Been out of the loop of late. Found the time to watch the game right enough though... who could have missed that?!! But what happened to young Armand? Been reading through as many threads as I could but haven't found a reference to him yet (sure there is one tho')... No problems with Clint's place in a defensive line up that only comprised two of the newbies. Despite their evident quality, Chelsea's maestros couldn't penetrate a largely Championship defence ffs! Amazing - and very reassuring for us. However, Traore's cutting edge bursts down the left could have opened things up for HH or SWP to get a clincher (having said that, could've also left gaps for Chelsea to exploit though). Anyway, can anyone help me out here? What did happen to Traore? Not even on the bench.
Brix i see reports of your demise have been greatly exagerated,where you been mate?I heard that Traore had a calf strain,hope he's back for the Spuds i think we'll need his pace up against Walker and Lennon!
Thanks Hammer - just found out on one of Ciarrai's threads. No, not demised at all - just a bit legal-ed out pending a bit of a case on the work front atm. (And, no, it ain't about me - I'm just the mug running t'ings!!)
Was going to put a post up , Hill or Traore for the next game ? Hill was solid but was playing against 9 men for 60 minutes. We missed Traore going forward and i agree i think we would have exploited that right flank more and got the killer second. Do you change an eleven that has just beaten chelsea though? If Traore is fit i would go with him on Sunday. Am hoping Gabbidon is fit also. Who knows who will play ? Am interested to see what NW does for this one, he has said in the past that he will attack teams and play for the 3 points, but what will he do Sunday, our first away game at a top 4 club.
Welcome back Brix! I was getting worried. On Traore; I remember on Sky Sports a mention of a calf strain. Personally I'd start with a fully a fully fit Traore over Hill anytime. Fair do's though, Hill did put in a great shift.
I thought Hill was magnificent given the circumstances. A true pro. Yes, it would be tempting to pair him with Ferdinand and leave One Size out against Spurs but I think we all know that he is a far better full back than he is centre back. What's the ETA on Gabbidon?
Thanks Friendly (Gorkss might have gone but you'll always be you!) Hill for Hall? Why not? Hill's certainly a massive plug for us. Hope we don't let him stray again. One Size ain't been doing too bad though has he?
Do you not get to the games then Brix? I think we definitely need Traore on sunday for his pace. Hill against Lennon and Walker doesn't bare thinking about! Clint was great against Chelsea though!
Got to Bolton and Blackburn so far Col. Not saying that Hill's a match for Traore... just that we need him to plug the gaps when the inevitable injuries or suspensions hit the big four.
I honestly don't mind who starts against Spuds. Hill or Traore, whoever Neil chooses, I trust him to make the right choice. Welcome back Brixton, you was right mate. ' We had nothing to fear, but fear itself. '
Agree with that, I'm a big fan of Hill and I wouldn't mind seeing him in the centre with Ferdy till Gabbidon is back. Just don't fancy his lack of pace against Walker down that side. I also think that Traore could take advantage of Walker's defensive defects when he gets forward. By the way, you would have loved the way LR was rocking on Sunday...it was truly amazing!!
True, but really need the midfield to step up like they did in the first half against Chelsea and protect the back four so that Spurs don’t get enough time/space to use their pace and come at us. Need to keep the ball more in the middle of the pitch rather than be boxed in on the edge of our area…..I can see us snatching a point!!!!!!
