Thats what I’m hoping with De Bruyne out for at least 4 weeks and no Aguero either, we really could be in this if we are still at least level when they’re going to Anfield.
How far off is this squad from a title challenge?
- Thread starter jamesjimmybyrondean
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Erm... we are challenging. Whether we win the thing is another matter.
areas for improvement have been gone over ad naus. Most still need attention but we are on the right lines.
areas for improvement have been gone over ad naus. Most still need attention but we are on the right lines.
I think we can get by on the defence but we definitely lack a right winger for that balance and prolific striker, then the next priority after them two would be a centre back and then defensive midfielder.
We're Diallo short of a title challenge!
I would but we need to offload Jones and Rojo first.
It has its uses, but again not in the context of a per game basis or over a handful of games.
Best to use xG over the course of a season, it will give a greater understanding/story then.
I agree with you, Arsenal have a good record against us lately, if we beat them it'll beat our away record too
If, BIG if, we can keep the away unbeaten form going ? I can see hunger and drive to win as a team for the first time in years.
Nervous that one bad defeat will burst the bubble.
Hope we can at least be in the mix come mid March
Nervous that one bad defeat will burst the bubble.
Hope we can at least be in the mix come mid March
We're already smelling blood, but are still a bit too weak in attack for my liking. If there were any way to get Rashford and Martial to fire on all cylinders through the end of May we actually end up at the top of the league by a comfortable distance.
But I don't think that's going to happen. Martial is shattered and Rashford still gets by too much on pure athleticism and too little sound decision-making.
But I don't think that's going to happen. Martial is shattered and Rashford still gets by too much on pure athleticism and too little sound decision-making.
It all depends on the competition really. If City (or even Liverpool) manage to regain their form from previous seasons and go on crazy runs, then we're not gonna be able to keep up. But if they continue to drop points here and there like they have done in the first half, then this squad is more than capable to win it. We'll definitely need Bruno and Martial/Rashford/Greenwood back at their best, though
Arsenal away will be a really big game for us. Going to the Emirates is always tricky for us, given our history with Arsenal and that they're always up for it against us on their home ground. If we can extend our away record at a place like the Emirates with a solid performance then I'll start to believe about a title. Before this I'm not getting overly excited.
We are in January and we are leading the table by 2 points and previous champion by 6 points.
Whether you like this team or not, objectively speaking we are serious title contender.
Whether you like this team or not, objectively speaking we are serious title contender.
every time some team wins the title there's something memorable and virtuoso about that team during that season that sets it apart from the rest of the pack. i haven't really seen an undeserving winner even including the 2 times that we lost it by a point and GD. The 2011 title win is often mentioned as one of our most underwhelming vintages but that season had standout performances from a rookie Chicharito, top scoring berbatov and nani having his best season of form. For us to do it this season it needs Bruno to single handedly drag us to it while others around him keep performing adequately not unlike the 12/13 season OR one of Martial and rashford to have a very prolific 2nd half of the season. The right kind of firepower up front is pretty much essential and this season it will have to come from within the squad itself and not through some purchase in the jan window.
@el3mel I'll be the bigger man I'll give you a shout out and check in on the "team putting a good run together" point we were talking about before Christmas. I haven't been able to watch games since around the new year and I'm going to try and continue to keep this good luck charm going by staying away. I'm getting in before the inevitable self fulfilling prophecy gut punch comes to ask you how you feel about the players starting to take some responsibility now and play harder and take fate into their own hands? The biggest example in what seems to be better and more attentive performances from Pogba as well as the defence from what I've been reading here.
Lets hope they can keep it going and they don't get toppled and derailed if we get a couple of dodgy results to end Jan!
Lets hope they can keep it going and they don't get toppled and derailed if we get a couple of dodgy results to end Jan!
Never said he would make that impact only that we should give him the half of the season to get games and see his level that will then inform if we need someone else for RW.
Sometimes players surprise and move straight up well so we’ll see. It’s more common with wingers than any other spot.
The current manager ain't doing such a bad job considering no big signings in the summer.
I know. But my point was that I doubt he'll get games, save perhaps the odd cup fixture. So if that's your expectation, I think they're too high.
I still think a couple of top class players away. I think when we meet the best teams again we will struggle and this without us having any injuries. This season could come down to us beating City at the Ethiad for example and I just doubt we have enough when it counts.
This is obviously the best chance we have and might have in a while to win the league so I pray we get a player in this window to help the push. City and the rest will strengthen in the summer just like us and with fans back it will be a lot more difficult next season in my opinion.
This is obviously the best chance we have and might have in a while to win the league so I pray we get a player in this window to help the push. City and the rest will strengthen in the summer just like us and with fans back it will be a lot more difficult next season in my opinion.
I really like Dybala. What's his situation like at Juve?
I think he’ll get the odd game enough for us to see how urgent a RW is needed that was my point.
I wouldn’t feel comfortable now saying we absolutely need a RW I’m happy to see how the season pans out with the use of Diallo.
If he’s not ready that will be reflected in gametime and performances but I don’t think it would be fair to sign him and not give him a shot at it.
Rice; Sancho and a higher level manager!
But 21 in 21! Believe!!
But 21 in 21! Believe!!
We are only one rich oil daddy from winning everything.
1st place not good enough for you?
I think we are 2 away from a serious serious challenge (although I believe we are currently challenging).
2 more from being favourites/winning it.
I used to be more sure of the priority order of this, but I’m less sure as the games go by...but I’d probably go:
next summer: Sancho, Camavinga (Replacing Matic)
22 summer: Haaland (replacing Cavani), CB
2 more from being favourites/winning it.
I used to be more sure of the priority order of this, but I’m less sure as the games go by...but I’d probably go:
next summer: Sancho, Camavinga (Replacing Matic)
22 summer: Haaland (replacing Cavani), CB
It was by design. Ole himself stated in his presser before todays game that he did not want the biggest stars, he wanted players with the right skills and mentality.
Is it not for you? Why do you want more players?
I misread that as you saying we needed Rice, Sancho and a new manager to challenge.
Maybe you’re in the wrong thread. Your mixing your words.
I don’t think you misread anything
Quick question from the majority, do you think we're not currently challenging?
Which manager would you want?Maybe you’re in the wrong thread. Your mixing your words.
I don’t think you misread anything
Who?
I think we should trust in Darren Fletcher. I heard he’s a good coach. Might be a natural progression and in house.
But you disagree which is fine I really can’t be arsed to go into it. So maybe just give me your opinion on Rice and Sancho as improvements and maybe why you disagree. These don’t say nothing about our manager with your chest out responses are boring and that goes out to anyone else who jumped up to.
Seriously, after 3 rounds of "yes-but"-ing, you're still not on the point. We're not going to "see how the season pans out with Diallo". He's not going to get the gametime to show if he's ready. He's not ready. He's got a handful of Serie A sub-appearances, he's not been bought because he's seen as a contributor for this season, he's for the future.Agreed keep it in the family
I’m genuinely curious who is out there that would do a better job. Happy to not debate you on it but would like your opinion.I think both would be great additions to the squad. I just am curious as to why those and a new manager are the requirements. I’m sure Ole could work with them.
I get and understand your opinion no need to be so patronising. I could equally go down the route of how hard is it to understand I think we’ll see a good few appearances that will give some indication?
I happen to disagree and think we’ll see enough of Diallo in subs and other games to get an idea of the urgency for a RW.
I agree he’s for the future too but you can still give him chances to show what he’s capable of. Called squad management and you’re ready when you’re ready. Nobody on here knows what he’s capable of so stop acting like the oracle on the subject.
Ole’s most recent comments suggest we’ll see him play a role this season too or is he lying?
You are seriously advocating for tossing out Ole in favour of Darren Fletcher as manager?! Or am I misreading this?
Between United and City for the title now I reckon. Your mentality is up there with the best of them now.
I feel the football would improve. I’m not sold on this coaching it’s not much different to Jose’s style of football. Happy to win a title not happy for it to be a long term style. I don’t feel better players improve the style.Agreed keep it in the family
I think both would be great additions to the squad. I just am curious as to why those and a new manager are the requirements. I’m sure Ole could work with them.
Your misreading it!
Fair enough we disagree but no biggie who would you appoint instead?
Bring a specialist CDM in and I'll start believing.