HBA does a Mr T and doesn't get on plane... is he away?

I have said before that HBA is a player who always thinks me first rather than what can I do for the team, at the moment we have Gouffran and Sissoko providing strength on the wings going forward and both are strong players when it comes to the defensive role giving additional coverage for the back 4, they also because of their understanding allow Cabaye a great freedom to play around in all areas of the pitch. HBA is weakened by his strength, he has almost tunnel vision in that he wants to get the ball go forward and score, sometimes it's brilliant, too often it's wasteful and he doesn't provide a defensive strength. For me Pardew has found the strong unit who can win games and as shown against Man City can compete with the best, decisions changed the complex of that game rather than Man City, they are working well as a team and whenever that happens you have to stick with it as the most important issue is results not the egos of some of the other players. If HBA played with Cabaye's attitude he would be playing each week, great forward vision, goals, assists and a player who gets stuck in when needed to help the team, no wonder the media are on about his transfer value and in a world cup year I would think Cabaye will get the call ahead of HBA.

 

He is brought on when we are chasing the game, because when he was given the opportunity earlier in the season to impact the game from the off, he just didn't perform and hurt the flow of the team. He was running down blind alleys then and hogging the ball.

He was taken out and we haven't looked back since. I would love him to realise his potential, he'd be a world beater. Unfortunately the lad is 26 so it looks like it wasn't just immaturity afterall. I think he is a good sub to have. He'll probably leave as he won't be happy and I have no problem with that. He'll then tear it up for a bit for his new team before going to his head, slinking back to the inconsistent genius.

The change does not need to come from how he is managed, formations, position, the manager or coaching staff. To get the best from him, the change has to come from himself. I'm not sure its in his locker.

 

Sissoko rarely plays a 7+/10 game, He is poor going forward and often makes terrible decisions on when to pass if he can put someone through on goal.He should play against the big teams as he can be useful defending but HBA should start against the bottom 12/10

 

I'd have agreed early doors when Sissoko didn't look interested. However he has been very solid for a long period now. More than that he creates a lot more than HBA does which is what the team needs. I'd have to disagree overall as Sissoko has been pretty consistent since going out right and gives you a 7+ most weeks now. HBA gives you one 9 or 10, but then 5five or six 4 or 5 matches.

I can fully understand why people like HBA, he is exciting to watch in that odd magical performance. To me though its all about the team and the results. We play better without HBA, score more goals and win more games.

 

I say sell him while his stock is high.

 

His stocks not that high at the moment. His inconsistency and occasional brilliance are both well documented. If we get 10 million, we are doing well, although that would represent a profit at least. Would we get a player of equal quality easily for that fee though?

 

Ben Arfa is clearly overweight which is affecting his performances.

 

Too many Greggs trips

 

"One or me, 5 for Mike, 7 for Joe.............................."