Well I was gonna have a rant, but...
This is the sort of game that can really give a team confidence and kick-start their season, as Pardew pointed out. Certainly the second half was probably as good a performance as we'll see this season, and credit must go partly to Pards for that. But in the first half, we were terible. I don't understand why Reid (all left foot) was on the right, and Thomas (all right foot) was on the left- although he prefers it there- and blame must go partly to Pards for that.
We swapped the wings and introduced Zheng and, in the second half, the game turned. Three fantastic finishes later, we left The Valley happy.
So, a qualified well done to Pards and the lads. Let's hope everyone's learning the lessons. Defensively we've got to toughen up and start winning the aerial battles and Pards needs to recognize the importance of Andy Reid to the side, and play him where he can have the greatest influence on the game - which is not stuck out on the right wing.
Man of the match: Iwelumo. Two thumping finishes to give us the points after a poor first half. Reid, for some great passes and a fine goal, and Zheng, for adding shape and discipline to midfield, ran him close.
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