Trying out a new match day thread format for this season. Shirt graphics are from NUFC.com and stadium pics will probably all be from Wikipedia. If it's annoying, I will stop.
I thought about time and channels but thought you westerners might complain about the east coast bias. No one cares about the [R] anymore. Game threads have results, its not a surprise.
Colo reportedly out: Krul/Simpson Perch Taylor Santon/Tiote Cabaye Jonas/Ben Arfa Cisse Ba Them: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto, Livermore, Sandro, Lennon, Sigurdsson, Bale and Defoe
With Coloccini injured and Anita just arriving the other day, that's about as good a lineup as we could hope for. Thinking we'll go 4-4-2, hoping Ben Arfa can peg Bale back a bit. I'm curious to see how Spurs play. They've got two wingers but no target forward. On the deck would suit us just fine, probably.
Thinking we may see Anita sooner rather than later. Can't see Tiote going the whole match with that groin pull now.
Blah. First half, sp*rs had the better of the chances. Ben Arfa looked good, especially for no preseason. His touch will come in time. Cabaye on the other hand, looks like he missed preseason. Would like to see Cisse and Ba get some service. They are difference makers on a day like today-especially with Shola unable to go.
Tiote is not playing well, Cabaye looks a bit rusty too. Think we'll see Anita in the 2nd half. Surprised Marveaux isn't on the bench.
All things considered an OK first half. Defense is getting caught out too easily but Krul and the frame have been enough. Were lucky and unlucky at the same time on Cisse's deflection. Scrappy, sloppy stuff. Typical opening game.
Pardew's been sent to the stands for some reason... EDIT: Shoved the linesman. That'll do it every time.