The last few performances have gone from excellent (at Spurs) to truly awful (last night), and there has been so much tinkering with the side - even by Lambert's standards - that I wondered if he decided a few weeks ago that we were safe and has been experimenting ever since. (I know he officially says we're not safe until it's mathematical, but it seems the only thing that explains the pick-and-mix selections and unpredictable line-ups.) I think maybe he's trying several styles to see which works the best (let's hope he gives hoofball the hoof after last night) and also making decisions about which players to keep for next season, because for certain he will have several targets already to strengthen the squad. And looking at us lately, I think we need strengthening or we could struggle next year as the momentum moves to Reading and whoever else comes up and away from us.
he will strengthen Vietnam but to be sure we all know he will surprise us where he goes shopping.... oh and I think we still have plenty of momentum too..next years targets got to be another mid table finish with a good cup run OTBC!
to be fair, i think lambert has tinkered all season, its not just now we are safe! for me, the main reason he has done it all year long is because we have a squad of 25 who, overall, are all pretty similar in ability. along with keeping them all happy he has to juggle a number of other things but mainly keeping everyone on their toes and making sure they all feel a part of the team. nothing more than that in my eyes
I think tinkering next season might not work aswell, and could be a our downfall. This summer we need to bring in easily 4 or 5 players that are better than what we already have so in order to get the best out of them we will need to have a more settled side.
I would go along with that. Although we have 25 squad players I would like to see the weekly team sheet have a solid nucleus of 9 or 10 players in the starting XI. I have been saying for weeks (since the Leicester game) we should try and get a settled side running out, especially following a win or what would be considered a good draw or even narrow defeat to one of the top sides. Then and only then, if it is not working, start fiddling again to find the formula to get back on track. If it is PL's intention to try and keep the vast majority of players "sweet" by playing them as often as possible then I do not think we can progress much further than this season.
We need to maintain where we can a consistent spine and defence. Improve on what we have got if possible with a bit more quality.
You have to remember that since Lambert has been here, he has always chopped and changed, and to be fair to him, its not done him any harm.
That is very true Carra, but what is also true is until this season the level of opposition has been lower and slightly more forgiving. It is possible I suppose for PL to continue to rotate the starting line up and we may remain in the PL but at the back of my mind, following defeats to teams we 'should' have a chance of taking 3 points from, I do wonder if the constant rotation is a help or hindrance to the team.
I do understand where you're coming from, but we have picked up wins against teams that at the start of the season, we 'shouldn't' have had much chance of taking 3 points from.
You can't survive in the PL by always playing the same team. All the big teams rotate their squads. It's a long arduous season.
I believe the constant rotation is a hindrance. Certainly strikers form partnerships based on knowing each others games and I think that applies in other areas as well. I know injuries haven't helped but I do find this constant assertion about players playing too much is tiresome. Lionel Messi seems to be able to play every game at the vey highest level and get kicked to death in the process. Tiredness is an excuse not a reason in English football.
Personally I believe PL picks a team that he feels is the best to suit his specific tactics for each and every match. I think he comes up with a plan & tries to pick the players from those available to him that are best able to deliver it. The fact he gets this wrong sometimes doesn't worry me overmuch, each time it doesn't work PL will learn from it so next time we will be better. With some carefully selected additions during the close season and a better understanding of how to play teams based on this years actual experience rather than theoretical analysis I really believe we will be better and stronger next year.
While obviously everyone is entitled to an opinion the one thing that should be borne in mind above all other details is this: Three games from the end of the season we are not relegated like Wolves,or wondering whether we will be like Bolton,Blackburn,QPR and Wigan.43 points is a great achievement even if we don't get any more.
Great post above, Graham Paddon's boots. It's clearly based on careful consideration and not knee-jerk reaction to one (very) poor performance this weekend against a team we would have expected to match or beat.
Quite right. Great achievement. However, some of us believe we have the players to have made that achievement even better without the constant tinkering. Like you say, its a matter of opinions and there is only one that counts.
