That's so ****ing myopic, it's been one match with a new midfield and attack against one of the richest clubs in the World and we are only 2 points from safety at this point FFS.
whilst I tend to agree, the 2 points from safety line is bollocks. We have lost every game we played in the league. 4 in a row. Not like we’ve been battling away nicking wins and draws. We have also scored 1 goal. Really couldn’t call this one. Lose I think it is the start of the end for Russ.
The majority of the new players weren't ready in the first 3 games and we have only started one match with the likely team moving forward give it a couple of months at least to see where we are. The aim this season is survival and that would be a very good achievement.
Well what was the point in signing him then? I'd rather Lallana come on for the final 30 wren we've hopefully got a lead to defend.
I agree with the couple months as long as we don't continue to lose every week. Anyone who thinks Martin won't be under huge pressure if we don't pick up any points soon is delusional imo. This is why tomorrow is absolutely massive for him.
He was more likely to have been in trouble this time last season imo, the owners aren't stupid, they know that this is a new team in a very difficult league. It's not like Cortese, they will be delighted with just survival this season.
Based on what I saw when I watched them. The Ipswich fan I know loves Morsy especially but said he was found out a lot in the Championship against the better sides. As I say I have no idea if he still is playing for them or if they have replaced them. I’m hoping they haven’t
You could say the same about Lallana. I'm not saying never play Ugo. I just think as we have a lot of new players at the moment, it might not be wise to chuck them all in straight away.
I guess it’s the belief that Martin ball just won’t work full stop regardless of which combo of players we pick. People thought the same this time last year, the step up in quality obviously a big factor
It may or may not work but you have to give it a decent chance and wait and see a bit, changing managers really worked for us last time in the PL didn't it?
If we lose 7 out of 7 he'll be under massive pressure going into that international break. Which is why tomorrow is so important to him as Bournemouth and Arsenal away looks incredibly tough. Obviously we hope it doesn't come to that but the idea he's not at risk I find astonishing tbh.
Fair enough, though Lallana is a new player too of course. I think Lallana is possibly our best option for helping see out games and taking into account he can't play a full match seems the best way to use him.
I agree that changing now is a bad idea. But I also don’t see any scenario where Martin keeps us up so it’s a bit of a weird one. All depends on your expectations this year I suppose. I’d imagine every fan would take 17th and even though it’s early days and we are only 2 points off safety I don’t think anyone can argue the start has been pretty miserable
I'd still go with mostly the same lineup as against United, there was definitely progress despite the loss and it has a better chance of sticking against Ipswich. THB in for Stephens is a given. Also minor change up front with either Diaz swapped for Cornet on the left wing, or Archer swapped out, Cornet in and Diaz pushed up top.
Morsy was voted their player of the season. I probably saw him about as much as you did, but I'd guess he's at least equal to Downes.
Haha I'm the opposite. I reckon Ugo would be the guy to bring on to see it out. But yeah, both decent options.
For 30 minutes against United we played a dynamic version of Martin ball which I do think will work in the Prem. if we have good enough players is the big question. Personally, I would give him the season. This lot in the Championship would be huge- assuming we can keep most of them - and then in 2 years I think we will have the weapons to stay up.
Yeah this is a very odd season. The thought occurred to me this week that I don't expect us to win this game and that made me realise that, while I have no doubt we'll pick up some points somewhere during the season, right now there isn't a single match I could point to and say "I expect us to win that."
