Ryan Babel

[AFII]

He was up against Eboue, one of the worst fullbacks in the league and didn't get past him more than once.

He wasn't any good. He need to improve his off the ball work a lot. He also lacks the vision you need to be top class player. He almost always start his runs after the pass has been made.

Time will tell if he will improve on the above but he need to do that or else he will be the next Cisse.

[Guest]

He was up against Eboue, one of the worst fullbacks in the league and didn't get past him more than once.

He wasn't any good. He need to improve his off the ball work a lot. He also lacks the vision you need to be top class player. He almost always start his runs after the pass has been made.

Time will tell if he will improve on the above but he need to do that or else he will be the next Cisse.

He had to cover a lot of ground defensively too. I think people judge certain players on the offensive and eye catching work they do but neglect their role in allowing the team to keep it's shape. Babel was nowhere as bad as people are making it out last night. He was substituted early in the second half because Walcott was starting to influence the game for Arsenal and Babel had to double up his defending, which I don't think he has the capacity to do for a full match yet. This was a match played at a very high tempo last night.

[Gazmo1]

I think he looked tired and has been for the last few games IMO. Added to the fact we were playing Arsenal and he was double marked I think he had he work cut out for him.

Many forget that he isn't the finished article and is a young lad.

[cled the red]

He was up against Eboue, one of the worst fullbacks in the league and didn't get past him more than once.

He wasn't any good. He need to improve his off the ball work a lot. He also lacks the vision you need to be top class player. He almost always start his runs after the pass has been made.

Time will tell if he will improve on the above but he need to do that or else he will be the next Cisse.

Eh?? Eboue played in midfield, he was up against Toure (an excellent defender by the way) with Eboue doubling up on him, not easy.

[Howard_lfc]

I think he can be a lazy sod sometimes. It pisses me off. You see Dirky running after everything and Babel just can't be arsed sometimes and he is a bit lightweight too.

To be fair - I don't think he's lazy. I still think he's finding his feet over here. As Chris said - his problems are all upstairs.

[Tee]

Yes he was double marked and yes he is still young etc etc.. BUT putting in anything but 100% effort is pretty poor considering this was our biggest game of the season.

Simple things like actually challenging for headers and closing players down. If he had done this and showed some of Dirks spirit I would have been delighted.

[Kenneth]

He had a decent shot on goal when he cut inside. And we only had 2 all night.

[Guest]

Yes he was double marked and yes he is still young etc etc.. BUT putting in anything but 100% effort is pretty poor considering this was our biggest game of the season.

Simple things like actually challenging for headers and closing players down. If he had done this and showed some of Dirks spirit I would have been delighted.

Lol. He worked hard mate, even tackled to put a ball for a corner when Eboué tried to get past him (which he couldn't). I think the criticism is harsh.

He played well, the whole team played well. Why point out individuals ??

[enema of the state]

as soon as he went off don't think we touch the ball for 20 minutes. Sometimes a player can be effective without making a pass, a tackle just be being there. Kenny's run's used to cause more space than mosses in that bed time story.

he tied up 2-3 players for the 1st hour. I agree that arsenals best spell was the 20 mins imediately after he was subbed

[enema of the state]

He was up against Eboue, one of the worst fullbacks in the league and didn't get past him more than once.

were you pissed AF?? Eboue played wide right. he was up against kolo toure, imo the BEST defender in the league and he was actually double teamed most of the game

[enema of the state]

Eh?? Eboue played in midfield, he was up against Toure (an excellent defender by the way) with Eboue doubling up on him, not easy.

sorry mate - hadnt read as far as your post

[MattB]

He had an off night, but he stretches the opposition just by being on the pitch and pulling wide, which he did all night. They have to leave someone on him because he is a genuine threat with pace, which might be why SG had the space he did when we scored. Just a thought

[cled the red]

sorry mate - hadnt read as far as your post

no worries mate - at least you and I were watching the same game, unlike AF!!!

[MattB]

the SKy stats said he'd only completed 4 passes in 55 mins of football.

There's lies, damned lies and Sky statistics. Don't believe the anti-hype

[Red_hot]

To be fair - I don't think he's lazy. I still think he's finding his feet over here. As Chris said - his problems are all upstairs.

I don't think he made much of an effort last night and it's not the first time I've said it. Masher or Dirky lose the ball and they are chasing back after it straight away, Babel just looks half arsed imo. I'm sure he will get better and maybe it is a mental thing, I don't know but he needs to at least show a bit more effort.