The Mamaluke wrote:
Father Fred wrote:
Pedant wrote:. Songs pass for Downing was incredible.


As was the subtlety with which Downing mugged-off their keeper.
Made easier by the fact Valencia had kept up with play and was there waiting for a tap in - their keep pretty much let Downing score because to have focused 100% on downing would have lead to a pass and Valencia goal instead.

I'm still trying to work out what Nolan offered / offers.  Can someone please tell me what he did well yesterday / ever*?

* other than the goals




Fred, I'll have a nibble at your clumsy little maggot. I think, at times, his captaincy of the team, particularly during the promotion season has been excellent and whilst he may no longer be worthy of an automatic starting place he still offers good leadership when he is on the pitch. Still is vocal at the ref (not saying that's right but sadly it is something that a team needs), still provides a physical presence and still offers the role of 'bloke you don't fuck with'. The spat between Noble and Tomkins during the Everton replay looked like it could easily get out of hand before he intervened is a recent eg.
Good captain in the past - agreed.
No longer worthy of an automatic starting place - agreed.
still offers good leadership when he is on the pitch - agreed.
Still is vocal at the ref (not saying that's right but sadly it is something that a team needs) - agreed.
still provides a physical presence and still offers the role of 'bloke you don't fuck with' - agreed.

He is a reasonable body in the middle of the park when better players are not available.  He offers the bulldog spirit and captains role is noble is not playing - I just about buy that.  But other than that and goalscoring what does he bring?  He is not in the team for his dribbling, movement, tackling, speed of thought, ability on the ball, short passing / retaining possession, or his ability to play a great final ball.

I wouldn't have been booing had I been there, I'm not saying that Nolan shouldn't have been picked.  I am saying that for all the good BFS has done it is a shame that Nolan gets as many minutes as he does.