Depends on the expectation - I know a lot of fans would have been happy with top 10 and a cup final. For me, we've met expectations. And for me, that was realistic last summer.
The Referee is a new kid on the block, surely he can't be any worse that the current tranche? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...dmits-no-idea-referee-Chris-Kavanagh-was.html
I don't expect 10th as a bare minimum, espescially this season as per the reasons you've pointed out. I also wouldn't say we've underperformed in the league either. We've done about roughly as I'd expect with the squad we were left with after the Summer window. I agree, they've had a very good season compared to their expectations so far. I say that as it will be interesting to see if they push on now to try and reach a record points total or if they just coast through to the end of the season. I'm hoping for the latter Could never watch a Pulis team though
Really.? Blimey, I thought we were about 15 or so points behind for some reason. Down only 6 points and playing largely without an in-form goal-getter for most of it. That's quite impressive.
I'd say their season has already exceeded their expectations unless they really collapse in this run in - I don't think they will - but I totally agree I couldn't watch them due to the nature of them basically 'doing what works for them'. If Saints were to do that it would be a huge quandry - maybe pushing top six but playing time-wasting spoilers - hmmm be interesting to see what peoplle think about that. I'm not sure it is a wrong thing to think 10th is a bare minimum perhaps if you suddenly start saying 12th to 16th is okay for us is that a 'get out clause' for the club or okay with them to say the same? I'm talking out of my arse clearly but I think it's interesting question.
A Pulis team will never push the top 6. I simply could not watch a manager who has no interest in attacking away from home, would drive me absolutely crazy. As for the 10th thing, I just think after 3 top 8 finishes on the bounce some fans just think we simply belong there now, whereas we don't have any right to be there in the same way that teams like United have no divine right to be top 4. I just think expecting 10th as a minimum (key word) after the poor Summer we had is asking for too much imo, especially when you throw in losing Koeman, Mane, Vic etc. & Europe.
especially when you throw in losing Koeman, Mane, Vic _______________________ I prefer the term 'jettisoned.'
Mind you, just to be the devil's advocate, the club have more or less said we lose players/managers and nothing changes because we march on etc....
We're actually only four points behind where we were after 29 matches last year, though quite a bit back in goal differential. Shows how remarkably well that team closed the year that we would need to win our remaining nine to match or overhaul our standing of a year ago, though.
I doubt we'll ever see an end to a season like last term. It was a one off. A very enjoyable one off.
Interestingly I think we've scored the same amount of goals as this time last year too, only more away than at home.
Yeah, the last few games have made a big difference in that regard, heh. We were on a goal a game before finding 14 in the last 6.
Thanks Sunderland & Watford We were on less than that at one point I think. Not sure what our home goal to game is.
Maybe I haven't really put it the way I wanted. I only wanted to point out that what makes as a good season for WBA is not the same for us, as we've set the bar higher for ourselves than they have in the last couple of year. To me this certainly is not a disappointing season and it's going better than I expected.
