Right, there's been so much negativity on this board since the Swansea game. We've had articles saying 'Kenny Out', 'Sell Carroll', 'Everybody's Useless', We need to spend another £50/100/150 million' etc. etc.
So let's put some perspective onto this season. Let's have a look at our results from this season, and compare them to the corresponding fixtures from last season. (I've used the promoted teams as comparison to the relegated based on their positions in the PL and Championship last season (QPR = Birmingham, Norwich = Blackpool, Swansea = West Ham)
Result from last season on left, this season on the right:
Sunderland (H) ----------------- D --- D
Arsenal (A) ----------------------- D --- W
Bolton (H) ------------------------- W --- W
Stoke (A) -------------------------- L ---- L
Spurs(A) ---------------------------L ---- L
Wolves (H) ----------------------- L ---- W
Everton (A) ----------------------- L ------ W
United (H) ------------------------ W ------- D
Norwich [Blackpool] (H) ------ L ------- D
WBA (A) -------------------------- L ------- W
Swansea [WHU] (H) ----------- W ------ D
So from this, we can see we got 11 points from these fixtures last season. We have 19 this season. An 8 point improvement. We've played well in a lot of those games, and should have got more from a fair few (Stoke, United, Norwich and Sunderland). We're also still in the league cup.
However, we still need to improve. Our finishing has been, quite simply, awful. That needs to be worked on. And we seem to invite pressure after scoring, which needs to change. We look overrun in the middle at times, and there's sometimes no link between the midfield and attack.
But we haven't been anywhere near as bad as some are making out. Carroll is improving. He wins so many headers that create chances for others, and is finally getting himself in good goal scoring positions. Downing drifts in and out of games, but still sends over a few pinpoint crosses per game (for Kuyt and Henderson at Utd, Carroll at Swansea). Adam is the same, drifting in and out, but when he gets the ball he looks calm, creative and assured. Henderson looks sharp and energetic, but like many others I think he's being wasted out on the right.
Personally, I'd prefer us to switch to a 4-2-3-1, I don't like a 4-4-2. But I have faith in Kenny and Clarke. They're not stupid, they'll realise we've been poor for the past couple of games and do something. Whether it be changing players or the system, they will try something.
So guys, stay positive. We're playing reasonably well as a team, but some of our individuals haven't fired yet. When they do, it could be VERY exciting.
Progress
posted on 9/11/11
Result from this season on left, this season on the right
Think you need to change that
posted on 9/11/11
I share your cautious optimisim, as a team we have only been outplayed once so far this season against Spurs.
A lot of negativity and knee jerking has been borne from frustration of not killing off teams when we have been on top. Some fans seem to forget we used to dominate games against the so called weaker teams when Rafa was the manager too.
This has been a consistent failing for a number of seasons now, apart from when Hodgson was manager, when we rarely outplayed the opposition regardless of who they were.
Patience is the key. The new owners have spent £30m of their own money and since the wage bill has been reduced and they have brought in more lucrative sponsorship deals, I'm sure the squad will be strengthened further.
posted on 9/11/11
Nice fix GU
Apart from Editing my post the article wasn't all bad
posted on 9/11/11
comment by bmacdo (U11441)
posted 31 minutes ago
Result from this season on left, this season on the right
Think you need to change that
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Whoops
Sorted now
posted on 9/11/11
Good article and I echo your sentiments.
You make your own lucky but we are in a far better position in many ways to last year. We play more attractive football, we have more points and we have a better, more balanced, squad.
Personally I can only see us getting better. There are five new first team players who all have a fair bit of pressure on them.
The next three games are cruical. Three wins and everyone will be going nuts. Lose two and draw one and people will be on our backs.
If we can score a few from other areas then we'll be sorted but we miss Gerrard terribly. Not only him as a player but also the system that we can play.
posted on 9/11/11
This all very well but this progress article could be posted also on the City, United, Spurs and Newcastle boards.
They all are ahead of where they were this time last year.
posted on 9/11/11
comment by Big Irish Red (U11345)
posted 51 minutes ago
This all very well but this progress article could be posted also on the City, United, Spurs and Newcastle boards.
They all are ahead of where they were this time last year.
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I never expected us to be competing with City and United, they're challenging for the league, us for fourth.
Spurs are playing very well, but they may be playing to their max. (although they did what we've failed to recently against Fulham - be clinical and win without playing well)
Newcastle are also playing well, but this is where their true test starts. They've lost Tiote and Cabaye to injury, and have to play City and Utd next. I think they'll fade a bit, wont seriously challenge for the CL place, but do well for the rest of the season.