Mine was undoubtedly Kaboul.
There were lots of positives (you never hear this phrase after a win – funny that) from lots of players. But Kaboul was for want of a better word, staunch. He arrived at The Lane with a burden of expectation upon his Gallic shoulders and the old girl never quite bore the weight.
Jarred off then wholesaled off to Pompey he appeared to, in very technical parlance, get a bit better. His return was heralded with the same disinterest as his departure. Part of some debt consolation deal or a kick back on some Premiership Club Card reward program, I forget.
But he looks to be genuinely on the level now. And in a aside that has habitual ‘back four issues’, that’s a welcome addition.
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As you know Sir Harold I am contracted to disagree with you as often as possible but weird as it seems I was watching Kaboul today and thought that something seems to have clicked with him.
When he first arrived at the lane he showed many key attributes. Strong, fast, good on the ball, decent in the air and a terrific will to win. But something was not quite right. I think it was a lack of concentration or even the naivety of youth, he just wasn’t the complete package. Today, however, he seemed completely on his game and I’m hoping the ugly duckling is turning into a seriously decent central defender.
He could be a contender.
here, here
where, … over there, where, look just over there, ah yes,
here, here
Kaboul was exceptional, and no he didn’t give a free kick away, just an idiot ref buying a dive. Kaboul, considering he’s been out for a while, really held things together when I honestly thought Everton would exploit the centre of our defence. BAE played well again I thought. What annoyed me was there where at times five players surrounding Bale whenever he got the ball on the left, which surely must have left gaps in their centre and right?, but we never switched it quick enough to exploit. Crouch again I thought was pretty dire, but you do need the run of the ball to work in your favour, and a ref not looking to blow up for the slightest or non existent ‘fouls’ Has he never seen a smaller player ‘muscling’ in before..twat!
Yes , Kaboul is becoming the player he promised to be when France U21 captain. He’ll be first choice by the end of the season, and once Dawson is ok our troubles at centre back could hopefully be over.
It would make a pleasant change to score first once in a while. Fulham, Villa , WH, Wolves, Wigan and now Everton have all opened the scoring.
During an interview after VdV’s debut the question was put to him: “Have you ever played alongside someone like Peter Crouch before?!”
If only he’d answered: “You mean really,really Schitt? … No”
He did the biz at Eastlands… but it’s time to play Pav.
Sandro looked impressive today, seemed less nervous, his touch was better and he’ll be immense for us.
As a lot of people have said , ‘Arry missed a trick today. When Hibbert came on Bale should have switched left again.
Still, could be worse… United and Inter next week.
COYS
I cant believe Crouch is even being considered. He was absolutely SHOCKING!! He missed a sitter, was slow, weak, lost all the areal battle with a lot smaller center backs, he didn’t hold the ball up, and cant get in behind. An all round dreadful performance.
I have tried to be patient with 3MP but it just isn’t working, is it? He has his uses but ‘nailed on starter’ isn’t one.
I really want to like him. He tries hard, is determined and seems like a good bloke. But I just can’t.