Today was the day when Taarabt's influence over the team finally came to an end. A barnstorming display, high on energy and closing down, has finally blown away the myth that Taarabt has to be the centrepiece of the team. Without having to carry the passenger our midfield looked far more balanced and effective and the opposition, clearly thinking they just had to turn up to win, were blown out of their serene stride. I said it before on here, I think Taarabt's best place is as an impact sub for when we are chasing a game with nothing to lose, we cannot go back to sacrificing the balance of the team for a talent that although at times brilliant (not this season) is more often a liability. It took three quality goals to beat us today and the width of a post to rob us of a deserved reward.
I reckon you may well be right, mate. He may also get the nod against slower, older, less beefy defences, where he can run at them and cause them problems.
Sooper, are you suggesting that Tabs should only play when we're losing? I think that's a bit harsh, what about when we're drawing?!! But on the whole things aren't looking rosy for Tabs; however, he is talented and hopefully this challenge will inspire him rather than make him sulkier (perhaps I shouldn't put any money on that).
ABSOLUTE NONSENSE! We had a blinding first half against Newcastle, where Taarabt ran the show. And today was nowhere near as good as that performance against a tired and lethargic City. I love it how all the Taarabt haters now come on here - these are the very same individuals who will be happy to see us finishing 17th in the league and who want us to have rubbish workmen type players like Barton and Young in the team. If Adel was on the pitch today instead of Joey, we would have won the game - we lacked the extra bit of quality - that dummy that gets the extra yard, that ball that opens up the defence, that control that brings two players into the challenge and makes space for others.
I would love him to prove me and all the doubters wrong, but the Premier League is so far removed from last season we are risking it whenever he plays, some games he may be the difference but he has to perform, something he just hasn't done yet and today's side looked far more comfortable against top drawer opposition.
Bollox............ And the flash trick on the edge of the City box that doesn't come off and 15 seconds later the ball is in the back of our net. Look at their 2nd goal tonight, a poor Traore cross was swept upfield and a goal in less than 15 seconds, that is where top sides will take advantage of Taarabt's penchant for trying the outrageous and cocking-up...
No-one has stood up for Adel more than me lately....but that's just bollocks. That was far and away our best performance of the season and I agree that Taarabt will probably have to be used as an impact sub for a while. It's well documented why I think he's played so badly, but, whatever the reasons behind it, he won't be starting again for a while, unless we get injuries!! I also can't see where he'd fit into a 4-4-2 either. If he shows the right attitude, which I know is questionable, he may well earn us a few points from the bench.
