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Post by mrcoke on Nov 25, 2014 21:31:43 GMT
Now that the pit of despair Saturday evening has abated (a bit), let's consider a few facts:
1) We have an attractive playing team (unless you prefer hoof-ball), that is in 11th place, capable of performances like those against ManC and Spurs, and with a great depth of talent in the squad.
2) Yes the team are capable of silly mistakes and conceding soft goals, but we have 2 of the best defenders in the Prem in Bego and Ryan and Bardsley is better than average. The defence have conceded 15 goals the same as ManU (4th), Newcastle (5th), and better than West Ham(6th) and only 4 teams have done better so far this season, i.e. the top 3 plus Swansea. Defending is more about organization than individual brilliance and can be drilled into a team.
3) The team is failing to break down teams that come and defend, failing to turn increased possession into increased scoring chances, very poor at converting chances into goals and have only scored 13 times in 12 games, but Newcastle in 5th place have only scored 1 more than us. If Stoke can recovery the ability to score from set pieces it would make a world of difference; this is fixable by improved technique and doesn't need £10-15m for a top flight striker.
4) Look at what Newcastle have achieved in in the last 2 months since Stoke beat them. There is no reason why Stoke couldn't do the same. Theyre is huge potential to improve if the defence organize themselves better, Arnie starts performing to his potential, and Bojan, N'Zonzi, and Sidwell continue to improve. Strikers like Diouf, Crouch, and Walters live on confidence and can hit a streak of goal scoring form.
5) We have owners who love the club and have said money is available for the right player. Although there has been little spent of transfer fees since MH arrived I am confident if he wanted a specific player for a record fee, PC would back him. It's just that the right players have not yet been available to Stoke.
Come on Stoke!!!
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Post by nott1 on Nov 26, 2014 12:47:07 GMT
Always.
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Post by 2004 on Nov 27, 2014 16:25:41 GMT
I have calmed down a lot since Saturday
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Post by Gods on Nov 27, 2014 16:44:00 GMT
I've not recovered from the Burnley debacle. Those 3 points would have been like gold dust.
I now believe it is probable rather than possible we will find ourselves in the drop zone on, or just before, our trip to Arsenal in the 2nd week of January.
We are only 5 points off it now and the run of 9 games which ends with the trip to Arsenal is probably the toughest in the history of the football club.
The idea that because we had great wins against Man City and Spurs and awful results against Villa, Leicester and Burnley means we will do better against the good teams than the bad ones in general is simply fanciful. Our burgeoning injury list will not help.
I think we can and will kick on after mid January and finish safe but I can't lie to you, I feel trouble lies ahead.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2014 16:47:29 GMT
For a start the team need to stop p- balling about, and put the ball in the net. That would be a start!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2014 16:48:15 GMT
I've not recovered from the Burnley debacle. Those 3 points would have been like gold dust. I now believe it is probable rather than possible we will find ourselves in the drop zone on, or just before, our trip to Arsenal in the 2nd week of January. We are only 5 points off it now and the run of 9 games which ends with the trip to Arsenal is probably the toughest in the history of the football club. The idea that because we had great wins against Man City and Spurs and awful results against Villa, Leicester and Burnley means we will do better against the good teams than the bad ones in general is simply fanciful. Our burgeoning injury list will not help. I think we can and will kick on after mid January and finish safe but I can't lie to you, I feel trouble lies ahead. Unfortunately I agree with all of this. Our two best attacking players are out injured. The defending looks uncomfortable and last ditch. Our keeper is out of form. I am more than worried to be honest. |
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Post by tazi on Nov 27, 2014 16:58:18 GMT
I think I'll take a back seat on this one and get the popcorn in and read various opinions from how we are piss poor to how life is looking good under Hughes.
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