My Only Criticism Today Is.......

[View From The Top]

It was clear, before their goal, that Papa was knackered and not covering back and leaving a gap thus leaving James exposed.

 

AP should have subbed him then.

 

He's a good "out" ball though.

[Arizona]

Thought James looked a bit poor TBH. No pace and useless in the air. Crosses from too deep. All a bit Jermaine Wright.

[glkdcdes]

i noticed at southend that Papa gave the ball away in dangerous positions. He may get away with that in this league sometimes, but if he doesnt sort that out he will have a short career in England i reckon.

[St Chalet]

When Murty is back:

 

a) No issue with James

b) Should Papa be in front of him I don't think he'll be allowed to slacken off.

[Professor]

This is friendly criticism, because the result at Oldham was absolutely great and ultimately its only the result that really matters, but at 2-1 the game was back in the balance until a great strike by Connolly settled things.

With Wally Downes up in the stand and Pardew at pitch level, I felt they should have seen the need to change the system sooner from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 by bringing Connolly on when the score was 2-0 and Oldham were fighting back. Going too defensive with 4-5-1 can hand the game to the opposition as you end up with your back against the wall, whereas attack is the best form of defence as long as you have the quality players to take the game into the other half of the field. Making the change after the goals was conceded produced the result, but I'd like to see Pardew having the confidence to be more attack minded by playing 2 strikers, home and away.