They win games and keep you safe. How have we failed to score against: Cardiff Brighton Leicester Palace Southampton Over those 5 games we've had: Average of 3.2 shots on target . Average 10.7 Shots at Goals Compare that to games vs the Big 5 we've played: Average shots on target 3.2 Average shots 8.2 Is it just luck? Same shots on target and less shots overall by 2.5 a game vs the top 5 yet we scored 6 goals more against harder teams. Is it complacency, is it the other teams keepers having blinders against us? I know you can't play football through stats (we've taken 3 points from the lesser teams as opposed to 0 vs the big ones granted) but it doesn't make sense that we are scoring against the big teams and struggling to find the onion bag vs the teams around us.
We have a **** strikers and bar Man U away, play in a fairly negative safety first manner. A combination made for shooting blanks. That said we were similar in the first half of last season and Rafa took the shackles off to great effect in the 2nd half of the season. Historically Rafa is seen as a manager who likes his teams to finish the season strongly. I think our form will pick up significantly and our approach will change after Xmas. I mean we might be adrift by then, but I think we need to trust the manager. He approaches things the way he does and he backs himself. To be fair he has a good record as a manager. Sorry I'm not conforming to the populist comment am I? Ok then... It is all Ashley's fault, Rafa can do no wrong and wants to attack but he doesn't have the players. Its all Ashley's fault. The lack of goals, the bad atmosphere, the milk having run out at work this morning, someone meddling with the toaster setting so the toast gets burnt. The fat bastard that he is.
Praying Ashley and Penfold have been taking notes at games and go out and get a decent striker in January - will mean breaking the record but if not Ashley will surely be on for the record of most relegation for a new owner of an EPL team.
Unfortunately @I am Groot returns won't let me post any more tables but if I could they would show that our position more or less reflects the number of shots taken, shots on target and our touches and passes. We appear to have missed a few more big chances than the other teams around us. In summary we are crap AND we are unlucky - not a good recipe for success. I am with Pouchy though I think we can still turn this round. A win against Watford would be a good start.
We are definitely not cut adrift YET but a win against Watford would be seriously welcome. Problem is they are good and will make it very tough. We have somehow got to play more attacking.
I see 19 year old Sorenson got another 2 last night at Man U. taking his season total to 14. If he can score goals for fun for U 23;s why does Rafa not even consider him worth a try especially as our current forwards couldn't hit a cows a.se with a banjo. Callum Roberts also scored taking his total to 8. Unless Rafa starts giving youth a try he will find other youngsters looking elsewhere for a future. Woodman especially comes to mind.
No excuse for not having them on the bench, along with Longstaff. What's the point of bringing on Joselu to imitate a dog chasing a balloon every game?
