Seems pretty slow this morning..

I suppose as long as he plays as the one off the striker we can live with it, will drive me mental though personally. Fantastic players who insist on ignoring the easy pass, its the difference between a Ben Arfa and a Messi.

 

That's a fairly similar description of Robert during his time with us.

He was usually 'selfish' with the ball, hated tracking back but would create moments of pure genius and magic that could change a game.

I miss that feeling of the anticipation, waiting for that moment to occur and the sheer joy when he pulled something out of nothing.

Ben Arfa will be very important and Pardew knows what style of player he has at his disposal. He's smart enough to utilise him properly.

 

I've thought this about Ben Arfa for a long time, and like OT, I miss the unpredictability of someone like Robert. Yes it'll be infuriating at times when he loses the ball. But would you prefer to watch Scott Parker for 90 minutes, never losing the ball but always going sideways or backwards, or Ben Arfa, who'll get the ball and run at people, he'll create something out of nothing. I know which I'd prefer.

 

Its nice to have both though:

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(I was looking for a Jonas waving pic, but that picture is ace!)