We had a very realistic chance of finishing 7th and achieving the stated aim of being ‘best of the rest’ and with it European football. Huddersfield, Southampton, Wolves and West Ham did not have more to play for than use when we played them post S/F. The Cup Final was nice to have on the horizon and as a fan, of course that was probably more preferable to most than finishing 7th. I know I’d rather have the glory of winning a trophy, especially the FA Cup. But that wasn’t the stated aim of the club. I don’t buy the excuse that tiredness cost us after the Arsenal game. If Gracia couldn’t keep them focussed on the league, spot their fatigue levels or the players weren’t professional enough, then there is no excuse. I don’t agree that it must be something Gracia said at half-time in games that caused the downfall. I think it was a lack of decisive action from him before and after those games that cost us. He was largely coasting as a manager and so were the players.
Yes, he was a big factor in that game but some are claiming that wrote us off effectively for the rest of the league season. I don’t buy that.