N'Zogbia

[pauliewalnuts]

Problem is that fans expect players to always hit the ground running. Petrov was shit for the first season with us yet many would have him back in the team in a flash. N'Zogbia has at times flattered to deceive but has never been lazy as some have accused him of being. He is an attacking player that was forced to do anything but attack under McClown and the fans decided to turn against the player rather than the tactics. This season he has had injury probs but I believe we are now seeing what he's all about and long may it continue since he's one of very few players that can make things happen and if we do stay up I'm sure he'll be one of the big reasons why.

I think that's about right.

Petrov was great for us in his last season and a bit, but, with the exception of his first match, he really struggled for us for a good season or two, I thought.

I think a lot of the frustration with N'Zogbia up till now has been his decision making. Hanging on to the ball too long, passing when he should be shooting, shooting when he should be passing, but I wonder how much of that is a mental thing, feeling the pressure.

Let's not forget, he was a big fish in a small pond at Wigan, so it wouldn't be the biggest surprise.

I think confidence has been a massive issue for a lot of our players this season and last. Look at Albrighton (another one who suffers with final decision making), whenever we've seen him of late, he has looked completely shot.

[N'ZMAV]

Took him a while to really get going for Wigan too...

[rob_bridge]

Yes,let's sell a player now he's finally settling and hitting some form?.He was clearly unhappy last season under the most negative manager in the world and said as much.He's also been plagued by injuries and this is the first time he's had a run of games in his favoured position and appears to be doing the business.He also seems popular with his team mates and should we stay up will hopefully push on next season

More than happy to keep him if he plays like he has done recently on a consistent basis. I don't think that is likely to happen based on the previous 18 months, 3 good games does not equal £10m + £3p.a.

If we get relegated then I suspect some end of season eye catching performances will see him on his way regardless.

And what if he helps keep us up as he did Wigan?

Well if he helps keep us up then he will have played 10 good games then let's hope the form continues next season and we keep him. Simple.

However if we get a mug punter to give us 10m+ (which I also doubt will happen) then it would be hard to turn down based on a dozen good games.

Just my opinion.

But yes I have been impressed with him since he moved into centre just off a Benteke - which for the Bent lovers (and I used to be one believe me) means no place in starting line up for him.

[Nastylee]

I would also factor in the lack of movement from our players. It's easy to run into a blind alley or dwell on the ball when no bugger moves.

[rob_bridge]

I would also factor in the lack of movement from our players. It's easy to run into a blind alley or dwell on the ball when no bugger moves.

Fair point and well made

[Bottom Right 89]

Sadly my take on N'Zogbia is that he is only interested in Charles N'Zogbia, his improved performances stem from the fact that he is worried that if he shows nothing and we get relegated he'll miss the next premier league club willing to pay him stupid wages. Long may it continue and he keeps us up with his free kicks and wing wizardry but for the money we paid he's been terrible up to this point and has let us down.

[pauliewalnuts]

I would also factor in the lack of movement from our players. It's easy to run into a blind alley or dwell on the ball when no bugger moves.

That's an excellent point.

Lack of movement off the ball is something we've been guilty of for several years now. Decades, possibly.

[Rigadon]

I would also factor in the lack of movement from our players. It's easy to run into a blind alley or dwell on the ball when no bugger moves.

That's an excellent point.

Lack of movement off the ball is something we've been guilty of for several years now. Decades, possibly.

Our forward movement is improving I think.  Certainly better than last year. 

I'm not sure N'Zogbia's game is head-up and find a clever pass.  He's more head-down, direct, fast running.  It's a confidence thing with him for sure.

[PaulWinch again]

It's noticeable our movement off the ball is much better when we're confident. Also Bent coming on on Sunday had an impact on it, his movement created space for N'Zog to be more of a threat.

[Brend'Watkins]

It's no coincidence that we are now getting the best out of N'Zog playing him in his most effective position.   There also appears to be a good understanding between him and Benteke about when to give and when to go.

Regarding the lack of movement in general.  I think Weimann can't be criticized in this area.  He's always on the go trying to make space, Gabby too is effective at this.  With N'Zog carrying the ball as he likes to I think we will become far more effective for the remainder of the season creating chances.

[mrfuse]

It's no coincidence that we are now getting the best out of N'Zog playing him in his most effective position.   There also appears to be a good understanding between him and Benteke about when to give and when to go.

Regarding the lack of movement in general.  I think Weimann can't be criticized in this area.  He's always on the go trying to make space, Gabby too is effective at this.  With N'Zog carrying the ball as he likes to I think we will become far more effective for the remainder of the season creating chances.

I agree about the understanding with Benteke both speaking French will be a big help to both of them I'm guessing.

[Chris Smith]

It's no coincidence that we are now getting the best out of N'Zog playing him in his most effective position.   There also appears to be a good understanding between him and Benteke about when to give and when to go.

Regarding the lack of movement in general.  I think Weimann can't be criticized in this area.  He's always on the go trying to make space, Gabby too is effective at this.  With N'Zog carrying the ball as he likes to I think we will become far more effective for the remainder of the season creating chances.

I agree about the understanding with Benteke both speaking French will be a big help to both of them I'm guessing.

Sur la tête, le fils.

[paul_e]

It's no coincidence that we are now getting the best out of N'Zog playing him in his most effective position.   There also appears to be a good understanding between him and Benteke about when to give and when to go.

Regarding the lack of movement in general.  I think Weimann can't be criticized in this area.  He's always on the go trying to make space, Gabby too is effective at this.  With N'Zog carrying the ball as he likes to I think we will become far more effective for the remainder of the season creating chances.

I agree about the understanding with Benteke both speaking French will be a big help to both of them I'm guessing.

I think it's more that Benteke makes other players look better by finding space for himself.  The only player who hasn't looked good alongside Benteke is Bent, who is the only one who isn't really suited to regularly finding Benteke when he makes space.  That's the main reason why they don't really work as a pair.

[JUAN PABLO]

I want to see more of this .

[LeeB]

I want to see more of this .

Amen to that brother.