I feel, and have been for a while, like there's a bit of Pardew in the air here. Yes we're attacking, and yes we're scoring, but we're also conceding. A lot. We've had two clean sheets all season and only one win.

Haha. Back to this again.

Benteke played fantastic today. He scored our only goal and should've scored two. Are you really going to criticise him?

Please.

I'm getting sick of my OWN voice on this now. Perhaps I'll just let PV do the talking, who AGAIN stated how impressed hew as with CB.

The defender was in front of Benteke and looking at the replay would most likely have intercepted the cross. It is wishful thinking to suggest Benny would’ve got anything like a clean header to the ball. I’ve stuck up for Benteke in the past but his conversion rate is poor. He did well for us last season but prior to that he had scored just 6 goals in 3 whole seasons for us (71 appearances!).

He scored one but his shocking misses today cost us the win.

I’m having to change view of Andersen and Guehi who, as a pair, lack strength in the air and leadership defending the penalty area.

We’ve looked weak defending the first ball and non-existent on the second too many times now for it to be bad luck which leaves a number of question marks and may force us to play Benteke for the wrong reasons.

The first thing a central defender needs to be is strong in the air and a good organiser. As good as the new players are with the ball at their feet I think our inability to defend the area is killing us and is serious worry for the remainder of the season.

He should have scored a hatrick but as you say he had 3 seasons with no service. His confidence must have been shot to bits. Form is temporary, class is permanent and he is a good striker. With more pressure, more chances he will start to convert a few more.
We are actually playing to his strengths and I'm sure he knows he should do better. Edourd outside though isn't his best position
So imo it's one or the other. PV is 9 games in and although we've snatched 3 draws from the jaws of victory I'm enjoying it so much more. I get the pardew link about conceding but our whole team is so much better than he had so I don't think it will get to losing 3 2 or 5 4. Onwards and upwards as they say.
COYP

I reckon Benteke is a gentle giant. Having PV around him maybe gives him that extra oomphh. I reckon the team at Arsenal was mor balanced. Really rate Olise but looks to me like he does more damage coming on after 55 minutes. Plus Newcastle we’re set up in a very defensive pattern.
That Wilson goal was awesome. Benteke equivalent screamed just over the bar. On another day that could have been 4-1. Just the rub of the green. If we get it right we are gonna be lethal.