I seem to remember you were decidedly underwhelmed at Martinez' appointment. You're not doing too badly though, eh? Just shows you never can tell.... Liverpool and Everton both in the top four? I feel like I've gone back in time about three decades.
I was mate & tbh I still have my reservations, but credit where credit is due, he had a great transfer window & has done really well in the opening portion of the season. I can see what he's trying to achieve on the pitch & I'm warming to him by the day. The test comes when we have a bad run & just how he deals with it, once he passes that test, I'll feel comfortable that he's the right man. Back to the good old days? realistically until we get investment we're always going to swimming against the tide, but I feel much more optimistic about this season now.
I was critical of Rodgers in a previous post, but I need to eat my words - love the football being played at the moment I think the best way of figuring out the end of season placements is by looking at the goal differences currently and in particular how many goals are scored. So Arsenal will be in the top 4 for sure. Tottenham and Soton are higher than their goals per game dictate, ManC is under performing by quite a bit. So Arsenal and ManC for top 2. Chelsea, Tottenham and us fight for the 3rd-4th place. United and Everton can throw a wrench into that if United picks up their form and Everton keep theirs as well, which will make the whole top 7 fairly even. But Arsenal, ManC and I'll bet on Chelsea for top 3 (not necessarily in that order though). That 4th place will be a fight!
It's far too soon to make predictions. All I can say from what has happened so far is that this season appears to be far more open than most of the seasons that have preceded it. Strangely, I think it will be the mid-table sides who actually decide who the top 4 will be come the end of the season.
I predict the openess of this season will mean it will take 12 league games until we can make predictions rather than the standard 10
Chelsea City Arsenal Spurs Utd Liverpool Everton Love to be right and united miss out on CL ( even if we don't get in) but just can't believe their decline is terminal. We've seen it too many times before and their run of prem games now is fairly easy for the next few weeks.
They have had a tough start to the season but I think the most concerning thing is their performances in each match. They have really struggled to create this season, in fact they haven't scored a league goal from open play since their first game of the season! Arsenal are looking very good and it's scaring knowing that they have quite a few more players to come back from injury. Their attack/midfield is seriously good but questions will be asked of their defence. I maintain that Flamini will be their best signing of the summer.
It is getting to Christmas/New year when fixtures are going to pile up. Current League position as follow. 1.Arsenal 2.Chelsea 3.Manchester City 4.Liverpool 5.Everton 6 Tottenham 7. Newcastle. 8.Southampton 9.Manchester United Can United claw back 11 points and win the league or miss out on top four finish?
They should be top 10 unless Swansea get some of their old form back. Can't see Villa consistently challenging them for top half.
December is massive for us. Spurs, City and Chelsea, plus the other games. We have to try and get 12 points out of 18 as a minimum. That is going to be bloody difficult though
The league is reaching the festive period when many games are going to be played between now and new year. If we can sustain our present position in the beginning of new year, I am happy.
