. I don't know what to make of WBA. Were they that bad or us that good. Credit for us we can only play what's in front of us and although we squandered a couple of chances to bury the game earlier, we dominated posession away from home and closed it out well. As for WBA, they could be the surprise negative of the season - too early to tell whether they are in danger of having to fight to stay up - any team with Anelka is going to be a handful, but take Anelka off the field today and they were alarmingly weak. Every thing that was tricky, creative and dangerous from WBA emanated from Anelka. I was expecting something more from Sinclair - how can you practice every day against the players that City have and not have picked up something. On today's showing, I'm amazed he even made the bench there. And at 34, Anelka can play on my team any day of the week. What a performance today.
Agree Yankee. Anelka still has it in bucket loads at this level. I was surprised with Sinclair too and I thought the Jack army would have given him a warm applause when he got subbed,after all he is probably one of the most key players in the History of our club and scored a hat trick in the play-off final. I guess he wil get that reception if he comes down here and we are winning the game. Sinclair looks like he has gone backwards,knowing how poor rangel is these days I was a bit shocked Sinclair didn't have a go more often,his movement off the ball was also poor felt a bit for the boy , he has possibly blown his career prospects yet again by taking the money and running from the swans . WBA being crap or good is the burning question, somewhere in the middle im guessing. We played Spurs at home where pressure dictated a win was critical,same when we played Man utd , the other teams we have enough in our locker to compete against, I just think that we were seeing us play a team on our own level .
He does look very fired up, sometimes overly, which is going to get him a red some time soon! He seems more likely to set one up this season and his tracking back is worthy of mention. He means as much to us as a hardworking midfielder as his goals for us. Well done Miguel, you have endeared your self to all us Jacks, keep it up, but watch that aggressive edge!
WBA did look dangerous on the break and for me Shelvey has got to stop giving the ball away so cheaply. Several incidents come to mind where stray long balls go into touch or it goes to the opposition from where they break. I know he's still learning but it seems sometimes the short pass will bring more dividends than spraying it across the park only for it to be picked off. Remember when we've got the ball they, the opposition can't hurt us . Great result though and at last points on the board.
Bit of an away banker. WBA's stats this season are alarming for Baggies fans. Maybe (hopefully) they will be one of the 3 teams City can target to be below them. I thought Hull would be but not so sure now. Palace likewise if they bag a few more signings today and tighten up their defence. Sunderland, Fulham and Norwich potential candidates for the drop?
