Only watched the first half of the game. But, Bruce played very well in that game and made some excellent interceptions. Swanny and Burnsy thought he was excellent listening to their commentary and its likely that Swanny is a better judge than many of us. Did think that he was a little wayward with his passing when he tried long ball, but, he was not the only one. Perhaps the negative view of him is because many of us are being dragged into the murky waters of alleged nepotism.
Bruce's tackling is very good and his reading of the game is fine too, it's just his ability on the ball and his passing that are poor, he's also quite slow. I'd agree with Fig in at centre-half but if it were between Faye and Bruce for West Ham I'd probably go Faye due to physicality, some are being far too harsh on Bruce and overrating Faye though.
More importantly, I just got my daily pointless answer on Pointless Q. Parties that got 100,000+ votes in the 2010 General Election A. Sinn Fein Congratulations, Erik, you've won £3,250!
I do agree that would rather have Chester than Bruce but get a grip! Some of the stuff on here suggesting we have lost the game if Bruce plays is just mad. Chester made plenty of mistakes last season but they rarely get commented on. When Bruce played as a centre back last season I don't think we lost many games and he was very steady. Yes, I'd rather have Chester but think either Faye or Bruce can step up.
Same ten that started @ Newcastle with Faye in for James Chester. No need to do anything else. Figgs has been away a while and maybe best to keep him for the Villa game next week when Elmo and Gedo will be missing. (WC Egypt duty). Nobody who started at Newcastle deserves to be dropped. FACT.
This thread is just an excuse to knock Bruce Jnr again. I thought we had put that to bed last season when in his overall play he was as good as any defender, as has been said Chester's mistakes get overlooked. Including some he has already made this season.
I thought Bruce was OK last season at CB - better than expected and nowhere near as bad a many like to make out. But this is now the Prem and I am a tad more worried. However, let's not judge him till we've seen him play. Faye was decent enough too but his lack of pace against faster Premier League forwards could see him undone. Suppose we'll just have to see how they do.
That's not the only problem with Faye. Every time I saw him play last season, after the game he looked like he needed help getting off the pitch. What's he going to be like playing 2 games in 5 days?
You would be hard pressed to find any other actually. Faye will want to prove a point or 2 to Big Sam Lard-yce for starters and if Faye fades then bring on Bruce jnr. I dont see much to worry about from the Hammers attack more from there midfield.
Yep agreed. TBH I was happy he was given a year's extension but only really as a means to close down games in the last 15-20 mins that we're winning. Or maybe to play against the more physical teams. I can't see him being anywhere near a 90 min regular.
You know, I just get seriously pissed off with these idiots always slating Bruce. He didn't let us down when he played in defence last season. His display at Orient this season against a side that led an onslaught on our goal was man of the match stuff. Not the quickest and not the best passer of the ball but a handy centre back, not midfield, and I wouldn't have any problem if he played on Saturday. He wouldn't be my first choice as I would leave Rosie at full back and put Figeroa in at centre back, nor would I have any problem with Faye playing because as well as being a handy centre back he is also a goal threat at set pieces.
I'm watching England women and they're 3-0 up after half-an-hour (scored twice in the first three minutes). I'd take either of their Turkish opponent's centre-halves over Bruce Junior. He's crap, and he'll be a complete liability in the Premier League (as he was in Division Two last year)
Who ever plays we all have to back him. we all know we would rather have Chester because he as that extra pace which is so important in the premier League but if its Bruce then he is a decent tackler and will put is body on the line although at times is distribution isn't the best. regarding Faye well he is so strong a danger at corners but is well past is best because he as lost that vital yard witch Sam Allardyce will be well aware of been is former manager in fact i remember him saying two seasons ago he was their best player for two thirds of the season when West ham were in the championship but he was releasing him because he would get caught out with pace in the premiership. Its a difficult decision for SB but like i say who ever it is give him a loud cheer and get behind him
