18 Aug 2013 15:52:34
I think I have to eat humble pie today. Well done to the team, 1st game and 3 points. Now for the humble pie. Well done to DANNY ROSE I thought he played excellent and between him and Paulinho they were the standout performers for me.

The team on a whole is IMO going to gel really well and when they get more familiar with how each other plays, I can see a few very clear results by 3 and 4 goals.

It showed me that we are going to create an abundance of chances and it looks like goals can come from all over the field. Saldado, Paulinho, Vertonghen Chadli, Sigurdsson the potential looks frightening.

Even Lennon looks hungry for the ball. The future looks really bright!

1.) 18 Aug 2013
A solid first outing against a stubborn opponent. But of our 18 shots only 3 were on target. That will not cut it against better teams . if Gayle of Palace were better I think we would have struggled to escape with all 3 points. The last 20 mins we were on the back foot, hanging on and looking to break. We still lack some one that can make the type of passes from the middle that Modric did and even Hudd was capable of.

2.) 18 Aug 2013
I think we might yet regret not getting Benteke as I think that might be someone we could have used . If and when Bale goes we need a few players yet at the attacking end . The defence looks ok and so does the middle of the park its the Bale spark we seem to miss . Would give Townsend a run out on the wing as he has pace and a fantastic finish when he gets it right . Could be the missing spark in some games at least .

3.) 18 Aug 2013
I agree we were not at our best but that was the 1st real challenge and at least we won. Also the players will get sharper the more games they play.

As for that creative midfielder, I am sure that AVB has a quality player in mind however I was really happy with ALL the new signings and we are stronger than this time last year.

Palace were a very good stubborn team to start our new season against and yes if Gayle was sharper himself we may of had a bit more to worry about but as I said it was the 1st game of the season and we are only going to get MUCH better as the season goes on.

4.) 18 Aug 2013
I know he didn't play for long but I thought Capoue was the standout player, he ripped Palace to bits.

5.) 18 Aug 2013
I have to admit, all new signings played well and will only get better. D.Rose also has IMO played a very good game! (I have already eaten humble pie for my comments a few days ago).

Like many people are stating we need a creative midfield player to provide the key passes to unlock those stubborn (Palace type) defences, well I was wrong about Rose so why not give Carroll a chance? or failing that why not go and get that Marco Reus lad?

6.) 18 Aug 2013
I agree, if this is how we can play the first game I'm looking forward to the possibilities as these players get to know each other better. Bale instead of Siggy would be such a huge upgrade, it doesn't bare thinking about if/when he leaves, playing behind Soldado and interchanging with him, Chadli and Lennon. would create problems for every PL defense. And that's not to say Siggy isn't a decent player.

7.) 19 Aug 2013
I see links tonight 18/08 about us and Willian . I fear this is money that could be better spent . Would rather have Mata for that money than a guy untested in a major league . Come on Liverpool for once sign a player we are both linked with .

8.) 19 Aug 2013
I think Rose will get better with each game played. He was in some good positions today and has got good speed. Is he at the required level of a top 3 club, not yet which is why a replacement would be brought in but expect rotation.

9.) 19 Aug 2013
I liked most of what we did. There's still some chemistry to work on - people making runs and others not working out where they were going or there being some missed passes. But benefit of the doubt that we will improve that.

Also glad that we were not defending corners with zonal marking!

10.) 19 Aug 2013
I watched game and still have my doubts about rose. I've always said he's good enough for teams outside top 6 were we will dominate. Until he proves it against a big club ( I doubt he will ) then we can judge. To early to judge him against arguably the worst team in the league.
Yid D.

11.) 19 Aug 2013
Would like to say, well done to everybody at the club, lots of new faces but stuck to the task and can get a hell of a lot better! Still not sure about Rose, but time will tell . Only real bugbear is Dawson . Please stop trying to play 30/40 yard passes, you can't do it, we don't want you to try it either!

12.) 19 Aug 2013
Early days, ideal opponents really because they were committed, resolute and had a go so, a decent test but one we could come through. We definitely should've wrapped it up with Sig and Defoe, few loose passes, some inter-change play not quite clicking where personnel are new and finding match-fitness at Prem pace. Overall though, very promising with lots of potential. Paulinho was ok, looked to try and slow himself down compared to the overall pace so, if he finds his way and gets up with the intensity he could be very good. Chadli, has something, will just need to see if more experience and confidence raises his game and whether he'll be in the first XI automatically or a squad player. Soldado, just looks like he will definitely score goals if given chances. No good in the air but technically brilliant and great movement. Capoue, very exciting, mobile, strong, good range of passing - even more impressive considering he had to come on later in the game and just pick up the pace as Palace were having a go.
If Bale stays, we really have a great team, Sig did well but Bale is another level and adds that pace, creativity and goal-threat all in one.
Hope Kaboul can stay fit and Sandro didn't even feature. I'd keep Townsend as a raw talent to throw on when we need to chase a game and play him in Europa League and Cup games too.
Hoping the Georgia trip doesn't leave us with a tired, flat, Sunday-syndrome next weekend. At least Swansea play on Thursday as well but they are at home with an easier game. Time for Carrol, Ade, Defoe, Townsend, Naughton etc to play. Would be great to get another win and head into the derby with momentum.
Simmo

13.) 19 Aug 2013
Agree with Cockney Magic, I thought Capoue had an excellent 30 minutes on Sunday. He not only looks strong but can pass the ball well.A good signing. hopefully.