8 games to go. 6 years ago at this stage of the season we were on 23 points and went on the following run of games: Loss to Newcastle away Drew with Derby away (I remember this game, inconsolable!) Loss to Sunderland at home - defo thought we were down. Won at Reading away. Loss to Liverpool at home. Won at Man City away Win against Birmingham at home Win at pompey. 13 points and 36 points at the end of the season. When we lost to Sunderland and Liverpool at home I thought that was the end, we had Man City next away. You all know what happened next. We're on 24 points now with arguably a similar run in as really Man City and Liverpool were teams that we wouldn't expect a result from in 07, 08. This season we have Everton, Man City and Spurs, the remaining 5 are definitely winnable, including Stoke and Villa away. COYW
I think it's possible we could run off a bunch of good results, starting this weekend. But I think there's a difference between Felix' team now and Roy's team six years ago. Felix' defense and midfield is still in disarray. By this time in 2008, Roy knew which players he was going to use, and his structured approach to team play had begun to take hold, giving us a much simpler and stronger defense. At this point in 2008, we'd stopped leaking goals and were starting to build from the back in our attack. Roy's mantra was simple: defend first, then build an attack. I don't see that structure and consistency yet in what Felix has brought to the team. The team today is probably fitter and more dynamic than what Roy put out there, but I think we're also easier to score on ... a bad combination. If Felix has a mantra, I'm not sure what it is yet. So while I'm hopeful, I wouldn't say I'm optimistic.
I agree Demps but the loss at home to Sunderland wasn't brilliant and then Liverpool. I think it was unity that in the end came true. I sense that same feeling of unity is beginning to take hold with the current squad. There will of course be losses coming up but I am hoping that the performances stay good. Despite what some have reported (not on this board per se) that it was a weakened Newcastle, you can only play what's in front of you and for a bottom of the league club to win against a team in the top 8 and who in the previous week thumped Hull away 4-0, I think it was a top result! The key is not concede and having Kvist in front of the back 4 worked a treat. He did make a couple of mistakes but that was match rustiness IMO. He will get better and more confident.
I agree. I think it started a month of so ago under Rene. I think it would help the sense of unity if Felix settled who will be defenders and midfielders.
Going by my predictor from16 December we are 4 points behind scedule. If we acrue the same points as predicted with wins against Norwich, Hull and Palace plus a cheeky point at either Stoke or Spuds then we'll have 37 points. Will this be enough? I can see the season taking a few more twists if I'm honest but its interesting to know that if we win all 5 remaining games and finish with 42 points and a 'comfortable' 15th place, we'll all be wondering what the fuss is about! Ahem!
