So you're saying that they have deliberately stopped playing well to not finish as highly as possible?
Not at all. I don't think any footballer steps out onto the grass with the intent of losing. But if the opposition are hungrier than you are, even if it's only slightly, then that can be enough to give them the edge. In recent weeks Bmouth have lost to Burnley and Cardiff, and conceded an injury time equaliser to Newcastle. All three of those sides had something much greater to play for. A club going on their summer holidays early is nothing new. It happens every year. It's just that with Bmouth, it's kind of been taken to extreme - because rather than their season ending in February or March, it ended in about December. You still want to win, yes; but what you've got to fight for isn't as great as what your opponent has to fight for.
Fair point, but momentum is important and if Bournemouth lose Ake and Wilson in the Summer I can see them struggling next season.
Absolutely. I raised the momentum point on here earlier this evening. I could definitely see this having a detrimental effect to next season. And likewise as I said, if this was anyone other than the great untouchable Eddie, it would probably lead to them getting a new manager too. Regardless of circumstances, a manager would normally pay the price for this sort of run. It's why I want us to really take advantage of our last six games. Not just to survive, but to carry momentum into next season.
I couldn't believe their fans on Solent saying "let Wilson and Ake go their hearts aren't in it", they won't replace that quality easily...
In fairness, we did the same thing. We were better off without VVD, as his head had been turned. Mane could go, because he was inconsistent, didn't want to be here, and the money could be used to get two Manes. Quality is hard to come by, and you relinquish it only when left with no other choice.
I have a feeling he might retire this summer, or at least announce that he will at the end of his contract. The Hoddle and Sala incidents being two instigators in this.
We know ourselves that Great Escapes are possible but you need a team or two within easy reach and a good GD often helps.....something that Cardiff haven't got.
I don’t think they will do it, however I was just looking at the running order. They could beat Burnley or Brighton, with us losing at homing to a very tough Wolves team, making a possible 2 point gap or better. Then we need to stay calm under greater pressure. Hopefully Wolves win today and then their focus will be entirely on a Cup Final.
Playing "catch up" is a right bastard. You can do everything right and win your games, but if those just above you do the same, you're shafted. A few weeks back we were playing West Ham at home and winning 2-0. You had Spurs at home on the same day and were losing 0-1. Newcastle were losing 0-2 at home to Everton and Brighton were also struggling at Palace. We saw the scorelines during our match and thought we'd make some inroads but the rest is history - you all went on to win your games. Apart from winning our own games to come, particularly against Burnley and Brighton, we have to rely on others losing - that's the killer.
That was a b’stard of a weekend for you guys. I actually think Brighton is the team you are most likely to catch.
I think Fulham have that at the moment... didn’t they win their last 4 games to stay up under Hodgson? May have been 5. They went from bottom and gone, to completing a proper miracle.
