Originally Posted by
jon1959
After 6n games (including 3 of the 'top 6') and only 2 points, I don't think the picture is completely bleak. Mainly bleak, but....
We were murdered by Man City today, and were toothless against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Huddersfield. But in those three games with a bit more composure (and the competitiveness we showed against Arsenal and Chelsea for the first 78 minutes!) we could easily have collected a reasonable points total based on general play.
Our squad value and wage bill are supposedly the lowest in the league - but the manager has experience, a winning mentality, and more tactical nous than he is given credit for. Goals conceded in the last three games are a real worry, but we should be capable of much more defensive solidity and a greater goal threat than when we started the season.
I accept that we are likely to be relegated, but I don't accept that is a foregone conclusion. We do need the squad to be performing near its best, and so far that hasn't happened. Etheridge, Camarasa, Manga and Arter have looked good - but we need Mozzer, Junior, Kenneth and a few others to find their feet quickly and do what they did in the Championship. If that happens we have a chance.
No one enjoys losing, but if we are competitive, evolve and improve during the season, and pull off the great escape - even with losing most games - I will be content.