Ameobi - did not win one high ball in the air against Thome because he was too far forward in the challenge. When he got the ball on the deck and beat thome, Thome was quick enough to recover or Amiobi was too slow.Watch the tape Acuna - always one yard too short in the chase and should have scored. Hughes - hides - watch the tape Barton - when ahead of Kilbane in a chase for the ball came second but other than that very safe which is a blessing.Watch the tape Bellamy - a bit quick. Dazibas - played an intelligent game against Quinn or is that a contradiction? Robert - the goal came from midfield, a great pass and that tells us what we are missing, a passer of the ball from midfield. Robert is a great winger for my money. Solano - was in position and missed the lot every time. Who has not at whatever level? Two wingers - you beauty. Lee - can hold that defensive midfield but so could s.o.else and drive into their box.Australia - bound for Glory Gus. Given - better Speed - not missed Shearer - made more impact than Ameobi. Elliot - a good left foot but too slow.Harley was the man to fill that spot. Griffin - for transfer? Bassedas - homesick cos I would be. Bernard - I would like to see him but only cos you recommend him.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Answers

spence, the problem with the Sky pictures is that they are filmed from the level of the old corporate boxes in the Milburn and give you no indication of width. Some of Hughes's challenges when he switched out wide were the result of covering a great deal of ground both backwards and outwards. His pace was an absolute Godsend.

Ameobi has never been able to head a ball but they seem determined to give him on-the-job training. It makes sense, as he'll not be the finished article until he learns to do it. His pace can be deceptive because he appears to run in slow motion (like Tino and Kanu) but can really shift when the mood takes him. Like those other two he also has that amazing comfort with the ball and has a drag-back which has bamboozled every defender he's come up against to date. That's why he still merits a marker, and what helps keep Bellamy in some sort of space.

Ideally some of the others will get back soon and he can take his experience down a level and start scoring serious goals. If he brings that back up with him again then we'll have the real thing.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

I'm just really pleased to see a bit of pace up front. Well impressed by Robert and Bellamy so far.Add a fit(?) Dyer and we'll cause a few problems for other teams.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001