Completely wrong? So we're not 5 games in? We aren't targetting a midtable finish? Why would you worry about the table now, in September? When was a season ever defined in September? We've lost once in five games this season, so a couple of our rivals picked up some points? Obviously they're going to pick them up at some point, but so are we. I really, really fail to see the significance of a day when 3 other teams picked up points and it somehow affecting our season? Are people worried that because Leicester beat Man U they're going to be getting points off all the Sky clubs? That because WBA beat Spurs at White Hart Lane that somehow means they're going to have a better season? Look at our very first season in the top flight at the table in September. Done that? Now have a look at it in May the following year. We beat Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham and put in great performances against Liverpool and Man City. Then the rest of the season happened. In fact, do that for last season as well. Shortly after beating Liverpool. Then up until May we couldn't buy a win because of the cup run. At the moment the top 5 in the table are: 1) Chelsea 2) Southampton 3) Villa 4) Arsenal 5) Swansea Yeah, it'll definitely stay like that
If the point of your post was that we are 5 games in and aiming for a mid-table finish then there was no point in posting it, we all read the same stuff you do; so don't be an arse and deal with the opinion you offered and I was clearly referring to. Most of us accept that we are in a mini-league of teams within the Premier League; that mini-league consists of teams who are considered realistic relegation fodder. When any of those teams beat a team from the non-relegation teams, it is always considered an exceptional result. Those points gained are massive in real terms and a huge bonus, something very unexpected. When two relegation fodder teams play, no matter where in the calendar year or part of the season, that is a six pointer and not to accept that is daft. We have just had two of those matches, held the lead, then lost it and, IMO, dropped four very important points - we will not get the opportunity to replay them later in the year. Bruce has always said we must win 10 games for safety, so do you really believe he cares not about losing those two? These things have an habit of coming back to haunt you. I am not saying it is the end of the world, but it certainly a poor result from matches we showed we should have won. It does make me laugh that you blame the cup run for our poor form; it was a factor, yes, but solely the reason? Our opening five games have been relatively soft and our closing run is anything but, except for one or two. You seem to imply that the 'Great Escape' of Crystal Palace and Sunderland are something we should easily emulate, well I don't agree, not having watched these things for quite some time now. To lose those four points was tragic (especially yesterday's) and I hope we do not pay too harshly for it, as we have already seen the rest of our mini-league are well up for a scrap. Why did you quote the top of the table, we aren't discussing that?
Because unless you're a Chelsea or Arsenal fan and your team's chasing the title, then dropping a few points at the start of the season isn't really that big of a deal. Half our first team is made up of new signings, some of whom are only playing together for the first and second time. We're aiming for midtable, I don't think Bruce really cares about exact positions but I like to think he's aiming for about 14th. My underlying argument is this "Why is it a worry at this stage in the season that teams like WBA are picking up points?" We're 5 games in. Everybody picks up points at the beginning as teams try out new tactics and players bed in, then eventually the table sorts itself out. It just doesn't seem like a time to be using the word worrying, because it makes it sound like these 'rival' teams picking up points is a big deal. We know Newcastle aren't going to be in a relegation scrap and West Ham certainly won't and a point against both of those is a good result in hindsight; obviously given the nature of the result it perhaps stings that we didn't get all three points, but I'd take an away point at St James' Park any day of the week, so would most teams in the PL. A lot is made of fixture lists and results, but nobody knows how the games are going to turn out, simply because there are so many factors. When Blackpool came up, they stunned the Premier League and at Christmas everybody was so sure they'd stay up. They didn't. There's a long way to go, a lot of points to be played for, why dwell on four lost points when there's 96 still to play for? I sense there's a feeling of "if they're beating the likes of Man U/Everton/Spurs, they'll beat us" after today. Which is total bollocks.
I believe the only poster who uses the word worry is you, Tuckin and me have both simply expressed an opinion that our opposition (in the mini-relegation-league) are picking up unexpected points. We all know that happens sometimes and we all know the opposite happens, like dropping two lots of two points in a week against opposition you could and should have beaten. You say it's just four points, so have a look at our three Premier League finishes and consider the value of just four points - whenever in the season you get them under your belt.
I agree it is a worry. Our defence has gone from one of the best to be one of the worse Bruce has to change it somehow.
Well how else would you describe somebody who's concerned that other teams got some points? It's not ideal, in an ideal world they'd never win a game all season, but with the quality in the league this season, we know that's impossible (that and everybody has at least 2 points now). But the fuss that some are making over Palace, WBA and Leicester winning is ridiculous. Also spotted this from you in the other thread, which agrees with me. This is from last week. So have you changed your stance because of the draw against the Geordies?
I believe WBA and Newcastle are 2 of the 10-12 teams in the mix. My view is: 1) we are in a mini league of aprox 10-12 teams 2) we need these 9-11 teams to drop points when they are playing the big boys 3) ideally, when the 9-11 teams are playing each other we want them to draw against each other to avoid 1 team pulling away. It also stops the winning team gaining confidence. So, those results yesterday were terrible for Hull City as was the 4 dropped points against West Ham and Newcastle.
We score 2 of the best goals you shall go a long way to match nevermind beat and give up a 2 - 0 lead. Quinn who had good game got sloppy yet Davies left Cisse and McGregior failed to cover his near post. 3 basic errors for there first goal. Then sadly Robbo showed his inexperience for the 2nd Newcastle goal. Other than the last 15 minutes we were more than comfortable. Rosenoir should have been brought on when Cisse came on and given Robbo some support on the left. Going forward we now look a quality PL team. 10th sport is not that bad after 5 games and the weekend PL results left many scratching there heads.
Not at all, as we all know and agree, it is a long season to come, but to drop four points in a week from healthy leads needs addressing. Crystal Palace made their move with a new manager and Sunderland with a miracle; unless we sort our frailties now which solution do you suggest we select?
Best go for a miracle, new managers don't always work out for the best. I'm on your side by the way, very bad week at the office for us, while others were getting points they wouldn't have counted on.
I think saying this and coming out with 2 draws and being disappointed shows how far we have come. Against both West Spam and Newcastle IMHO we didn't play that well, which is due to the team evolving with the new signings, but we still managed to get points from the game. West spam were a much better side than I expected, and you only have to ask Liverpool to confirm this. The best is yet to come.
I do feel that a lot of people are over analysing things at the moment and not just on these threads, watching MOTD and having to listen to former footballers giving us their pennies worth is bad enough but the drivel on Sky is even worse with all the wizard gimmickry. Blimey its 22 blokes kicking a ball about trying to get it through a hole 8 yards wide and 8 feet high (and whatever the equivalent is in metres) why must it be like describing the theorem of Pythagoras these days.
Too bloody right. I cant stand all that Sky rubbish and Carraghers voice irritates the **** out of me.
This morning, on Talksport, Kevin Phillips (CP coach) was talking to Brazil about their result and he stated how important and good it is to pick up points now from those who he expects to be in the mix with him at the season end. Kevin Phillips knows his onions, he hit the said bag with regularity. Bruce knows that too, which is why it felt like a loss. From the first kick of the season, every point matters, to infer they don't is daft.
