Steady on, John. We're not done yet! There's no doubt our progress has been hindered by the loss of key players, in particular Harvey Barnes. We don't have the depth of quality in some positions to cover the loss of a player who really had started to become a match winner for us. To Man City, Man Utd or Chelsea that would not be a problem. For us it certainly is, The injury to JJ was also a big problem. Ricardo wasn't match fit and then Castagne was also out for a spell. This probably shows that we are somewhat punching above our weight in terms of being in the top 4. When we had a fully fit squad we looked impressive. But a couple of injuries to key players hurts us. West Ham have been somewhat fortunate in that Antonio has come back at just the right time to start banging goals in against 'easier' opponents, whereas we are carrying unfit players into 4 very difficult remaining matches. However, we are where we are, and we have 4 games left for this team to rally round and show some pride.
We'll be playing against more open sides, so we shouldn't be trying to pick our way through massed defences. If we are serious about wanting to come out of this season with any credibility intact, the mentality will have to change. The defence will really need to tighten up. With or without Johnny Evans there can be no excuses for getting carved apart so easily. We will have to get the ball forwards at every opportunity to pin the opposition back, and the midfield will have to work like they've never worked before to keep it that way. The forwards will have to defend from the front and close down. But everywhere on the pitch we will have to show bravery and determination and still keep the belief even if things start to go against us. The proximity of games will mean we will have to use more of the squad, but we have capable replacements. In the league Liverpool could easily pick up another 10 points and West Ham could pick up 12, which is going to make things tricky for us. If we can pick up 5 points from our remaining 3 games and show some fight, then I'll be okay with that. If we go out with a whimper, that would be unforgiveable because, as a minimum, every player should be capable of giving their all.
We'll be playing against more open sides, so we shouldn't be trying to pick our way through massed defences. If we are serious about wanting to come out of this season with any credibility intact, the mentality will have to change. The defence will really need to tighten up. With or without Johnny Evans there can be no excuses for getting carved apart so easily. We will have to get the ball forwards at every opportunity to pin the opposition back, and the midfield will have to work like they've never worked before to keep it that way. The forwards will have to defend from the front and close down. But everywhere on the pitch we will have to show bravery and determination and still keep the belief even if things start to go against us. The proximity of games will mean we will have to use more of the squad, but we have capable replacements. In the league Liverpool could easily pick up another 10 points and West Ham could pick up 12, which is going to make things tricky for us. If we can pick up 5 points from our remaining 3 games and show some fight, then I'll be okay with that. If we go out with a whimper, that would be unforgiveable because, as a minimum, every player should be capable of giving their all.
Nervous and excited in equal measure.