Norwich (away)

[Aeris 0]

Norwich fan here. Like to have a look at other fans board's post match to see what they thought of the game, Although you probably couldn't care less thought would post my thoughts for what they are worth.

 

Firstly I thought it was a great game and one of the better games i've seen at Carrow Road this season. Obviously we were fortunate to catch you at a point where (i) confidence may have dipped a bit after your early run of form and (ii) the injuries to your defence/midfield were obviously going to make life easier for us. I have no doubt that when we play you at St James's Park in March things will be much, much tougher for us but as soon as I saw Taylor and Collocini were out I was quietly confident that Lambert would revert to two up front (we have played with Morison on his own for most of the season) and that we had a good chance of winning this game. Holt and Morison may not be the best or most skillful partnership in the prem but I reckon there are few better for the purposes of exploiting two inexperienced and short centre backs!

 

On that subject we have had 3 of our 4 main centre backs out for the last 2 months and have been playing Russell Martin (a right back) there so its not just you lot who have injuries to CBs. That said, a club of your size clearly should be better able to cope so Ashley/Pardew have clearly got the squad balance wrong.

 

Thought on balance we deserved to win and possily should have won more comfortably. Both of your goals (from the excellent Ba) really came out of nowhere and other than that we definietly had the better of it. Thought Cabaye also looked good. Obertan looks dangerous when running with the ball but after about 10 minutes you realise he has no end product at all. We played quite well in comparison to some of our other recent games and given that was our championship midfield thought it was a decent performance. I wouldn't say we were route one and we can knock it about better but Lambert rested our two wingers for this game.

 

Ref was sh*t but was equally sh*t for both teams. Was not a corner for our first goal but then was a blatant penalty about 5 minutes before. Couple of dodgy bookings as well. Sending off maybe a touch harsh as a straight red (although in the ballpark) but think he'd alrady been booked anyway?

 

Decent support from Newcastle I thought although surprised you took the smaller allocation!

 

Anyay thats it from me. Hope you get a couple of your defenders back against Swansea and WBA and can get back on track as you will be doing us a favour!

 

OTBC

 

100%, dude.

[toonotl 3110]

Just read that our CBs only won 4 headers between them on saturday, tellingly none of them inside the box.

 

You can read a lot of statistics and say, "well that doesn't mean a thing". That one, not so much, very telling.

 

Illustrates very clearly the importance of at least one centre back who can dominant or at least compete aerially.

 

Norwich's tactic was obvious before the game and during the game but there was fuck all Pardew could do about it once he had set his stall out.

[toonotl 3110]

As for OTF's "revelation", don't recall any clamour to relegate Williamson until these injuries tbh. Hindsight is a marvelous thing.

 

Who's to say that, when fit, Williamson won't experience a similar "upsurge" in form like Taylor has had, which I put down to defensive coaching/drilling that's been engaged in.

 

Fact remains you can't legislate for your three top CB's being fucked all at the same time.

 

Who here rates Williamson? He's never looked any good for more than an odd game. Arms all over opposing players, and for someone as tall as he is he lacks a physical presence. Miles better than Perch or Simpson at CB, but still not good enough to be first option after an injury prone Steven Taylor.

 

It's criminal to only have 3 actual centre backs in a premier league squad.

 

We've got four out and out strikers in our squad - Ba, Best, Shola and Lovenkrands, plus option with Ben Arfa and Sameobi. That's a position where it's widely accepted that we need to strengthen, even though it's acceptable, at a pinch (or tacticallY), to play with only one striker. In defense you can't get away with having less than two central defenders.

 

But the "still not good enough" is the conundrum, if he's at the standard that is deemed (by the fans) "good enough" is he happy to "sit" whilst the first choice pair are playing (were playing) so well. Williamson may well benefit as much as Taylor has from the "system". Premature to judge.

 

Their respective abilities aside, how often does anyone lose their top 3 players at a single position, let alone such a significant position. Our main problem is the fact our kids in that area would appear to be shite/ not ready.

 

You can only have 25 Senior pro's then it must be kids. Its about balancing the squad as much as anything. Absolutely would like an upgrade on Perch (and several others) but he is only 4th choice, that's a depth in your squad you'd hope to rarely get exposed to playing for any length of time.

 

Do we now need another CB, yes we do, but as I've said I reckon it'll be a young up and comer, we won't buy 2 (if we do, the other'll be a kid I reckon).

 

Bottom line is we need more defenders...and policy should always be where possible to buy players better than the ones you have. I don't think that's possible in the case of Coloccini...but it shouldn't be at all beyond our wildest dreams in the case of Taylor.

 

The extent of ambition shouldn't be an up and comer to challenge Perch/Williamson for a place on the bench? We know they aren't good enough. And Stevie is confident he could shift them off the bench himself.

 

Never rated Williamson. Good in the air but everything else is sub-standard for the pl. A centre back who can challenge Taylor for his spot, when fit, should be the aim for the level of quality of any centre back coming in in January.

[Happy Face 29]

As for OTF's "revelation", don't recall any clamour to relegate Williamson until these injuries tbh. Hindsight is a marvelous thing.

 

Who's to say that, when fit, Williamson won't experience a similar "upsurge" in form like Taylor has had, which I put down to defensive coaching/drilling that's been engaged in.

 

Fact remains you can't legislate for your three top CB's being fucked all at the same time.

 

Who here rates Williamson? He's never looked any good for more than an odd game. Arms all over opposing players, and for someone as tall as he is he lacks a physical presence. Miles better than Perch or Simpson at CB, but still not good enough to be first option after an injury prone Steven Taylor.

 

It's criminal to only have 3 actual centre backs in a premier league squad.

 

We've got four out and out strikers in our squad - Ba, Best, Shola and Lovenkrands, plus option with Ben Arfa and Sameobi. That's a position where it's widely accepted that we need to strengthen, even though it's acceptable, at a pinch (or tacticallY), to play with only one striker. In defense you can't get away with having less than two central defenders.

 

But the "still not good enough" is the conundrum, if he's at the standard that is deemed (by the fans) "good enough" is he happy to "sit" whilst the first choice pair are playing (were playing) so well. Williamson may well benefit as much as Taylor has from the "system". Premature to judge.

 

Their respective abilities aside, how often does anyone lose their top 3 players at a single position, let alone such a significant position. Our main problem is the fact our kids in that area would appear to be shite/ not ready.

 

You can only have 25 Senior pro's then it must be kids. Its about balancing the squad as much as anything. Absolutely would like an upgrade on Perch (and several others) but he is only 4th choice, that's a depth in your squad you'd hope to rarely get exposed to playing for any length of time.

 

Do we now need another CB, yes we do, but as I've said I reckon it'll be a young up and comer, we won't buy 2 (if we do, the other'll be a kid I reckon).

 

Bottom line is we need more defenders...and policy should always be where possible to buy players better than the ones you have. I don't think that's possible in the case of Coloccini...but it shouldn't be at all beyond our wildest dreams in the case of Taylor.

 

The extent of ambition shouldn't be an up and comer to challenge Perch/Williamson for a place on the bench? We know they aren't good enough. And Stevie is confident he could shift them off the bench himself.

 

Never rated Williamson. Good in the air but everything else is sub-standard for the pl. A centre back who can challenge Taylor for his spot, when fit, should be the aim for the level of quality of any centre back coming in in January.

 

Aye, while he's injured it's easy for people to forget he's no good either. The notion that had he been fit we'd be alright for cover is daft...but basically what TP seems to be saying.

[Ayatollah Hermione 14053]

Decent support from Newcastle I thought although surprised you took the smaller allocation!

 

Aye, well that's what charging £45 for a ticket does

[Toonpack 9945]

As for OTF's "revelation", don't recall any clamour to relegate Williamson until these injuries tbh. Hindsight is a marvelous thing.

 

Who's to say that, when fit, Williamson won't experience a similar "upsurge" in form like Taylor has had, which I put down to defensive coaching/drilling that's been engaged in.

 

Fact remains you can't legislate for your three top CB's being fucked all at the same time.

 

Who here rates Williamson? He's never looked any good for more than an odd game. Arms all over opposing players, and for someone as tall as he is he lacks a physical presence. Miles better than Perch or Simpson at CB, but still not good enough to be first option after an injury prone Steven Taylor.

 

It's criminal to only have 3 actual centre backs in a premier league squad.

 

We've got four out and out strikers in our squad - Ba, Best, Shola and Lovenkrands, plus option with Ben Arfa and Sameobi. That's a position where it's widely accepted that we need to strengthen, even though it's acceptable, at a pinch (or tacticallY), to play with only one striker. In defense you can't get away with having less than two central defenders.

 

But the "still not good enough" is the conundrum, if he's at the standard that is deemed (by the fans) "good enough" is he happy to "sit" whilst the first choice pair are playing (were playing) so well. Williamson may well benefit as much as Taylor has from the "system". Premature to judge.

 

Their respective abilities aside, how often does anyone lose their top 3 players at a single position, let alone such a significant position. Our main problem is the fact our kids in that area would appear to be shite/ not ready.

 

You can only have 25 Senior pro's then it must be kids. Its about balancing the squad as much as anything. Absolutely would like an upgrade on Perch (and several others) but he is only 4th choice, that's a depth in your squad you'd hope to rarely get exposed to playing for any length of time.

 

Do we now need another CB, yes we do, but as I've said I reckon it'll be a young up and comer, we won't buy 2 (if we do, the other'll be a kid I reckon).

 

Bottom line is we need more defenders...and policy should always be where possible to buy players better than the ones you have. I don't think that's possible in the case of Coloccini...but it shouldn't be at all beyond our wildest dreams in the case of Taylor.

 

The extent of ambition shouldn't be an up and comer to challenge Perch/Williamson for a place on the bench? We know they aren't good enough. And Stevie is confident he could shift them off the bench himself.

 

Never rated Williamson. Good in the air but everything else is sub-standard for the pl. A centre back who can challenge Taylor for his spot, when fit, should be the aim for the level of quality of any centre back coming in in January.

 

Aye, while he's injured it's easy for people to forget he's no good either. The notion that had he been fit we'd be alright for cover is daft...but basically what TP seems to be saying.

 

Nope

[Toonpack 9945]

Have a word man! So we should have bought two new 4th and 5th choice CB's

 

How many teams have "quality" 4th and 5th choice anything. At that level into a squad you are into the kids (in a non sexual way) unless a more senior pro, out of position (in the managers opinion) is a better option.

 

Should have bought a 2nd/3rd choice CB tbh. Williamson moved down to fourth choice. With Steven Taylor it's a given that he'll be out for a large part of the season with injury.

Aye, exactly what I was getting at tbh. I suspect TP knew this, hence the need to put words into me mouth.

 

Just interpreted what you said without looking for any clandestine hidden meaning. I take it as I read it, don't try and anticpate any changes of tack, or re-emphasis in someones posts tbh I aint psychic.

 

As for OTF's "revelation", don't recall any clamour to relegate Williamson until these injuries tbh. Hindsight is a marvelous thing.

 

Who's to say that, when fit, Williamson won't experience a similar "upsurge" in form like Taylor has had, which I put down to defensive coaching/drilling that's been engaged in.

 

Fact remains you can't legislate for your three top CB's being fucked all at the same time.

Fact remains 3 CBs (especially when one has a history of injuries) isn't enough. It's basically asking for trouble. 3 being injured at the same time will obviously be problematic for any club but it shouldn't mean you have to play two full-backs there. Especially when one of those isn't even close to Premier League standard in his proper position. Pardew wanted another one too. Also it's not like there wasn't money available following the January / summer departures. It just highlights how clueless you are that this even needs pointing out tbh.

 

There's a difference between being clueless and being realistic.

 

When you're down to 4th/5th choice it should not be a fullback, I agree, it should be one of the kids/younger players, sadly it appears our kids are not as good at CB as our fullbacks, in the managers opinion.

 

Willaimson is alright as a 3rd choice, my point is, what level of player "better" than Williamson can you get who would be happy to sit ?

 

Despite's HF's denials, the back four has played as a unit better than any back four we've had for donkeys, no reason to suppose Williamson "slotting in" won't be OK as well.

[StoneColdStephenIreland 74]

I've said it before but Onuoha from City would be a good loan signing to tide us over until the end of the season. He isn't even in City's Premier league 25 man squad so they'd have no doubts about sending him out on loan and he'd fit in with Ashleys wanting of hardly paying any money towards transfers, plus City would more than likely cover most of his wages.

 

Or for example the signing of Bassong for us. Why not go and get a cheap, young CB in (I'm not saying he'll turn into what Bassong was like for us) but at least someone who wouldnt mind being playing in the reserves and getting a chance here and there and hopefully becoming a decent fill in when we do get injuries/suspensions etc

Edited December 13, 2011 by StoneColdStephenIreland

[Aeris 0]

Liverpool has 4-5 top classes choices in their first team, aswell 4-5 in the reserves... now tell me, are they doing everything wrong?

[Happy Face 29]

Conceded 11 in 4, not had a clean sheet in 7 (Conceding 17).

 

The defence has been brilliant this season...but don't allow the one game with the missing CB's let Ashley off the hook if he brings no-one in over the new year. On the back of only conceding 4 in the first 7 we've got a lot of praise, but since then the record is not great, even with our BEST players.

 

http://www.statto.co...12/defence/full

 

Worse than the Mackems, Villa and Fulham over the course of the season so far.

Edited December 13, 2011 by Happy Face

[Howay 12496]

Iirc Onouha wasn't great at the mackems, although Messi would struggle to perform with that shambles so I guess it doesn't say much.

I'd agree with you Aeris but that comes down to the Owner, if you're having a go at Ashley then aye I agree but you can't mark that one against Pardew (not saying you are).

[Toonpack 9945]

Liverpool has 4-5 top classes choices in their first team, aswell 4-5 in the reserves... now tell me, are they doing everything wrong?

 

They don't like

[Ayatollah Hermione 14053]

I kna Name them now, Aeris. Though your definition of top class youth is a kid that couldn't get a game for Gateshead

 

Liverpool's squad depth SHOULD be better than ours since they're throwing money about. Even then, Jamie Carragher still gets a game for them.

Edited December 13, 2011 by Ayatollah Hermione

[Aeris 0]

Iirc Onouha wasn't great at the mackems, although Messi would struggle to perform with that shambles so I guess it doesn't say much. I'd agree with you Aeris but that comes down to the Owner, if you're having a go at Ashley then aye I agree but you can't mark that one against Pardew (not saying you are).

 

I actually mark it on the staff and Ashley... it's their fault they haven't told him what a complete retard he is frequent enough.... and secondly, Ashley mostly rules things out because it's expensive, but we've could have made it with something cheap or even free aswell as long as it's experienced cover.

[Aeris 0]

I kna Name them now, Aeris. Though your definition of top class youth is a kid that couldn't get a game for Gateshead

 

Liverpool's squad depth SHOULD be better than ours since they're throwing money about. Even then, Jamie Carragher still gets a game for them.

 

My definition? I said Henderson is an option, and obviously NUFC.co.uk's defintion of him is that he's class, I'm not saying he is I was just reading off the site

[Toonpack 9945]

Iirc Onouha wasn't great at the mackems, although Messi would struggle to perform with that shambles so I guess it doesn't say much. I'd agree with you Aeris but that comes down to the Owner, if you're having a go at Ashley then aye I agree but you can't mark that one against Pardew (not saying you are).

 

I actually mark it on the staff and Ashley... it's their fault they haven't told him what a complete retard he is frequent enough.... and secondly, Ashley mostly rules things out because it's expensive, but we've could have made it with something cheap or even free aswell as long as it's experienced cover.

 

 

He doesn't rule it out becasue it is "expensive". He has stated (and he's the boss) that the club must operate within it's own financial boundaries, those boundaries will dictate what we can and cannot afford. The one area where he can negatively influence that is in the size of the sums he takes out, and how often, to repay what he has previously put in.

 

He is not going to subsidise us any longer it would appear, so we have to cut our cloth accordingly. Long term it is no bad thing, just now it's a pain in the arse.

[Guest alex]

Have a word man! So we should have bought two new 4th and 5th choice CB's

 

How many teams have "quality" 4th and 5th choice anything. At that level into a squad you are into the kids (in a non sexual way) unless a more senior pro, out of position (in the managers opinion) is a better option.

 

Should have bought a 2nd/3rd choice CB tbh. Williamson moved down to fourth choice. With Steven Taylor it's a given that he'll be out for a large part of the season with injury.

Aye, exactly what I was getting at tbh. I suspect TP knew this, hence the need to put words into me mouth.

 

Just interpreted what you said without looking for any clandestine hidden meaning. I take it as I read it, don't try and anticpate any changes of tack, or re-emphasis in someones posts tbh I aint psychic.

 

As for OTF's "revelation", don't recall any clamour to relegate Williamson until these injuries tbh. Hindsight is a marvelous thing.

 

Who's to say that, when fit, Williamson won't experience a similar "upsurge" in form like Taylor has had, which I put down to defensive coaching/drilling that's been engaged in.

 

Fact remains you can't legislate for your three top CB's being fucked all at the same time.

Fact remains 3 CBs (especially when one has a history of injuries) isn't enough. It's basically asking for trouble. 3 being injured at the same time will obviously be problematic for any club but it shouldn't mean you have to play two full-backs there. Especially when one of those isn't even close to Premier League standard in his proper position. Pardew wanted another one too. Also it's not like there wasn't money available following the January / summer departures. It just highlights how clueless you are that this even needs pointing out tbh.

 

There's a difference between being clueless and being realistic.

 

When you're down to 4th/5th choice it should not be a fullback, I agree, it should be one of the kids/younger players, sadly it appears our kids are not as good at CB as our fullbacks, in the managers opinion.

 

Willaimson is alright as a 3rd choice, my point is, what level of player "better" than Williamson can you get who would be happy to sit ?

 

Despite's HF's denials, the back four has played as a unit better than any back four we've had for donkeys, no reason to suppose Williamson "slotting in" won't be OK as well.

Aye, and you're clueless.

And why does he have to be happy to sit tbh? I want someone who can come in and is at least as good as Taylor (who isn't that good tbh). And the 4th choice CB shouldn't be the 1st choice RB, however you wish to dress it up. Not sure why I'm bothering tbh, it's akin to discussing stuff like this with CT.

Edited December 14, 2011 by alex

[Happy Face 29]

Toonpacks view of team building...only try to entice players who are happy to sit on the bench, your Alan Smith types, you're wasting your time otherwise.

[Toonpack 9945]

Toonpacks view of team building...only try to entice players who are happy to sit on the bench, your Alan Smith types, you're wasting your time otherwise.

 

Utter crap

[Happy Face 29]

Toonpacks view of team building...only try to entice players who are happy to sit on the bench, your Alan Smith types, you're wasting your time otherwise.

 

Utter crap

 

Champion, so we're agreed, we should buy someone who can relegate Taylor to the bench.