Probably been said before somewhere but i do feel these two players, now that they are getting used to playing in the Premier League, could be the reason we stay up. Yes i know Diakite worries the hell out of us all with his sometimes 'schoolboy' tackles but yesterday i think he proved to everybody what he can do. Taiwo also seems to be getting the speed of the English game and i thought yesterday he looked very solid at the back. (Even though i wish sometimes he would STAY at the back ) This is one hell of a roller coaster ride and after yesterday i'm begining to believe again (Something that i was lacking after the p### poor performance at Sunderland) BELIEVE !!!
Taiwo solid??? The word doesn't do him justice, the way the arsenal players bounced off him was hilarious! He's a mountain and yes agree both are getting better each game.
The pair of them a joy to watch. Diakite still slightly close to the disciplinary wind. Dean was giving a very severe last chance saloon talking to after his clumsy challenge near the end on the wing. What a crazy season! I feel like a condemned man being given a reprieve. The trouble is the 'legal arguments' are not over and I may still have to drop! I really hope this does not go to the wire but it looks like it might!
I cant see Diakite playing all 7 games we have left 'cos i would think (hope i'm wrong) he will at least 1 yellow card each game and possibly even another red at some time. At Sunderland he was VERY lucky not to be sent off and if MH hadn't pulled him off when he did he looked a racing certainty to go before the game ended. I just hope we are ok before he is suspended.
Both seem to coming good at exactly the right time. They will have further opportunities against top class opposition to make names and heroes of themselves.
I also liked the fact that Taiwo was playing much of the game with a smile on his face. It was like he knew he had the measure of the Gunners and was clearly enjoying himself out there. I share the concern over Diakite's disciplinary record, but yesterday he was several notches above the player we've see in his previous matches. Great first touch and not afraid to try things. Also liked the fact the they all put in a shift for each other. Mackie, Diakite and especially Taarabt were taking people on, but they also didn't ignore their defensive responsibilties too, alongside Derry, Barton et al. Sunday mornings are great after a result like that, aren't they?
Both players excellent yesterday. Others were too but these two definitely deserve a thread to themselves. And yes, Uber, nothing quite as refreshing as the smell of three points in the morning - especially against a top club!
Agreed on all fronts. I do think Diakite was much more controlled yesterday in his tackling, still a little way to go, but definately improving week on week. How many times have we had players take shots like the goal he scored , and the ball has ended up in the upper school end (and my head in my hands) ? A fair few i would reckon. Also you are SO right about the Sunday morning feeling after a win. Nice to have people at work saying how pleased they were that we won other than the usual 'looks like you're going down mate' ive been getting used too.
[video=youtube;OHsQ3eqKEBw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHsQ3eqKEBw[/video] TANK, despite Robben's disgraceful diving Check Robben, one of the best players in the world, throwing his armband away in frustration
That's a great clip skinman. Taiwo had Walcott in his pocket all afternoon, and Diakite was pure quality in midfield. He is so relaxed in possesion, pure class. Overall we were too strong for Arsenal. With the exception of Song Arsenal are too weak. Not that we beat them with brute force, but with skill and finesse too.
he has 3 yellow atm, so 1/game would see his 10th in our final game agaisnt ManC, so no fear for suspension if goes without a red... E: I'd be more worried for Barton, he has 9 yellows now (2 playing for Newcastle, 7 for us) and if he'll take a yellow against ManU, he'll get a 2 match ban From the FA: "5 Cautions If a Player receives 5 cautions between the first day of the season and 31st December they will be suspended for a period of 1 match suspension and be fined £15. If a Player receives their 5th caution after the 31st December they will be warned as to their future conduct and no suspension shall be imposed. 10 Cautions If a Player receives 10 cautions between the first day of the season and the second Sunday in April they will be suspended for a period of 2 match suspension and be fined £15. If a Player receives a 10th caution after the second Sunday in April they will be severely censured and warned as to their future conduct and no suspension shall be imposed."
Thanks for the info mate, another less thing to worry about....Sunday just keeps getting better and better
Good info Finn. Today is the first Sunday in April so if Barton makes it past next weekend then he's OK? Would the club make him aware of this? I doubt he'd be too concerned about an FA reprimand - he's had a few of those over the years I'd suspect.
I was really starting to doubt MH's eye for talent but it looks like they might be starting to come good. If we stay up because of significant contributions from two loan signings, could be some of the best business we've done.
