Uncharted Territory

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Writing about a defeat? Something I’ve not had to do in the illustrious history of this blog. Let the knee-jerking begin.

Managed to eventually find a non-rubbish stream for the game, thanks to ‘@N17’ on twitter, and despite a shaky start, we certainly looked the more composed and accomplished approaching half-time. The missis then needed the laptop to do a bit of work, but I wasn’t too disappointed. It wouldn’t be pretty but it looked like we were on course to get another goal early doors in the second half and wrap up another 3 points. It never materialised, and having switched to SSN, Le Tissiers updates were beginning to sound more and more worrying as the half went on; Bale limped off, replaced by Krankie (who was apparently rubbish) and then the inevitable happened. Sheesh. I turned over when I heard Honest Bob had come on.

A fine run comes to an end. Disappointing, especially with all those around us dropping points, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Not a disaster, and those pointing to the result as an example of Harry’s inability to change games from the bench need to get a grip and have a look at what the squad has achieved in the past year under his guidance. We’re not f**kin Liverpool after one below-par performance. I do, however, have a few gripes.

After Saha gifted possession to Bale, why oh why did Crouch stray offside? Unforgivable, you’d get shouted at in an under 10’s game for that. Steven Peanut’s ‘free-kick’ which Rafa pounced on? Shades of Nani at OT earlier in the season, but we’re not Manure and weren’t playing at OT, so it was never going to be given.

Peter Crouch. Oh Peter, you are a frustrating one, but I can’t help but like him. He’s an honest lad who carries out his job to the letter (without scoring goals of course), always a willing runner, great at defending corners, and will fight for you all day. Problem is, when you start him, you’ve got nothing to turn to. A tight game like yesterdays, approaching the last 20 minutes is exactly the time you bring on Big Pete to shake things up. Previously comfortable CB’s are suddenly faced with a new problem when the legs are getting tired, and his industry is put to far better use. Used correctly, he causes havoc. Despite his poor recent return, Pav would have been most people’s choice to start last night, and inevitably be the one to eventually give way.

Compiled by Trashpost from COYS, tweeted by the excellent @WindyCOYS, some interesting stats this morning which add weight to the argument:

‘’Since January 1st 2010: averaged 2.29 pts per league match Pav has started (18 matches: 12 - 4 - 2). Crouch 1.64 (24 matches: 10 - 6 - 6)’’

At least Defoe’s back! Anyone?

It’s no big secret that we need a forward, but one at a requisite level is hard to come by. You either pay £30m+ for the finished article, or £15-20m on a good prospect. Whether we like it or not, we’re still in a position that requires us to take a bit of a gamble, so Carroll seems to be a no-brainer. Read an ITK that said we were in talks over Carroll and requested that Newcastle say he’s injured until the deal can be done. Sure enough, he was on the bench last night. Not exactly conclusive evidence that he’ll be unveiled on Sunday, but with their replacement striker scoring a hat-trick last night, would Ashley be tempted to cash in with this still fresh in the memory? Given his form, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Fingers all kinds of crossed that the Bale injury isn’t too serious. We need him back for the Manure game.