So, third on PL wins in current year. And, fourth on points in current year. Not too bothered on number of wins but fourth on points is really the only one that counts. Wouldn't you agree?
It's now November, I think Howe has successfully navigated some choppy waters following the Summer's incredibly disappointing window. What is clear is the identity has been rediscovered, the players are responding and smiling again. I think it was probably a mish-mash of issues, so full credit to Howe for getting things back on track. After all the wobbles and bed wetting, we're 1 point from third and have already beaten Spurs, Arsenal and drawn with City. We're the only team to take a point from Bournemouth away, plenty of teams are struggling vs Fulham and Brighton just beat City. All this, and we should still have won that game plus were comfortably the better side vs Everton. So in short we should be joint 2nd. We remain two top players shy of a top 4 challenge, genuinely didn't think I'd be saying that after our early slump. But like a few others I'm happy to be proven wrong - next thing for Eddie is to shove a trophy up the doubters proverbial backside.
True but 4th best points total in the league for away games in the last 9-10 months doesn't really tally with the idea we have a problem. The away league table this season has us in a higher position than the home league table.
We're 11 games in I'm looking at all last season not half of it or just the few this season One win away yesterday will have seen a big change this season on away form though as everyone only has what 5 or 6 ? it's encouraging that the issue made be resolving.
Perhaps it was always the injury situation?...the number of games and style of play was a recipe for disaster.
I think we are in the most positive phase of our development. We have two winnable games and everyone seems to be beating anyone. We have momentum. I’m mildly excited that we will possibly finish top six. Good times.
Frustrating that the momentum is halted by the stupid, poxy international break .... Fingers crossed we can pick up where we left off
International football is dead to me.. even the world cup I just didn't care. I think the world in general is moving away from flag waving.
Just credit where it's due mate. Still a couple of minor question marks for Howe but going to try to avoid the bed wetting for the rest of the season, he's going to get at least that long then we can all see where we are. If we'd got a RCB and kept Minteh we'd likely be challenging at the top this season - Brighton win, Everton win and maybe even somethihg vs City. Compare it to Spurs and Man U, and we're looking ok. Solid, and the players look happy again - there was a period where nobody seemed together, celebrations were muted and isolated. Bizarre that an academy product (Longstaff) and two Ashley buys (Joe/Joe) are key to this sides improvement. The emergence of Hall in a problem position has been equally pivotal in our transformation. I'm actually keen to see Kelly in for Burn - Dan's a trier, but too often caught out and doesn't offer any aerial threat which remains odd. Botman's return, a decent RCB (Tomori's not starting for Milan, but Thiaw's not beyond criticism - I'd go for one of those) and energising Gordon on the right could see a solid, maybe even surprising, season.
