Is our squad that bad - no it isn't. Overall, the midfield and attack are adequate for the EPL; but the defence is Championship standard. What is also apparent is tactically we have struggled with the pace - mentally and physically. Performances will improve as the season progresses but fundimentally we have an achilles-heel at the back. Better coaching might improve things in the defensive department and bringing in some better defenders in January will help the situation. What we don't know yet is what psychological damage has been done to the side following the defeat at the Gunners - this is on top of the losses when in front to Utd and City.
We'll see. My feeling entering the year was that we'd score quite a few goals and concede even more, which would ensure a few pretty ugly scorelines against the teams blessed with strength in attack and defense. The games against the Manchesters were a surprise in that regard, the game against Arsenal something of a return to reality. Now, we have a long stretch of games in which we will, more often than not, expect to be competitive...not favourites to win, in many cases, but capable of sticking around, and capable of taking some points. If the defense looks as error-prone against Villa and West Ham as it did against Arsenal, we're in serious trouble. But we're days and weeks away from knowing the answer to that one; our squad is as bad (or good) as it proves to be in that stretch.
Interesting thread. I know the spot light has been on our defence,however to stay in this division you need goals which hopefully we have.I am also not sure you can seperate defence/midfield etc. from the rest of the team,its a team game & everyone gas to press,track runners & cohese to get results. Our midfield was poorly shielded & vulnerable against Arsenal.
West Ham have gained 7 points, but look at who they've played. Villa at home, won 1-0, Swans away. lost 3-0, Fulham at home, won 3-0 (very good result) and last weekend had a goal-less draw at Norwich. Somewhat easier start than Saints openers! I would fancy Saints to get 7 points from Hammers first 4 games.
Birmingham City got relegated two seasons ago with a very mean defensive record. They got relegated because they didn't score enough goals. Wigan lost 9 nil to Tottenham two years ago (?) and stayed up Arsenal conceded 8 last season in one game It aint over til it's over.
Very true FLT. Most teams go down because they don't score enough. Wolves last season for instance even with Fletcher. We won't have that problem!
Blackpool being the obvious exeption, but their side just didn't have a whole lot of PL class in it. They still got a respectable points tally though which would have kept them up most years.
