Obviously he's the butt of all jokes, but recently, when he's come off the bench and played in the centre of midfield he's actually looked okay. I really think this is a better position for him than in defence. Did okay against Stoke, managed to break up the play as we held onto our lead, did a decent pass vs Man City for Ba before Gosling scored and did some protection work against Man United I still don't rate him, especially as a defender (Blackburn game, for eg), but I think bringing him on when our other CM's may be tired or on a booking isn't the worst idea in the world anymore. Just me?
You're not alone. A few pages back is this thread: http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/105353-Perchino (not mentioning this because I think you should have scoured through 3 pages, just because you asked if you were alone in thinking as you do).
It's true though, he is more suited to playing where he has been recently. Still would rather see somebody else come on instead but I guess Pardew sees something in training.
That xavi like pass against City, that incredible 40 yard shot on our goal against Utd, he's winning me over Always kept faith in ya Perchy boi!
I always think it must be a bit depressing for Gosling when Perch comes on ahead of him but he's done OK in a defensive midfield position, helps us tighten up at the back for the last 10-15 mins of a game.
Yeah I remember wondering what the hell Gosling has to do to get sub time in his own position. He got a goal against City, albeit a 'right place right time' goal and played decent enough so to play Perch ahead of him seemed bizarre.
He just looks like that in the school team. The thick lad, always in trouble with the teachers. Tell him to chase a ball and he'll do it all day. Perch is this man
perch seems to do better in positions where he can make a mistake or two without it causing huge problems as he tends to gamble at times with his play. Gosling has done pretty well with the oppourtunitys he'd had, looks like he can grab some goals out of no where like nolan did, he ends up in attack positions even though he seems quite defensive from what i've seen.
Gosling reminds me of Nolan a bit, he's always in and around the box in decent goalscoring positions. He's not as good a finisher but much more energetic. Anyway, not the appropriate player to bring on to see a game out.
I agree actually. When he's come on hes helped stabilise situations, tackling hard (and often unfairly), holding up play. He's done this well in the last couple of matches he's come on.
When I see the board go up and Perch stroll on, for some reason I get the impression Alan Pardew has, moments before, shouted "**** it"....
