My thoughts on the weekend/our game

I think Cabaye looked a lot better in the second half when he played a more advanced role. I don't doubt he's going to be absolute class, but I think he's better served going box to box than in a holding role.

 

I think he will be top class and looks as though he will adapt quickly. Most of the midfield were chasing shadows first half. Its a bit of a baptism of fire Arsenal first game too. I wasn't surprised to see him looking a bit bewildered with the pace, but was impressed the way he just got his head and worked to find the pace of the game. I would have left him on and took Tiote off (burn me at the stake I know!) for Gosling. I understand Pardews thinking with Lover in trying to get more attackers on, I just think it was the kind of game where we needed to drag them about a little with passing and it was more energy in the middle of the park that would have hurt them.