Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

[The Lone Gunman]

Could Aaron Ramsey’s absence actually be a benefit for the rest of the season? I know that won’t be a popular idea with some, but I believe it might be.

Ramsey has started six Championship games this season and also made two lengthy sub appearances. The team’s record with him in it is appalling:

P 8, W 0, D 3, L5, GF 5, GA 16, Pts 3

Ramsey’s absence will give Omer Riza and his coaching staff fewer options in the centre of midfield and, as odd as this might sound, I reckon that may prove a plus-point. Riza seemingly can’t resist tinkering with the starting line-up on a regular basis and there’s no doubt in my mind that’s a significant part of the problem.

Ramsey has shown the occasional touch of class during his eight league appearances, but generally he’s looked well off the pace. He hasn’t had anything like the sort of positive influence everyone hoped he would and his habit of regularly conceding possession has been an accident waiting to happen. I reckon that, on balance, the team will probably be better off without him.

[Rjk]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

I definitely agree about the tinkering - I think that's been a big part of our problems since bulut left. And if Ramsey isn't available then that should hopefully reduce that, as we know that Ramsey hasn't been able to play 2 games a week.

I think since his recent return he wasn't looking bad individually, but his inclusion naturally creates a lot of changes in the midfield.

[superfeathers]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

In his defence, the form without him in the team is equally bad.

It's a hard one to answer because I don't think it helps having a player who can't play every game, but at the same time he's been marginally less shit than others if you ask me

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

In his defence, the form without him in the team is equally bad.

Not so. But before I provide these stats, I should say that I'm fully aware the team's form is never down to one player alone, no matter who is. Nevertheless, the following is the situation this season in league matches:

Win percentage with Ramsey in the side - 0%
Draw percentage with Ramsey in the side - 37%
Loss percentage with Ramsey in the side - 63%

Win percentage without Ramsey in the side - 28%
Draw percentage without Ramsey in the side - 31%
Loss percentage without Ramsey in the side - 41%

[superfeathers]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

Not so. But before I provide these stats, I should say that I'm fully aware the team's form is never down to one player alone, no matter who is. Nevertheless, the following is the situation this season in league matches:

Win percentage with Ramsey in the side - 0%
Draw percentage with Ramsey in the side - 37%
Loss percentage with Ramsey in the side - 63%

Win percentage without Ramsey in the side - 28%
Draw percentage without Ramsey in the side - 31%
Loss percentage without Ramsey in the side - 41%

I’m no mathematician so no doubt whatsoever what im saying is flawed but surely if we’ve played a lot more games without him, there’s bound to be a bigger chance of getting the odd win?

[Hilts]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

No.

We have such a lack of quality all over the pitch and I'd rather have him available as an option even if it's a 20-25 minute appearance at the end of a game which is probably what he should have been used for anyway.

I get Rizas tinkering and one less option but he's going to screw up with whoever he's got anyway.

[dandywarhol]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

He turned the game against Hull. Less of an influence again Luton. In my opinion it's a crying shame.

[insider]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

When we signed him I thought he'd be carrying us.
Sadly we've been carrying him when he's been fit.

[City123]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

Not so. But before I provide these stats, I should say that I'm fully aware the team's form is never down to one player alone, no matter who is. Nevertheless, the following is the situation this season in league matches:

Win percentage with Ramsey in the side - 0%
Draw percentage with Ramsey in the side - 37%
Loss percentage with Ramsey in the side - 63%

Win percentage without Ramsey in the side - 28%
Draw percentage without Ramsey in the side - 31%
Loss percentage without Ramsey in the side - 41%

Its a pretty reductive way to look at it though isn't it? Most of his games came in that shocking spell under Bulut, if we're discounting players based on our start then we'd struggle to field an 11. More recently he was a pivotal part of getting the equaliser against Bristol City and important in keeping control after we went down to 10 at Plymouth. Without those 2 points we're in the bottom 3

He's a good player, we're in a bad situation in the league and with other injuries/players only just coming back. I don't think losing anyone is particularly beneficial considering the situation we're in

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

I’m no mathematician so no doubt whatsoever what im saying is flawed but surely if we’ve played a lot more games without him, there’s bound to be a bigger chance of getting the odd win?

8 games with him - zero wins.
29 games without him - eight wins.

Ramsey's record this season reads zero goals, zero assists.

He was instrumental in the equaliser against Bristol City last month with his through ball to Ashford, but apart from that I can't recall anything positive Ramsey has done in the final third this season (but there may be some involvement I've forgotten or didn't see).

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

I’d say we played our best football this season with David Turnbull in our midfield and he’s going to be back soon apparently - it’ll be asking a lot for him to turn things around, but I’d say he’s been more influential for us than Ramsey in the few games they’ve both managed to play.

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

More recently he was a pivotal part of getting the equaliser against Bristol City and important in keeping control after we went down to 10 at Plymouth.

Bristol City I agree with, but I think Plymouth's pushing it. It was only the fact that they were hopeless that got us out of that mess.

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

He turned the game against Hull.

He didn't play against Hull.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

I thought his signing was sentimental from the off.

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: Could Ramsey's absence be beneficial?

Its a pretty reductive way to look at it though isn't it?

OK, so I'll be even more reductive: I believe Ramsey has been picked this season on reputation rather than form and fitness.