Ok, I think's he's been outstanding. I also believe that the majority would agree with me. In pretty much every game, the opposition have set out to wind him up. He has not responded - that's restraint in anyone's terms, let alone a loose cannon. You don't like him - I get it!
I have always liked him off the pitch and have to say his play this season will be a great testament to his career. I said at the time that If i was in the same situation at Man City I would have taken a few with me. I have just read the article on the OFF and liked it a lot. From watching him against Wednesday live on the first day little can argue that he has been very good. Where he lets himself down is that he forgot that he could play and still believed he still could. This year he has grown back into a good player no one on here can really suggest that he hasn't done that. On top of his game he is good but not a great player but the way he is going and growing he could well become great
No I am not forgetting what he was previously, because he is "our joey". I am saying since the start of the season, he has not done too much wrong. He has be combative, but not over the top....and on the whole he has been provoked, really provoked. He has not been "outstanding" either ...except in a few cameo moments (e.g. Reading free kick), but he has been a solid backbone to the team., actually just what we need. He has twittered a bit too much for me, but not too bad. Of course all this may change in a blink of an eye...e.g. on Saturday.....but...what more can we ask of him. If has (and has is followed by ???????) changed, the only way he can prove it by actions....and so far so good....and if he manages this change for the rest of his career well, well done, and we should praise him for it.. We will see if all I have said is just wishful thinking or not...only time will tell
A player who tries something all the time will have a low pass success rate but create more chances, a player who does nothing but backwards passes will have a high success rate, see also Joe Allen. Henry has created more chances and goals for the opposition than he has for us.
Every game I have seen Barton this season he has been Man of the Match or a definite contender for that. He has looked like he is the machine on which the team is running on. He has been all over the park, defending and tackling well, creating well, shooting and delivery dead balls well, all with just about controlled ferocity. When he loses the ball he is always chasing back trying hard to get it back, and often does. I'd prefer to see him arguing a bit less with the officials, but so far to his big credit he has not reacted to bad provocation. Overall he has been immense.
We we're here before him & thankfully will be here long after he's gone. I'm very much in the minority regarding Barton, looking forward to seeing the back of him.
Unfortunately with today's over-paid professional footballers, excess money can bring out the worst in person, and exacerbate illusions of self-importance. At the end of the day, we the supporters will be here long after each and every one of the current squad will be long gone. But while they pull a hooped shirt, and put in the effort on the pitch, I for one will not be judging those "in the fishbowl" of modern football.
Personally cant stand him & dont care if he falls under a bus TBH BUT He's doing a job for us right now. Get us up then f**k off! If he doe that then that will make me appreciate him more Cheers Joey!
Oh no - not another Joey Barton thread. We all know already exactly what everyone else thinks of him. We can pick up weapons of choice again at the end of the season, when (touch wood/clutch rabbit's foot/cross fingers/ don't mention the 'P' word/pray we can look forward to a season back in the Premier league. Same goes for Adel.
Was that Joey that wrote the first message on this thread Okey, the decreasing minority still finds something to moan about Joey and thats ok by me. Remember thou how difficult you find it to replace him if he gets a long term injury or be transferred to other club?
...or, more likely, suspended. lets cross that bridge when we come to it, he's not a difficult player to replace, just an engine. Of course everyone thinks he's a genius playing against the titans of the Championship. His other 'great' season was for Toon in the Championship too, he's found his level.
