Article: Pessimism turns to Optimism | Football, Newcastle

I don't think you can really criticise the team for Pardew's poor tactics. Everyone in the world, bar him, can see that Ameobi and Ba are just too similar to play up top with each other. Also, it was clear Arsenal would attempt to dominate possession so why didn't he go with a 5 man midfield to try and break up their play better.

All in all it was still a good result.

 

We have to go for Sturridge, even if it's just on loan. Drogba and Anelka were on Chelsea's bench today so I can't see him getting a game for them. LB obviously needs strengthening, Pieters, Izaguirre, M'Bengue, whoever. They don't have to be world beaters, just a competent left footed full back. My hopes for the season all depend on the next couple of weeks.

 

Oh, and we have to give Barton a contract extension.

 

Don't think I'd even coontemplate playing without Joey after yeserday. After Colo he was easily the best player on the park for us. Tremendous, looked really sharp and his fitness was a testament to his professionalism after all that's gone on. His delivery on dead balls was just not good enough and its time to let Cabaye take over. Obertan may be best used in attack until we get our strikeforce sorted. Best should be ahead of both Ba and Shola, and I don't even rate Best!

 

A new striker is a must!!

and so is a new left back!! i think whilst Raylor had a steady game, we were very limited down the left! Jonas was restricted as to not expose Raylor. On another day with a left back in place we could have posed more of a threat down both flanks instead of relying on the right wing.

I know it was only 45 mins, but i was impressed with obertans contribution, looking for more of the same and better!!!


Good start... but i fear if we dont get a left back and a striker in sharpish we will struggle.

 

i would have took a point before kick off, but well played to the team. Colo and taylor looked good, but the 2 up front looked terrible. Hopefully this may help pardew in pushing on to get another striker.
i was pleasantly surprised with obertan, some nice touches and pace but pardew needs to figure out where to play him instead of just playing him like an aux striker / att mid.

 

I was thinking the exact same thing after the game. Its gonna be how we utilise Obertan. We have to find a way to get the best out of that pace. I think short term I'm happy for him to be used up top, his pace will stretch defences. It was a key problem for us yesterday with the two statues. The lack of movement limited us attacking wise, and made life difficult for the likes of Cabaye who struggled to find passes open. In the end we eneded up going longer as it was the only way to get the two lumps involved. I think Obertan and Jonas wide in a 451 away from home has massive counter attack potential. Both great ball carriers over long distances.