Real split developed now. 11 point gap between the two clubs in 9th and 10th positions - that's huge when you consider there are less points separating all eleven clubs below that. Above them there's a 24 point gap to the top Confirmation if ever needed that this is a two tier, or maybe even a three tier league. Pick of the season? (so far) Southampton for me. The Osvaldo saga apart, they've been moulded into a compact and effective unit by Pochettino. They were safe at Christmas and those of us behind have failed to take on board just why and emulate them. Dissappointments this season? (so far) It has to be Man U in the top half and West Brom down below. I thought both would be a lot higher in the table, albeit still well apart in actual positions. Ourselves? Yep, dissappointment as well to be honest. I thought we had a chance of a decent mid table finish with the money we spent in the summer. Relative comfort zone with around ten games to go would have been the best we could have hoped for, but at least there's something for us to go for yet even if it is only survival. Just noticed that Nin said we were all but down on another thread. We aren't exactly blazing a trail agreed, but there are half a dozen other clubs around us who are no better - all to play for.
The Sunderland game was a pinch point for us. A win then and we could have been on 27 points now above West brom and 4 points clear of the Mackems. Just shows the effect of ill conceived substitutions. We would still be in the soft and smellies (only knee deep as opposed to up to our necks) but feeling a bit better about ourselves and more positive.
I said at the time that those two second half substitutions by Kerslake against the Mackems cost us two points for definite, and possibly our Prem status. Maybe a bit unfair to single out that game given some of the other ****e we've witnessed, but winning rather than drawing it would have had a far greater effect on Ole's first home game against West Ham that followed. We looked like scared rabbits in that one, and it was a direct consequence of our negative second half approach against Sunderland.
I must have been writing while you were posting Sparkey, but I put on the Fulham game thread that i've had a change of heart. I think there are others who are in a worst position than us, although the table doesn't say that. A few other fixtures go in our favour and we will need to win 3 games. If we can keep the goals coming we have a better chance than I first thought, I counted us out. I think we have gone through a rough patch, we need the team to settle now and get us those results, if we can pull a shock win off, then that will do nicely.
Agreed Sweetblue - another "Man City home" type of result could do wonders for Ole's target points total - how about the Liverpool game?...... If it comes along then fair enough, but we just need to beat those teams around us like Palace, Brom and Stoke - that'll probably do it.
If there was a game to be won to give a shock result, then you would have to say Liverpool are favs for us to do it. We play well against the big teams, the players seem to be able to raise their game, albeit not enough, (usually), to get anything. Has to be at least another out there for us Sparkey, lets hope it isn't at the cost of 3 points against those close to us.
I think Everton away is the more likely for freak points. Liverpool look absolute class 3-0 at Southampton (another possible venue for unlikely points for us) last time out. Top goal scorers in the PL v the 2nd worst defence I can't believe it wont play to obvious form.
December was our down fall, 5points from 6 games. Just remember who those 6 game were against. Stoke away drew 0-0 Palace away lost 2-0 West Brom home won 1-0 Liverpool away lost 3-1 Southampton home lost 3-0 Sunderland home drew 2-2 We should have been looking for at least 12 points. Don't sack Makay became hollow.
Opinions again eh Stevo? That scoreline (and even the result?) at Southampton flattered Liverpool. Southampton were very unlucky not to score and played some lovely stuff but no cigar. I'd be more dubious about getting anything at St Marys than Liverpool at the CCS. Liverpool were clinical I'll give you that, but they could have lost it - the scoreline flattered them no end. Can't argue with the Suarez factor though. He will always score and make goals for others out of nothing. Him and Sturridge are a frightening pair for our CB's to face. If we do get anything from our game with them, those two will have to be kept under control for 90 minutes. If that's possible, we could sneak one or maybe two in the other end from set pieces to get something, but we have little chance of winning it in open play. Can't wait for our prediction league forecasts for this one.........
Either will be a shock Steve, so either will do, or maybe the two for good measure, what do we have to lose now.
I think an away point would generally be regarded as being something to be happy with. I think 8 would be more realistic minimum from that lot. Nonetheless, we failed to get that. The crucial result in the season for me was Sunderland. The surrendering of a two goal lead with fifteen minutes remaining was criminal. Those two points dropped could be the difference between survival and the drop.
We might have a chance of a point against Liverpool if the referee penalises their defenders for rugby tackles in the box, unlike the ref at Anfield.
You again!! Saints and Lalana in particular looked threatening for a 20minute spell before half time and Liverpool's first goal was fortunate. Second half I though Liverpool controlled a very good Saints side with ease. The 3rd goal put a gloss on it (and was a little harsh to the Saints) but a 2 goal margin did not flatter Liverpool IMO....
Yes, it's me again!....... What I've seen of Southampton this season, they're easily a class above us and not that far behind that elite top half dozen clubs. They demolished us at the CCS and as a "team", they are eons better than Man U this year. The only thing Man U and even Liverpool possess over them are the star players to win a game like Rooney, RVP, and Gnasher Suarez. If they had one or two of them, they'd be challenging for a CL place next season. I'll take nothing away from Liverpool though - Rodgers is doing a fantastic job turning the club back into a force after some poor (by their standards) recent seasons. Having said that, for some reason I think a point off them at the CCS is still possible, and more likely than getting one at St. Marys.
I think you've got a better chance of points at St Mary's than I'd like to admit. Our play at home has been a little bit ropey of late.
Well fella, you took us to the cleaners for Malky's last game with us - last nail in his coffin although it was being fitted at the time. If Ole can pull it together and put out a settled side tailored for each opposition as he has alluded, we may get something from you, but still think our remaining home games and Brom away are going to be the answer to our problems (or not). Good luck to you pal - nice to see someone taking on the elite and getting some joy.
We are where I expected us to be. Even if MM was still manager I stick by my statement. I think MM set us up for survival and nothing more. Ole may keep us up but I haven't seen enough games to comment on his abilities. I expected us to struggle and I think an older head should have been brought in to keep us up but I will back Ole as he is the current manager. With regards to other teams mentioned, West Brom seem to be nose-diving and it would be a shame if they go down, Fulham, I have no interest in them other than they look doomed. Sunderland should pull themselves away from the zone as I think Poyet is good enough to keep them up. Who will go down? Well I haven't got a clue tbh.
In all honesty, if we did manage that we'd stay up for sure. Someone like Magath?............ As far as the drop contenders are concerned, and this also includes us of course, I'll stick with Fulham, West Brom and one other out of Stoke (my favourites for the trap door), Palace (the Pulis effect might have run out of steam) and Norwich (whatever anyone says, those last four fixtures of theirs are horrendous when you might desperately need the points).
I was of the opinion after losing at Palace, that there was a real likelihood City would not pick up another away point all season. So far that opinion has proven right but whether City can nick a point or a freak win is open to debate still. WBA & Sunderland are places where City have to pick up points; one at either Southampton, Newcastle or Everton is unlikely IMO.
