I see Malky has answered questions about the game yesterday and our efforts generally so far this season with the words: - "I'm really disappointed for the team. I said to them I'm sickened for them because I thought we were good value and goals change games. At that point they can sit in and break on the counter and force us to come at them. "I'm delighted the way they've settled the way they have in terms of performances and in the main, results. "We've looked as if we're competent at this level." Nothing wrong with those sentiments, but it's that last sentence that stands out for me. Being competent is a matter of opinion and he's probabaly right, but it's not the same as being competitive. Survival is obviously the target and I'm glad we've got a few more points on the board than Sunderland and Palace for instance, but unless we become more "competitive" rather than just "competent", we're going to be looking over our shoulders at the rest.
Sparkey, I think he was saying we are more comfortable than many thought we would be. However, I agree the competitive aspect is troubling, but it is a tricky game of chess out there with what we have at hand. Hopefully, Corny or January will make the difference. What surprised me with the first goal is why Medel made the foul. From memory we had about 4 defenders in front of the Villa player and he only had a couple ahead of him. It seemed senseless to me and once they scored they got a second wind. Prior to that we equaled them first half and had them back peddling in the second. Am I on my own thinking that or is drinking Guinness at 10:00 in the morning really affecting me?
No your spot on. Needless foul which has given them the points. We played ok but were too negative in team selection. We need wins in December as the word is we are spending big in January. If we are out of the bottom 3 come the window we should stay up comfortably. Swansea and Stoke drawing was a good result as they are 2 poor teams who will be amongst the strugglers.
The way things are going a point a game might be enough to keep us up and I think we are better than that. We've not had the easiest opening 11 games only 3 against the bottom 6 teams all away (WHU, Norwich, Fulham) we took 4 points from them would hope to get 6+ against them at home.
I agree that a point a game will be enough this year. If we can get to the half way stage of the season with 19 or 20 points, we are still on track
Look guys, I agree in principle, but the dangerous thing about setting your sights low is that if you undershoot, you're down. It'll only take a purple patch from a couple of the bottom clubs to string a few wins together and everyone's in the mix. I'd rather be looking at the mid table comfort zone as a viable target for the club so that a few reverses like against Villa wont have the same impact later on. For all his apparent lack of football nous, I think Tan is astute enough to understand that, and will fund the necessary acquisitions in January to make that a reasonable ambition, rather than scrambling at the bottom with the obvious risks that that brings. He's got an awful lot of dosh at risk in the club at the moment, and the last thing he'd want is to see that lot virtually dissappear if we go down.
That defeat has really hurt you hasnt it. When Swansea become the first Welsh side relegated from the PL I dont think you will cope. 1-0 to The Capital.
Dream on Cardiff will be the second welsh club to get to the premiership, and the first welsh club to go down
He's applied to join the Groovy Gang but he's got to prove himself worthy. The Town Hall Clock approach didn't cut any ice with them - far too subtle, so he's going for plan B. I think Dilli and Dreyfus are watching his progress. Very consructive Mabbs - now fck off back to Gellionen - your dinner's going cold...........
Sparkey Not setting my sights low Mate. I'm looking for over 45 points with so many games to play against the bottom 6. Mabbs I don't know why you have turned this way, very unlike you.
Mabs really has not handled that derby defeat too well 45 points Dai? Wow. 3 wins so far with one being totally unexpected, one against a terrible Fulham with a wonder goal, and one in the local derby. 45 points would need at least 12 wins I imagine. I honestly think MM will have to change his philosophy at some point for us to stay up. Maybe that will happen in January.
Great signature old timer. As it turns out it didnt need much to beat your team of bottlers. Certainly not a prayer. Back to the Groovy Gang with you. Oh and 1-0 to the Capital.
Apologies Taff - I've just realised I should listen to my own advice and not engage a discussion thread derailer with a response. I guess that's the end of the cheese quizzes now....... DJ - nothing personal pal, I was only suggesting that if we approach this, our first year in the Prem on the basis that we just need to do enough to stay there, we could end up in trouble. Better to fall short of slightly higher expectations and stay up here, rather than be on the trap door when it opens.
