mrfahaji

Another game that highlighted the importance of Gabbiadini, not that we didn't know that already. The fact that people are reverting to bemoaning Puel for style or tactics is ridiculous. We played well in the first half, looked ok in the second until they made their subs. Emphasis on THEIR subs. We were doing ok but weren't creating a lot, so Puel decides to bring on Boufal, a player who can turn nothing into something and give another dimension. Taking off JWP was a bit of a gamble, but given we had a foothold in the game and JWP wasn't contributing much, it's understandable that he didn't want to sacrifice Redmond, who had been lively throughout and Tadic (more on him later), who was usually at the centre of the openings we had managed. Then Howe responded with a sub, packing their midfield. They then controlled the game and it suggests that unless a team is intent on sitting back defending, having NR, SB & DT on the pitch at the same time doesn't appear to work, especially with Davis as one of the DMs. We had similar trouble when Mane played as a midfielder. But the changes Puel made were perfectly understandable in the circumstances, and for much of the game until that point we were decent to watch. It's not Puel's fault our main (only?!) goal threat is injured.

Pretty sure I read something about him being injured a couple of weeks ago. I know he was on the bench, but could be an added factor for lack of game time.

From Moss' position it may have looked like Bertrand pulled him back and prevented him getting the 1-2. Fraser conned him, but could see why he thought there was an infringement.

Tadic was given MOTM.

That Bournemouth chance came from Davis dawdling on the edge of the box. Happens too often, get rid of it man! Reminds me of my playing style on Pro evo, no matter where I am on the pitch, always press pass.

Agree we played well but we're not cantering to a win against anyone all the time we can't score...!

I quite enjoyed watching us play. Sure, it's frustrating we lack a cutting edge, we've had a few heart in mouth moments thanks to the gift that keeps on giving goalkeeper, and of course we haven't scored, but we've played some nice football and for me that counts for something. Unfortunately we have a habit of only being good for one half...

And as I post that, Tadic creates a further two chances.

Not quite true. He started brightly but has faded. Could have done better with the last chance but was unlucky with the mix up (although surely he should have been screaming to leat it run). My issue with Tadic is that when he starts to be less involved he seems to withdraw even more from the action, ends up being a bt lackadaisical when he does get on he ball. I'd like to see a bit more determination to stamp his mark on the game rather than what seems like a metaphorical shrug of the shoulders that it's not going his way. It's still telling that most of our chances have come through him in some way though.

If I was at the races and there was a horse named after JWP, I wouldn't back it...

He is still struggling with the ball at his feet though. All looks a bit laboured and predictable. Makes decent enough runs but I'm never confident he's actually going to beat and stay beyond his marker. Nearly got one then, hopefully it will help his confidence.

For as woeful as his early shot was, Tadic has been finding space, making nice passes, and that last effort wasn't too bad.

Tadic has to do a bit better from that position.

He joined Spurs, that was almost as bad...

I thought this was going to be a thread about Pochettino saying he'd never join Arsenal & Barcelona due to being rivals of ex clubs.

Yet somehow you just know that those 'inconclusive' video replays will somehow still go the way of the bigger clubs. Hard to tell if it was offside = allow it for Man United, chalk it off for Burnley.

And that it is objective.

Goal line technology underwent a key development when the suggestion went from having "video replays" to having scientific technology that immediately detects when the ball has crossed. I was sceptical until that development.

I think they should also have a similar rule to what the NFL have in that the decision only changes if there is significant/compelling evidence that the ref got it wrong. It means that if after looking at the replays it's still debatable, you go with the ref. People will still argue no doubt, but don't feel video referees should be making a subjective call based on the balance, rather than overwhelming, evidence.

While I tend to agree with what you say/suggest, if you're a linesman and you know that a) if you flag for offside the move is dead even if he was on, and b) if you don't flag and the players scores, it will be reviewed by TV, why would you ever flag? What if, the goalscoring team argue that the goalscorer was onside, and in the course of review it's found that there was another offside or a foul in the build up? The reason goal-line technology worked so well is that they were able to find a scientific method that gave instant results. All the time we are relying on subjective views there's still a big risk. It will start with offsides, then it will be about fouls, then there'll be something else. I'm not saying I'm against it, just wary that it's easy to view a couple of incidents and be convinced it's the right thing.

Not sure how I could possibly shoehorn "Je voudrais du fromage" and "Ou est le supermarche?" into a post-match interview...

Thanks Shroppie. I can see why his manner puts people off a bit, no-one can deny that his interviews are challenging to listen to, but I too think he has shown signs of being an excellent manager this year, and his understated way makes me root for him even more.

Bit annoying that the family areas are so big. Itchen South was where I was hoping to get a ticket.

In the same BBC gossip column saying Arsenal are interested in Tadic for £13m, it says Newcastle are going to try and sign Sigurdsson for £15m. Either that's a trade we should be doing, or these news stories just make up random prices. Hmmmm I don't know which one to plump for...!

Yeah that makes sense, I do know what you're getting at! I think the reason the 2014/15 season was so enjoyable to me was that we were so good defensively, but also had an attacking threat. I always felt confident we could get a result against anyone. This season, even though I know we can, there seem to be more reasons to doubt it!