Could it be our turn to "Do an Everton"?

I know Ba has played well and scored 7 goals this season, but do people not think the problem is that Pardew has changed the tactics around to suit him too much this season. Thus having a negative affect on players such as Cabaye and Cisse.

 

Good question, but hard to answer. Cisse has had like 2 chances to score all season because the likes of Cabaye have been playing poorly and have provided and created very little. Ba benefits purely due to his ability as a strong target-man and grafter. He's creating most of his chances himself. Cisse isn't that type of player for the most part, he's a finisher. He's only going to score extraordinary goals when given the opportunity to do so. To me, they could be playing any formation, and the centre forwards should be expecting better service and build up than they have had. It could be that Cabaye etc needs more freedom which would be generated in another formation, but his overall play has been so bad I can't blame 4-4-2 for easy 3 yard passes being misplaced, first touches being woeful etc.

If everyone had been playing up to the standards of last season, I really believe 4-4-2 would work fine. So far, only Ben Arfa, Ba and Santon have done so.

 

I have said many times I don't buy Ba and Cisse not being able to be in the same team. Our best form last season was when they were. As a front two? No. With Ba left and Benni right? Certainly! I think he just needs to bite the bullet in that regard. At present though rather than sacrificing Ba left (the time may come when Cisse rediscovers his form), I'd sacrifice Cisse and look to introduce Sammi left.

And for those who have lost faith in Cisse altogether, have a look at little Hernandez. Spell binding to so poor he couldn't get in the match day squad. He's back again now. Patience and hard work.