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Post by ted1965 on Aug 30, 2021 9:11:26 GMT
A Saturday afternoon by the Thames gave us a reality check although most supporters knew it was a possibility that we would suffer our first loss but it has still been a very impressive start to the season.
We are a work in progress and Fulham gave us a reality check but if we could average 2 points a game we wouldn’t be complaining come next May in fact we would be celebrating but it’s highly unlikely we will get that many points this season but shows we can compete and certainly have a chance of the play offs.
Fulham showed they are the best side in the Championship right now but they will suffer their share of disappointments this season because this isn’t the toughest league in Europe for nothing but we wont meet any better sides than them this season not that we might not meet better sides on a given day. I haven’t really seen anything we should be afraid of though.
The difference in sides like Fulham, WBA and Nowrich they have been able to come to terms with relegation gar better than we ever did mainly because It’s been part of their make up for the last decade, they have budgeted for it, prepared their squads for it because they knew it was a definite possibility. When we were relegated for those at the club it came as a devastating shock but for supporters we knew it was possible watching the sharp decline.
The so called yo-yo clubs know the Championship, they know the kind of players required to win points and compete at the top end of it, we came into like a shell shocked soldier believing we could cope but not having a clue about the reality we were faced with.
We have taken time and it’s been painful but finally we are seeing the real green shoots of recovery, the recruitment has finally been tailored to where we are and what we need to achieve some much needed improvements. We are seeing an evolving style of play, younger hungry players hoping to make a name for themselves. This is such a contrast to the signings we made before, players who were names of sort but had no real ambition above collecting another large pay-check. Finally we have shed the deadwood but the squad while much improved is still far form perfect.
Our young talented defence will have learned a harsh lesson against Fulham but they seem talented enough to actually learn valuable lessons from defeat. In the Championship it’s not if you suffer a setback it’s what you learn from it and how you bounce back. If we come back stronger and win the next couple of games the harsh loss at Fulham could be the best thing that happened this season. If we had got away with an undeserved result it may have given a few players a less clear view of where we are right now.
The midfield look much more creative now it’s not just down to Powell to make something happen Vrancic looks quality which is something we needed you can’t simply rely on one outlet to open a team up.
The attack looks dangerous now and knowing Ty is waiting in the wings hopefully somewhere around November should also give out forwards pause for thought he will be like a big money signing when he finally returns to full fitness.
The style of play is evolving but like all things will take time to actually get right, it’s been a pleasure to watch in some games and the more they work on it the better it will get. At least now you can actually see what’s being attempted and supporters only need to understand the plan, it’s when you are watching and you can’t fathom out what’s going on that real frustration sets in and people lose hope.
I hope we have another out of the blue signing before the window closes although I am more than happy with how this summer has gone we genuinely have improved our energy and skill levels and if this is what we have to work with till January no complaints.
I really believe we can outdo our expectations this season whether that will mean we make the play offs I have no idea it’s a competitive league but I am pretty sure we can compete at the right end this year.
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Post by wakefieldstokie on Aug 30, 2021 9:19:44 GMT
Nah, we’re doomed😉😂
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Post by crowey on Aug 30, 2021 9:36:14 GMT
…. as usual a very sensible and considered post Ted (and not too long!) 👍
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Post by stokie1947 on Aug 30, 2021 12:14:26 GMT
looking at the fixtures next month i see no reason at all why we can't have a really good month before we play WBA
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2021 13:47:54 GMT
looking at the fixtures next month i see no reason at all why we can't have a really good month before we play WBA absolutely nothing to fear in West Brom either |
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Post by Block 22 on Aug 30, 2021 13:57:05 GMT
looking at the fixtures next month i see no reason at all why we can't have a really good month before we play WBA absolutely nothing to fear in West Brom either Nothing at all, in fact they’ve been poor the two games I’ve watched them in. Granted we’re only 5 games in.. I’ve watched a lot of championship games in full this season. I’d argue the championship is a weak example this year and we should be aiming for firm play offs and challenging for automatic. Don’t get blighted by injury, specifically keep Powell and Tyrese fit and we’ll be up there. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2021 14:03:05 GMT
absolutely nothing to fear in West Brom either Nothing at all, in fact they’ve been poor the two games I’ve watched them in. Granted we’re only 5 games in.. I’ve watched a lot of championship games in full this season. I’d argue the championship is a weak example this year and we should be aiming for firm play offs and challenging for automatic. Don’t get blighted by injury, specifically keep Powell and Tyrese fit and we’ll be up there. absolutely. Don't think is any better or worse than any other season and does include on outstanding team in Fulham and as you say, West Brom are nowhere near close. PBoro really should have taken something from them at the weekend, a team who will do well to stay in the league. If as you say we can keep players fit we have as much chance to push for second as anyone. |
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Post by coldtuesdaynight on Aug 31, 2021 18:26:39 GMT
Marco Silva and that front 4 seem a bit ridiculous in this league. Main thing I took from it was an annoyance at how we messed up the first season after relegation to be honest. I dare say they’ll smash plenty of teams at home, which is probably what happens when you don’t appoint a manager who seems on a mission to slag off the fans and players and have an attacking line up not including Afobe, Ince and McClean 🤦♂️
2018 wasn’t a great year was it 😂
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2021 18:29:06 GMT
looking at the fixtures next month i see no reason at all why we can't have a really good month before we play WBA Agree, including West Brom to be honest |
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Post by mrcoke on Aug 31, 2021 19:32:06 GMT
One defeat against the top team is what it is, and terms of 46 matches almost meaningless.
Last season:
Norwich were champions and lost both their matches against Watford.
Watford beat Norwich twice but lost once to all the other top 9 teams.
Brentford were promoted and lost lots of games.
What matters is the points accrued over 46 matches. Spurs have done consistently well for decades but most seasons their record against the other 5 big clubs is generally poor. Where Spurs have been consistently good is beating the clubs in the middle and bottom third of the table, thereby accruing a high number of points and finishing higher than teams they regularly lose to.
Early days, but our performances so far against lower sides have been very convincing.
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Post by citynickscfc on Aug 31, 2021 20:46:32 GMT
Confidence and momentum
Liverpool semi final loss that lead to our implosion....
It's undecided but certainly a loss of that nature can destroy confidence. The momentum has been well and truly derailed, now we need to bounce back basically.
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