Yes after he played the first half as a secondary fullback at times deeper than the fullback and he had to be given freedom in the second half because.........................wait for it.............we were LOSING.
It's about the 4th time this season he's looked better as a forward than a fullback. All when we've had to chase the game.

Edited by Dangermouse (02 Mar 2014 9.21pm)

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

Because swansea play with overlapping wing backs. How else do you defend against that, but to have your wingers track them back?

It doesn't upset me, the fact is we don't have players capable of playing that way. Burley tried and we got spanked, Holloway was the same and most of the time we got a thumping. Pulis is getting the best out of what he has, a side made up of very little cash and a few players actually of a Premier League standard. Have you noticed that unless it is dry and sunny 80% of our players need 2 touches to bring the ball under control or pass to a team mate? What we have is a group that lacks skill but has serious mental toughness that kind of makes up for it.
Under Coppell the playing field was pretty level with regards to scouting and buying players. Now, those players that are fast and skillful are snapped up at an early age or for silly money, the only way we can compete is to try and produce them through our academy which is tough in itself. Pulis knows how to set a team up that can be far inferior to their opponent but still grind a result out and although it may not be pretty at times, it works. We need cash to change any sort of system we strive for (I'm pretty sure 2010 want some attractive football too) and the only way to get money now is to be in the Prem come hell or high water unless someone wants us as a toy.
I guess I will suffer the 'Pulis' style if it keeps us up because I actually think he has a very good technical ability and can change things when they aren't going right, many managers cannot. I am interested to see what a real difference he can make with a full transfer window and pre-season. I think many may be surprised.

"They got his own song 'He's just too good for you', it's quite unbelievable but when you see it and he's facing up someone - I actually feel sorry for them, 'Cos he actually is" - Ian Holloway

We said the same under Coppell. Once we've established ourselves we will change, but after 4 years in the old first division and then the prem we didn't. Stoke fans were hoping the same and it didn't happen. He plays the way he plays and will sign the players that suit that style. I cannot help it, but I hate it as much as constantly passing sideways and my opinion will not change. As for people claimimg it was all part of the plan to be s***e and let Swansea wear themselves out...puleeese. Also that sit back and soak it up plan hasn't really worked so far this season has it?

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

Hmmm...debating playing style at this time of the season in our league position ? I'm happy with any style that gives us a better chance of gaining the points we need to stay up. And I think that largely, TP is getting it right.

As for diving...I thought Thomas hesitated that split second and the chance was gone and then he tried to win a penalty. Seen worse ( Ashley Young for example ).

And when it comes to winning cheap free kicks / diving, I thought our players could learn a lot today from the opposition....they go to ground oh so easily, got what they deserved in the end.

Old, Ungifted and White

Couldn't agree more. Additionally, the argument that TP would stock Palace with Stoke-type players doesn't hold much water. He had the opportunity to bring in his own players in January. Ince, Ledley and Puncheon are hardly the prototypical neanderthals you might have expected. Secondly, Palace are currently 6th in the PL Fair Play Table. You'd expect us to be around 19th with Stoke if the intent was to emulate their style.