Deserves a thread on his own imho

all tingums considering

well done the pair of you

MAGNIFICENT

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Answers

Got to agree Pete - the two are them were really outstanding tonight, and never let Viera dominate from midfield.

I'm certainly guilty of totally writing McClen off, but the lad absolutely ran his socks off tonight. He also created two excellent chances in the 2nd half with beautifully placed passes into the box - both spurned unfortunately.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

The pair of them are geordies.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Both of them had their best games in a black and white shirt.

Great stuff

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Just goes to show - games aren't won on paper. We are all guilty of overlooking this sometimes.

Well done, lads.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

I did say before the match that I thought McClen/Acuna up against Viera and co would be a case of men against boys. So it proved. I hope Viera had his mum with him.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Remember all the threads about Acuna not being the goods for the EPL? Does the fact that this is probably the first time he was played in the defensive role without a Lee or a Speed around mean anything?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Through all the criticism, all I can remember is the amazing game Acuna had against Leeds on Boxing Day 2 seasons ago. CAn't remember if Lee or Speed played in that one? Very glad to hear Acuna has once again shown what he's capable of doing.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Should we then rush Speed back for next week's match? If Acuna plays like he did yesterday, he should start with Jenas. Let Speed rest and properly heal his hamstring or is it his toes.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

YBR:

Robson was particularly pleased with the performances of central midfield pairing Clarence Acuna and Jamie McClen, who stepped into the breach in the absence of Gary Speed and Jermaine Jenas.

A lot of people thought we would struggle, but I thought they were absolutely magnificent," he said.

"I thought Acuna and McClen were brilliant.

"I wouldn't say they bossed the midfield completely, but they were never outshone. Vieira was obviously a monster, but we didn't lose the midfield."

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Viera is a stunning player but it was wonderful to see lads like McClen standing up to him and doing it well. I thought we would get over-run by them in midfield but it didn't happen.

One thing, and this isn't a criticism of anyone, but towards the end I thought we could have used someone who could stand on the ball and slow things down a bit.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

McClen still wants away, so maybe he had a hidden agenda in having a blinder. And, on that basis, expect an announcement from Acuna any day now. :-{E}

They were a revelation and I don't mind the massive helpings of humble pie I'll be living on the rest of this week, cos I had the game down as utter humiliation if we were lucky.

Feel canny now, but daren't even contemplate a repeat performance at Highbury.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

Acuna was brilliant. Won the ball back loads. IMO he should start next saturday.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

My only reason for making the observation re Acuna was to point out that perhaps he has been played slightly out of position. As a true defensive M/F in front of the back 4 suits him better than him covering box to box and running around like Kets!

He has had to fit into the team with either Speed or Lee filling that role. He has also had to fit in as a junior partner to them also. With the confidence he has gained from this, the junior partner might find himself lifted in the pecking order. Remember he was always dropped for Lee or Speed no matter how well he played. Was it not so after that Leeds performance dougal?

I have said it before ad nauseum, the criticism of many of our team is based on the performances when most of the newcomers are filling any position just to get a game. Look at the recent signings, Bellamy not played in a roving role until half a dozen games, Distin now our LFB, Bernard LFB - LMF, even Robert is adjusting to a LMF role instead as an out and out winger. Bassedas, Acuna both not given the time to settle and play to their potential in their preferred position. I think the only player to come into the team in his own natural position is Jenas.

OK if a player is crap their is nothing much you can say, but find out about the players, where they think they should play and see where they are actually getting a game, then and only then should their skill etc be measured.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

I've always kind of liked Acuna, while feeling that he - and McClen - are good first div or at best lower-half Prem players. I'm afraid yesterday reminded me a bit of when a Tranmere or a Wycombe go on a cup run - they have individuals who, in those cup games, seem to be a match for the stars they come up against and consequently give the impression they're of Premiership standard. The next week, away from the cameras, they put in an anonymous display against Gillingham. So it may be with these two - both capable, but I doubt either will ever be the first name on our teamsheet.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002