Off to Stoke to try and keep our unbeaten run going in the League. We're all aware that we were dumped out of league cup by Blackburn, hopefully there'll be no hangover for us. Ben Arfa didn't play well in that match reportedly, although I'm unsure if we've been utilising him in the right ways. I didn't see the Blackburn game, just highlights so its hard to comment. There have been games this season where Cabaye has been passed by too, and it was more to do with our style of play. Tiote is a doubt for us, which could see Guthrie playing with Cabaye again. Woodgate could play for them, Leon Best (is mint) is a doubt with tonsilitis apparently, Shola and Mike Williamson are long term injuries. STaylor could play wearing a protective mask, he wore one to the open training session the other day, and has written about it for his blog on the club site. At least he's got a costume for Halloween. Tiote missed the game there last season as well when we lost 4-0 - although a lot of that was down to Sol Campbell proving beyond doubt he was finished at this level, and Steve Harper pissing about with the ball in our box. We've never won at the Britannia and Stoke have been strong at home, losing only once in 2011 (in the league). The fact its on Halloween should have positive omens for us though, since that was the day last year we beat the scum 5-1. Injuries seem to be taking their toll now, and there seems to be some scope to play about with the first XI. Ben Arfa will probably start if Best can't. How do you see this one going then? Howay the Lads and discuss.
I see this as a tough fixture, where if we get a draw we will have done well. If both STaylor and Tiote are out, I don't see us keeping a clean sheet. This game comes too soon after Blackburn for Ben Arfa. Lovenkrands to partner Ba? Marveaux in the hole behind Ba? Ba and Obertan up top with Marveaux and Jonas wide?
Tim Krul Fabricio Coloccini Steven Taylor Ryan Taylor Danny Simpson Danny Guthrie Yohan Cabaye Jonás Gutiérrez Gabriel Obertan Demba Ba Leon Best Substitutes Shola Ameobi James Perch Hatem Ben Arfa Robert Elliot Sylvain Marveaux Dan Gosling Davide Santon
Asmir Begovic Jonathan Woodgate Ryan Shawcross Marc Wilson Andy Wilkinson Rory Delap Glenn Whelan Matthew Etherington Jermaine Pennant Peter Crouch Jonathan Walters Substitutes Dean Whitehead Matthew Upson Thomas Sorensen Robert Huth Kenwyne Jones Cameron Jerome Wilson Palacios
Two beautiful goals for Demba Ba is good for my fantasy team. How soon till the equipment manager stops putting a 1 on Demba Ba's kit?
Besty misplayed a shot right into the path of Ba. But the build-up once again is the story. After Raylor dries the ball and takes a long throw, it's cleared back to Colo, who runs up from midfield about 20yds and crosses the ball. A Stoke player skipped it to Best who controlled it just outside the six but scuffed the shot to a wide open Ba. Huth on for Wilson 42'.
Damn. This is a lovely year we are having. Ba! From Best! We are using Obertan's pace much better too. Or maybe Stoke's lack of pace.
44' Walters clatters Raylor head-to-head inside our box. Ryan's slow to get up. Hopefully just a knock and not a concussed or wounded.
Probably won't see a better played half this season. Unless we do this against a top 4, uhh, 3 uhh, 2 side I guess. Almost looks like we're the home side. Stoke isn't dictating play. Their drives forward are turned back by almost every player on the pitch. Outside of a couple of iffy handles/kicks by Krul (and not when it counted, mind you) and one foul by Cabaye just outside our 18, we've been solid. It will be interesting to see if Santon comes on for Raylor, who looked real groggy when he came back on, but managed a header in the few minutes of extra time. Both goals were a great example of the team playing for each other. Multiple passes, great crosses, great control. Obertan has been brilliant, Simpson solid in defense, and Jonas has been working both ends of the pitch, but content not to be the focal point of driving the ball in from the left. Everyone is out there supporting each other 100%. More of the same in the second half and beyond, please. Let's cancel the ANC.
When is this goofy smile going to be wiped of my face? This can't be real- I'm on cloud nine at the moment. Pardew won't let these lads slip up, we gotta take these 3 points now.
Credit to Pardew for getting the tactics spot on for the first half, just need to keep it up for the second half. 3rd place is a happy holiday, top 10 is still our aim.
He's been great at at-the-half adjustments. And the second goal was key. Stoke can always get one on a throw-in. And the fact Stoke has already made two subs means they can only throw one more forward on. Or replace just Crouch out there, who looks like a giraffe on ice skates more often these days.
It's been Stoke's 15 minutes coming out of the break. Just need to stay focused, tighten up and hit them on the counter when able.
very well played match so far. I definitely concur with how everyone is playing well together out there. nice gameplan so far.