No you're right the defending was okay and I'm proud of them turning their backs or not putting a tackle in. Both of them within seconds of each other and Dann the captain. It's all okay and with that will continue to be.

COYP

maybe a Russian can help you there ?

“ [T]here are known knowns; there are things we know that we know.There are known unknowns; that is to say there are things that, we now know we don't know.But there are also unknown unknowns – there are things we do not know we don't know. ”
—United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld

Rudi is obviously very concerned about our plight like most of us are and his frustration and disappointment manifests itself in a re-iteration of his feelings.

Yes, one can view it as repetitive, negative and tedious but at the end of the day he is probably only mirroring the thoughts of many of our supporters.

Edited by Willo (29 Oct 2017 2.44pm)

So Dann doesn't buy the shift to the right and stands his ground and Ayew runs straight past him. That would be good defending wouldn't it?
The only person who knows what he's gonna do is the one with the ball funnily enough. Luka gave the ball way allowing good Ayew to run straight at our defence. Luka plays in front of them because you want to prevent tricky, skilful forwards from doing that, cos they are always likely to twist past a big centre half. Luka's fault, but s*** happens.

That's Life
And as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks stompin' on a Dream.
KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!

Cresswell was at the right back area and Ward was double marking.

Dann didn't go to time a tackle. I bet Sakho would've done. Now teams watching the video know Dann may not tackle so just zig zag dribble at him and he'll do nothing. And Tomkins is scared of a ball in the thigh. He could've blocked that shot so even if you claim Dann couldn't make the tackle, Tomkins could and instead made a 9 year old Toby tackle so no there is no excuses. If you make mistakes or don't do what's required and give 2 goals away then winning is unlikely.

COYP

In hindsight you try and tackle Ayew, but most times when outside the box the forward will try and beat their man which is probably why they didn't commit themselves and allow Ayew a free run on goal (or risk fouling him and getting sent off). I don't think anyone was expecting him to just wallop it from 20 yards.

We looked less confident in the first half compared to the previous two league games. I think for both us and West Ham the billing as a 'must win' game seemed to get to the players. In the second half West Ham appeared afraid to lose the 3pts whereas we had nothing to lose and so didn't look so shaky. I think against Spurs there will be more pressure on them after the result on Saturday. If Cabaye can do his usual job of riling Alli then we might just spring a surprise, especially if Sakho is back.