Think we would have taken 22 point after 18 games. We need some leadership out there, I'd love it to be from Deeney but not convinced his heart is in it at the moment ( Even my lad said looked like he wanted Christmas off after seeing Saturdays challenge ! ). I think if we can pick up a striker with some goals in him ( Danny Ings isn't getting a game at the moment ? ) or find a way to play to Grays strengths we'll be fine. Minimum target should be exceeding points we got with Flores.
Like the last 2 seasons, a great start but starting to struggle. Injuries and suspensions are starting to take their toll. I thought we had very good strength in depth but maybe it's showing we don't, so think we need a few signings in January. With our first 11 fit, we can give almost anyone a game but a few key players missing shows, and also shows that we don't have that top striker that most teams have. Also, while Silva likes to play from defence, when we play against a team who pressure, we just don't have the ball-playing defenders to play this way. I think a top CB and a good striker, then top 10 is still achievable - but we also need Chalobah back, and preferably go back to a 4-3-3 when he is
I think we've got the best squad we have had, playing the most watchable football (in the top flight) since I can remember. The injury list is the worst in terms of impact on the team that I can remember. The state of refereeing is laughable. Until we introduce a proper modern system of fast reviews, and a better balance of sanctions we will get nowhere. (e.g. Zeegelaar tried to get the ball at burnley. Failed and banned for 3 games. Bardsley made no attempt whatsoever to get the ball - blatant cynical. Yellow card. so what?) I think MS is a terrific man for us, and we will have a decent 2nd half. I thought 60 points was possible. Too difficult now. But we are making progress. That's all we can ask or expect.
Certainly agree on the refs - and you look at some of the decisions, and you start wondering why we keep getting punished. Just before Cleverley's second yellow, their player could have easily gone. Alli's challenge on Saturday was a shocker but only got a yellow. Both Zeegelar and Deeney, the ref seemed very quick to show the red. It's not just those though - just all the 50/50s seem to go the other way... Even Huddersfield seemed to play the ref and getting a foul every time they go down. We never seem to get that 'homer' ref... Saying that, I think we have too many passengers in the squad. Capoue doesn't seem bothered, and plays like what he is - a squad player. Seems no passion or motivation to get back into the first team. Holebas is just a petulant, moody so-and-so, and his head goes too easily. Deeney seems more intent on having physical battles and putting himself about. We do have a fantastic first team... we just need to carry on strengthening
