No one is saying that isn't bad but there are mitigating circumstances. Injuries, no pre-season (which I think is really hurting us), constantly playing twice a week. I think as the fixture schedule eases we'll see an improvement. A big one as well.
I agree and said similar on the Leeds thread. I won't copy and paste it, but I was essentially saying that out of the last 10 league games, we've only had two that had a full week leading up to it. They were the Leicester loss, which came after an almost two week break post-Liverpool, and then the recent draw with Chelsea. Otherwise, due to the cup games, we've been playing twice a week pretty much since the West Ham game in December. Not expecting to get anything at Everton (we hardly ever do) but I think we'll be well placed schedule wise to start picking up points from Sheff Utd onwards (excluding City).
I agree, but how much longer can that excuse be used? Theres no one out there better to come in I'm aware of that, but other managers will be thinking **** me I didnt lose 8 on the spin and I got sacked.
The only manager that can possibly complain about that is Claude Puel as his win % is similar to Ralph's (37 apiece) Pellegrino and Hughes were much lower (23 and 18 respectively). It's all about the bigger picture at this present time I believe. Incidentally Poch's win % was only 1 ahead of Ralph's @ 38. Puel paid the price more for the style of football and following Ron I believe. I think the most sensible option is to wait and review the situation at the end of the season.
Don't be silly, we shouldn't sack Ralph. But we might need a Bleak and Awful Matchday Thread to really improve morale.
Minamino only came on in the second half. Maybe he already had a slight issue and the Leeds pitch made it worse. When's Diallo back?
Ralph said he hurt his hamstring after slipping on the turf not long after he was on. Kept on playing because we couldn't make anymore subs.
Agreed. Especially the bit about style of football. That said, the old Puel threads on this forum are quite interesting. Up to the Cup Final most fans really loved him. One I can even quote as saying 'has there ever been a better time to be a saints fan...'
****ing disgrace that pitch - Leeds need a big fine for that, how is that allowed in the premier league? Gutted for Romeu - he has been great this season and we will miss him at Wembley!
Wasn’t Romeu’s injury caused by the pitch, as well as Minamino’s. In a league flooded with money, there are no excuses for substandard playing surfaces. I have read that Bamford has been wearing rugby studs, to improve his grip. Is that legal? Are they not too long? Given the lack of young players available in this position, maybe it is time to thy Stephens there.
Not sure the 'like' button sums up my feeling about this. Let's hope the treatment etc really works for him, that's the first priority. Massive miss for us though!