Me and a mate of mine were discussing this on Saturday night. Basically he was saying that after his goal on Saturday, Pennant should have been saying words to the effect of "I know I haven't been performing to the best of my abilty, but I hope this is a sign of things to come..."
Instead he came across as being incredibly self satisfied.
More worrying quotes from him included...
“I feel as though I am settled in at Anfield now.
“I feel far more comfortable, and I feel as though I am proving people wrong still.
“I’m getting more confidence and looking forward to every game. Perhaps I’ve proved a few more people wrong with this performance. But the manager has said he has always had belief in me, that’s why he signed me.”
No mate, it's not about proving people wrong, it's about producing your form, which you haven't been doing. People are justied in questioning why we laid out £7m for him, with little or no return up until Saturday morning, so people aren't wrong. He hasn't been unfairly criticised and he hasn't been wronged as he seems to think
And one swing of your right boot doesn't make a season either, so get the f#ck on with it, and start thinking about earning your money rather than feeling sorry for yourself because a few people have been on your back for half a season of mediocrity (at best)
Outside of the goal, his performance wasn't all that either on Saturday - although his work rate appeared to be up, which for me was the most pleasing aspect of everything he did on saturday, including the goal. if he wants to have a slight chance of making it with us, that kind of work rate is going to be required every week. but it's easy to work hard when you feel you're having a good day, let's see what he does if he starts badly against West Ham.
I was made up for him on Saturday as i want to see anyone who pulls on the shirt succeed. He hasnt been up to the job so far this season, but one or two performances recently have been an improvement, i still want to see more from him though, he doesn't impose himself enough on games for my liking.
It takes a certain kind of temperament to turn out regularly for a club challenging for honours, so players can handle some cant, i guess time will tell if Pennant has it or not, but judging by those comments he doesnt seem to get what it is all about yet.
Thoughts?