OTF

It's to go in the roo traps for the boxing day rituals.

Jonas wasn't that bad, the worst part of his game was that he kept trying what wasn't working. Their defense (particularly Ryan Nelsen) were able to easily anticipate and set themselves up for his low crosses. He shouldn't have been relied on as heavily as he was to carry the ball upfield, there was just no balance in the side. Should have been looking to move the ball back and across the face of the box rather than sending the aimless balls in. Obertan should have been brought on earlier with Jonas left out there to have both sides operating in unison. Could have had them switching sides - Jonas' crossing tends to be slightly better off his preferred right foot.

Just helped to crumb 8kg of Chicken.

This has no basis in anything I've seen from the side but I think we'll get a point from he next two games and by then Ben Arfa should be back, allowing us to get a point or better against Everton. The next win could come against Norwich away but failing that we'd be in a dire spot if we couldn't turn over Reading at home.

Both NUFC.com and Skysports are both incorrectly attributing the assist for Shola's goal to Perch rather than Marveaux - perhaps because Perch was the first to come across to celebrate. Marveaux's reaction doesn't bode well for his attitude to the rest of the team and perhaps goes a way to explaining why we've seen so little of him.

Indeed. Critical 3 points will get the salivating press off our backs momentarily.

Think Stevie Wonder gave Pardew a call ten minutes into the second half.

Spare for Shola's Christmas miracle I feel like I need to wash my eyes out after watching that.

Tarabat just tackled himself.

Don't go running your mouth yet...

Ice in the veins.

subtle

Amazingly that was a well created and Well taken goal! Great finish Shola. Nice lead up play from Santon and Marveaux.

We haven't suddenly become better from the changes, but inexplicably they have become worse. At this point I'll take it.

Dangerous free-kick from Anita.... And now we have no Tiote at old trafford.

Cisse's header there was reminiscent of Leon Best. Jonas and Cisse hooked for Obertan and Shola. Perch who just attempted some kind of lob that an under 5 goalkeeper would have saved because it was off target and softer than CTs belly.

Obertan and Shola being readied. End product and effort nowhere to be seen.

They've dusted off SWP

Have to agree with that, a change is needed and there's no apparent reason for not introducing one.

There's something very 2008/09 about this performance and the balance (or lack thereof) of this side.

Absolutely atrocious defending on Tarabat there, if I was Pardew I would be livid.

Halftime change - we're going to do the same thing just heading the other way. No changes

Shola's physical presence could at least deter their central defenders when our aimless crosses come in from left left, left right and left centre.

Their first half against us was one of the worst halfs of football I've seen anyone against us play, absolutely nothing.

I almost shuddered when I typed it. Marveaux is the other option but was hoping that Obertan could do plenty of running down the right to stretch them. Either way not creating any notable chances in a half is a clear sign that a change is required. We may see a shift to 4-3-3. Perch hasn't been particularly bad but he should be the one to make way as he offers he least of our midfielders.