that would bring a total of 4 points from the 4 games, considering injuries and the quality of the opponents 4 points from these would be quite a decent return imo.
Norwich performance has made me think remaining games we'll improve our points return rates compared to last 5. Even without injuries I'd have expected a tough patch.
Good point and it makes the win at Norwich so important in the scheme of things, I am hoping against hope that we can go one better and win one, but its not a calamity if we loose both, its really a free hit for Tony and I would like to see a surprise or two, rather than the same predictable rotation.
I think we can usefully look at these 4 games from a performance perspective. The results are almost secondary. I know that sounds daft but if we think about where we have come from, how young the squad is and the players missing I think performance is the key. It will give us a great indicator of what our level can be going forward with the lads that are new to us. Michut has shone over two games. Ba has showed the massive upside, but also a certain naivety that the coaches will work on. Lihadji looks an absolute menace with the ball, but again has shown where work is needed, probably positionally. Neil has played like a leader for me, organising, bollocking the ref etc. Also has started to learn when the professional foul is best, or when to buy a foul. Hume has been immense and like Neil is learning the uglier side when out of possession so much. Ballard I think has probably been as good as anyone the last 2 games and is a hell of a defender, body on the line type. Reminds me of Martin Keown in a lot of ways. One thing he has been caught out with is rushing out to tackle and a couple of times when he should have stayed in and they have played round him. Clarke has been very good out of possession as well and I reckon has learned a lot in 2 games. These game where we cant dominate possession are new to a lot of these young lads and they have really stood up well in my opinion. Massive to understand that in terms of how we might operate in the next transfer window.
It's a good way of thinking but I'm not sure everyone would agree. For my two pence worth, we're at the start of building up the club. Most of these kids are playing in the Championship for the 1st time. I would prefer a more experienced spine to guide these kids through games but they've done okay up to now on their own basically. We're gonna blow hot and cold at times and I would've taken where we are in the league at the start of the season. Next season will be more important for me - we need to show some kind of intention and improvement
