So both teams sit on 34 points. The magic rubicon which determines survival this year. Or so it seems. I think at least another point should realistically do it although you never know if Villa or Bournemouth may sneak wins against sides with little to play for. Who knew at the start of the season one would be cheering for the Stripey Nigels and Blues. Despite the win today and the eulogizing of Captain Fantastic or Captain Courageous there is a lot to question. This despite his admission he has a crocked knee. Sloppy defending at a set piece. Yet again forty five minutes to wake up. As if motivation was required. And despite the two penalties which have bolstered his goals tally he played poorly again in the first half. We need to play higher up the pitch. Press harder. Is this related to a fitness level that is not up to scratch. And a more positive frame of mind. Once again Hughes was exemplary. Dawson at the back and Sarr once he got the ball showed what a threat he can be. Welbeck was excellent again and unlucky not to score. Whatever happens now and if safety is finally secured there are a lot of questions to answer in between now and the start of next season. Ensure players like Estupinan play here. Overhaul the defence and shift some of the absolute dross we have. Cut fatuous Filippo out of the decision making and make sure NP and CS manage independently and recruit who they want. And recruit some young talent from around these parts. Be more scientific. Focus on the set pieces. Sort out the medical side of things. It is imperative that we stay up. The financial strain of the pandemic on the lower tiers and sponsors will be substantial. And not to be too coy exploit the situation by taking talent from the sick and weak clubs because there will be opportunities to do so. Brighton took Weir the other day. We are an old side that desperately needs freshening up with hunger , application and players with a little more ability at the back certainly and upfront. Longer term the youth development and a stadium move. People will grumble but the club needs to keep on moving forward and growing. It must remain progressive. It is something that Graham Taylor was always focused on when he dragged us out of the dark depths. Aspiring to excellence is what we must always do in every regard.
If only the club would look at it like us. One thing you’ve highlighted smudger that I really never thought about (in our case) is the financial impact it would have if we went down. Staying up this time is very important to keep moving forward. As for the wet spam game we have to start better freshen it up Deeney can have the rest of the season off now he’s done his bit when NP took over and today’s cool calm spot kicks. Hopefully Pedro gets a chance on the left with Welbeck up top. Go there get 3 points and then the last 2 games who cares Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I would be very happy to get a point here. They are a good side, probably the best of the bottom six man to man. Should of beaten Burnley and took Norwich to the cleaners today. They will find us more of a test in that regard, but I know we are more thanb capable of getting something here. In retrospect, if results go our way before this game again, a point would be a good result for both of us. Be delighted with a win but we are crud away. 2-2
I know it is a forlorn hope. But the current model is clearly not working. It may well be that they decide that they cannot live with the impositions. Who could blame them ? Gino for his own sake should do the decent thing and make sure that some of the players signed are actually wanted by the manager or use a more clearly defined analysis in those that are bought.
Yep, I doubt they would get rid of a financially rewarding global scouting network for a manager who may not be here next season.
You're at it again Smudger! I need to consume my own body weight in snacks and at least three jeenantonix etc ( apologies Douglas) to recover before I prepare mentally and physically for Friday.
Go at 'em. I think our tails will be up after that today (so will West Ham's in fairness), so we need to start fast and take the game to them! Get Sarr more central and give him the licence to roam and take players on. Think we can go there and nick it 0-1.
The game where a point could mean mathematically safe. If thats the case we should just pass it between ourselves for 90 minutes.
If today’s first half is anything to go by we could just about manage that. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm running out of life savings to bet on the opposition to help us win. I'm mortgaging the house tomorrow for this game.
re: finances. I'm sure I read somewhere that 84% of our turnover is from the TV deal which is the highest percentage in the league (or one of the highest).
If Villa and Bournemouth **** up both their next games we could end up in a position where both us and West Ham could secure survival with a point..... Bed wetters aren't going to be happy.
Sorry, but I've got to ask. Are bed wetters fans who think there's still a chance we go down or that we would lose today ? Or fans who are so scared at the possibility of what relegation means that they literally wet the bed at night thinking about the prospect ? Other than making yourself look severely intellectually challenged, exactly who on the forum is it that you're trying to have a go at ? There are always going to be optimists and pessimists like any walk in life. Perhaps optimists are too scared to deal with the outcome if the pessimists were right ? Maybe they are the bed-wetters?
Agreed. I do not want to go into the Summer break happy. If I do, I might lose momentum on my 'Giraldi out' campaign.
With Chelsea losing today, that will hopefully encourage Leicester. Plus they all still love Pearson, fans and players. So I’m hoping Pearson has made a phone call to Vardy and co and had a word. A draw isn’t good enough for Bournemouth or Villa. So with them having to go all out attack, Leicester with their pace will have opportunities. I honestly think Leicester will win 3-1 and Villa will draw 1-1 with Palace. Bournemouth then have Man City away and Villa have Everton away. Based on current form, I think we go into the West Ham game, 6 points clear of them both. I seriously hope we just pass the ball for 90mins. The outrage will be superb.
Win or lose, we all know you’ve got it in you to see it through. Even if this doesn’t turn out to be quite your year I reckon you can come back stronger after a proper break.