John Stones

[The Equaliser]

Swansea aren't 16th because they've kept tons of clean sheets...

No they are 16th because they don't score enough goals.

They've had 8 clean sheets so far this season which is a much more respectable record than ours.

 

[BlueToff]

No they are 16th because they don't score enough goals.

They've had 8 clean sheets so far this season which is a much more respectable record than ours.

They conceded 4 at home to Sunderland mate. I covered the game - they were awful.

Yes, they had a man sent off, but they were dreadful defensively before that.

If people are seriously suggesting we move for a club captain of another Prem team, who is 31, to replace one of the most promising players this country has produced in a decade... then I despair mate, and it sums up how fans these days (of all clubs) only ever seem able to think about 3 months down the line.

And for the record, I like Williams, he had a great game yesterday.

 

[bizzaro]

They conceded 4 at home to Sunderland mate. I covered the game - they were awful.

Yes, they had a man sent off, but they were dreadful defensively before that.

If people are seriously suggesting we move for a club captain of another Prem team, who is 31, to replace one of the most promising players this country has produced in a decade... then I despair mate, and it sums up how fans these days (of all clubs) only ever seem able to think about 3 months down the line.

And for the record, I like Williams, he had a great game yesterday.

Totally agree.

I think it vitally important Martinez stamps some authority down on the squad.

That pass back exemplifies everything wrong with our season and our team at the moment.

Martinez's respect levels would go sky high if he showed just how unnacceptable it is seeing that level of performance.

People would have respected Stones or Howard if either would have actually thought 'safety first - BOOM' and attacked the ball out.

Instead no. Both thought they were on holiday or something. Absolutely useless.

Martinez needs to kick off big time about it.


Neither Stones or Howard are useless players. However, the way they are playing at the moment is not acceptable. They need to recognise this more than anyone.

 

[BlueToff]

Totally agree.

I think it vitally important Martinez stamps some authority down on the squad.

That pass back exemplifies everything wrong with our season and our team at the moment.

Martinez's respect levels would go sky high if he showed just how unnacceptable it is seeing that level of performance.

People would have respected Stones or Howard if either would have actually thought 'safety first - BOOM' and attacked the ball out.

Instead no. Both thought they were on holiday or something. Absolutely useless.

Martinez needs to kick off big time about it.


Neither Stones or Howard are useless players. However, the way they are playing at the moment is not acceptable. They need to recognise this more than anyone.

I think the problem is that he may not do. But we'll see.

I don't think Stones deserved the stick he got yesterday at all. He was poor in the first half yes, but the crowd were on his back from the get-go and it couldn't have helped. He got himself into a situation where he tried to be too cool and on this occasion - a lot down to his 'vastly experienced' goalkeeper not having the capability to move more than a yard from his line - it cost us and him.

 

[jceverton]

The only time Stones messed up on the ball yesterday (really, bar one or two miss-placed passed high up the pitch) was for their pen, where the blame lies mostly with Howard for a horrendous bit of goalkeeping.

Stones looks 10x the defender with Robles behind him... the proof was there for all to see against City. He simply just doesn't trust Howard and that's why he hesitated yesterday - you can clearly see it if you watch it back.

I think you're correct and I've seen Stones having a go at Howard in another game. If you watch him he's clearly got little confidence in him. I just don't think it was that bad of a back pass, I also think Howard should be showing for the ball by moving a few yards towards Stones. Howard is the main issue to me.

 

[sageyefc]

Bit much saying replace him with Williams, he only ever plays well against us, hes a fat lump most the other time.

 

[bizzaro]

I think the problem is that he may not do. But we'll see.

I don't think Stones deserved the stick he got yesterday at all. He was poor in the first half yes, but the crowd were on his back from the get-go and it couldn't have helped. He got himself into a situation where he tried to be too cool and on this occasion - a lot down to his 'vastly experienced' goalkeeper not having the capability to move more than a yard from his line - it cost us and him.

The manager needs to get on his back and/or drop him and Howard.

Spare the whip , spoil the child

etc etc of cliches.

However, lots of top players have been dropped before. Its character building.

It also reminds them. Perform. Or get dropped!

 

[BlueToff]

I think you're correct and I've seen Stones having a go at Howard in another game. If you watch him he's clearly got little confidence in him. I just don't think it was that bad of a back pass, I also think Howard should be showing for the ball by moving a few yards towards Stones. Howard is the main issue to me.

I've watched it again and again mate to see if I was been really harsh on Howard, but i'd say that it is really down to him in terms of making the big error.

Stones messed up, no doubt about it, but Ayew knew that Howard would hesitate and gambled on that, and that Howard, as always would make a clumsy and rash decision.

The buck lies with Martinez for keeping him in the side, however.

 

[BlueToff]

The manager needs to get on his back and/or drop him and Howard.

Spare the whip , spoil the child

etc etc of cliches.

However, lots of top players have been dropped before. Its character building.

It also reminds them. Perform. Or get dropped!

You don't drop Stones for this game. Joel will be in. The defence as a whole looks that little bit more confident with Joel (who is by no means fantastic, but he's certainly better than Howard!) behind them.

 

[sageyefc]

I think the problem is that he may not do. But we'll see.

I don't think Stones deserved the stick he got yesterday at all. He was poor in the first half yes, but the crowd were on his back from the get-go and it couldn't have helped. He got himself into a situation where he tried to be too cool and on this occasion - a lot down to his 'vastly experienced' goalkeeper not having the capability to move more than a yard from his line - it cost us and him.

Tbh think its been building since he told the park end to calm down

 

[sageyefc]

I think you're correct and I've seen Stones having a go at Howard in another game. If you watch him he's clearly got little confidence in him. I just don't think it was that bad of a back pass, I also think Howard should be showing for the ball by moving a few yards towards Stones. Howard is the main issue to me.

Hes always having a go at him, all our defenders look terrified to give it to howard

 

[bizzaro]

You don't drop Stones for this game. Joel will be in. The defence as a whole looks that little bit more confident with Joel (who is by no means fantastic, but he's certainly better than Howard!) behind them.

Possibly yes. One of them needs to be dropped at the least.

Tbh think its been building since he told the park end to calm down

This is another reason why Martinez needs to stamp his authority down hard. I'd tell Stones to stay quiet and focus on his game if he wants to keep his place.

As its a lack of focus on his part.

 

[tim cahill]

Totally agree.

I think it vitally important Martinez stamps some authority down on the squad.

That pass back exemplifies everything wrong with our season and our team at the moment.

Martinez's respect levels would go sky high if he showed just how unnacceptable it is seeing that level of performance.

People would have respected Stones or Howard if either would have actually thought 'safety first - BOOM' and attacked the ball out.

Instead no. Both thought they were on holiday or something. Absolutely useless.

Martinez needs to kick off big time about it.


Neither Stones or Howard are useless players. However, the way they are playing at the moment is not acceptable. They need to recognise this more than anyone.

Did you just suggest that Howard isn't useless?!

LIES!!!

 

[bizzaro]

Did you just suggest that Howard isn't useless?!

LIES!!!

Yesterday, did give me pause for thought. I've met Tim Howard and he's actually a very sound bluenose.

However, he himself needs to recognise. Yesterday was completely unnacceptable.

Theres no excuse on his part. If he watches it back. He has to agree.

 

[BlueToff]

Tbh think its been building since he told the park end to calm down

I thought that was class haha.

He knew what he was doing. In fact he only ever looks slightly out of control when the fans start screaming and jeering and panicking. Leave the lad too it! Get behind him, sing the chant!