Rayvin

When have we ever successfully defended a lead under sustained pressure; even Villa nearly took us apart. Contrastingly, how many times have we summoned up reserves to win at the last gasp. He was playing to our strengths.

That was Sissoko at the end - had it been Mbiwa he might have been more aware of that run in from behind. Good counter. Case in point for why we couldn't go gung-ho earlier really.

Yep, cos we won every European cup on offer under Keegan. Couldn't move for the things. Pardew has a different strategy to Keegan, last year it got us 5th. This year we were hit by injuries and board incompetence. We'd surely have been good for another 10-15 points had we bolstered over the summer.

Agreed, he looks back to being the business again. Relief.

Shola got the assist for our goal though and played well I thought. A rarity I know, but he looked up for it.

Maybe so, but we're talking about just this game. Look, your opinion's fair enough - I get that his tactics aren't what you want to see. I'm reassured myself, it seemed like we had a plan at least, and one that nearly came off. He utilised the team and the mindset of the opponent well IMO.

Yes but if it was possible for tactics to always work, every team would win every game. The point is, he gave us a chance of putting them out, and it was a close run thing in the end. I don't know what you're expecting? Going out 2-5 all guns blazing? I think that sort of scoreline would be the alternative.

I'm not worried, we should be on a relative high after that. Should carry us into this game nicely.

Right but, if we're talking commentator words as law, they also just said he got the game plan right. If we'd got the second, we'd be hailing Pardew as a mastermind.

Mate, most of the team has been injured all season. I know this is a bit of a bitter pill, but Pardew has not let us down with this Europa run.

Sorry but I totally disagree. We would have been overstretched and the effect would have been minimised had Ben Arfa and Marveaux played in the first half. We had to take the first half out of the game in order to minimise the amount of time we had to hold on to any lead, because, as everyone said, Benfica had a goal in them. The only thing that prevented them trying us earlier was that they didn't need to. I think Pardew really knows what he's about.

I don't think we could've asked any more from that. They had to go for it, and to be honest, had we been full strength, I reckon we'd have had them.

FUCKING GET INNNNN!!!!!!

He might hold up play though, which suggests we're going for aerial bombardment...

Ok, the Shola sub makes me concerned...

I'd say it's going to plan so far. I'll reserve judgement on this until the game is complete I think, the plan was definitely to contain in that half.

I know, it was irresponsible... I'm kinda wrapping myself in knots!

If we concede just before half time, it'd be just like us.

Yeah true, but looking at this. I don't think scoring this half is the plan. If we scored two they'd be all over us. As it stands, they're standing off a bit. Bloody hell though, lucky there.

Yeah...we need to take the edge off. Or get some possession. Shaky start.

Come to think of it, we've got quite a defensive set up there. I wonder if the plan is ultimately for the midfield to get behind the ball save for Cabaye who acts as the link up to Sissoko and Cisse. It'd remove some of their counter-attacking potency and put less stress on our defence. They didn't look too great either, defensively. Maybe it'd work.

Cordoza and Rodrigo on the bench for Benfica mind... maybe they're underestimating us?

Not even on the bench. Subs: Elliot, Ben Arfa, Perch, Gosling, Marveaux, Ameobi, Campbell.

I wonder if Marveaux is being left out for a final push when they're getting tired. Alongside Ben Arfa perhaps. Presumably the idea is that we're putting out the best defence we can - if things go tits up because the defence aren't good enough, then there's no point in risking some of the main players getting tired. If we're in a good position around 60 minutes, maybe we turn up the heat and see the game out.

...not sure about this like lads.