10 games in, happy so far?

I’m not unhappy, but I would like to be happier. We score a decent number of goals not because of our tactics, but out of moments of grit and genius, but the tactics don’t allow us enough to defend well enough and we concede too many goals.

It’s not going to happen under Ruben, but if he were hypnotized into allowing the players to play in a 433 we would have torn Forest and Spurs a new hole and we’d be comfortably in the top four.
 
Happy we’re not messing about around the bottom. Happy we won at Anfield. Happy with Cunha and Mbeumo.
Happy the team has a decent spirit about it.

Not and will never be happy with Amorim being our manager. I like him, seems a genuine bloke but he’s completely out of his depth and at the same time the most stubborn manager I’ve ever seen.
 
If your team stays fit. I can see you guys challenge for 4th.
No Europe is actually a good thing for you guys, less games.
 
Ludens the Red said:
Happy we’re not messing about around the bottom. Happy we won at Anfield. Happy with Cunha and Mbeumo.
Happy the team has a decent spirit about it.

Not and will never be happy with Amorim being our manager. I like him, seems a genuine bloke but he’s completely out of his depth and at the same time the most stubborn manager I’ve ever seen.
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He is not out of his depth you are the one out of his depth. Can you kindly explain to the forum on that. It's a slow process stuff stop acting like sore thumb
 
I’m happy we’re better than last season. We’ve also had som good wins and performances. However, that’s primarily due to us having better players and not coaching.

IMO, we’re still seeing many of the same issues as last year all over the pitch but they’re masked by particularly Mbeumo, Amad, a fit Shaw and Cunha (even if he hasn’t been at his best). That’s not sustainable and will only get us so far.

I do like Amorim as a person but I have yet to see how his ideas are going to bring us back to the top.
 
Deco10Legend said:
If your team stays fit. I can see you guys challenge for 4th.
No Europe is actually a good thing for you guys, less games.
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Not sure about 4th. You'd think Liverpool will get their act together so them, Chelsea, City, Arsenal seem like a logical top 4. Then there's potentially space to fight for 5th and 6th hopefully. All depends what kind of season some other teams have, like Villa or Newcastle.

First 11 games this season, it's good enough so far. Was worried like everyone after Brentford but team been much better since. You'd think there's some easier fixtures coming up in December and January but we'll also lose Amad and Mbeumo and without them we could look significantly worse so some other players will have to step up.

Games vs Arsenal and Brighton our best performances this season, Liverpool best result. Grimsby and Brentford low moments, City defeat was bad as well.
 
8 Points off first, 4 off second, 2 off third. I bet anyone on here would have taken that at the start of the season. I think our general play is much improved compared with last season, the defence worries me a lot but Martinez will be back soon enough. Amad and Mbeumo going to Afcon gives me anxiety and the general drop off between our first 11 and bench. The goal this year is europe, top half. We are well positioned after 11 games so for me, it has been a success after a stumbly start. Football is a results game, we can improve and I hope we will, our general play. And did i mention, unbeaten im 5 league games, we have won 3 in a row and our mentality appears better, look at the Spurs and Forrest results, we actually tried to score when being down. Transitions take time, Amorim had the gut the place as RR once advised via open heart surgery. All i ask for is continuous improvement.
 
We're in 7th (only 2 points off 3rd) and we've already played 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 8th so in that context, yes I'm happy overall.

We've been a bit unfortunate at times (including penalty misses from Bruno and the undeserved defeat vs Arsenal, few lapses when we've been away like Spurs and Brentford) but I think most teams would have similar frustrations this season. It actually feels like such a competitive league this year with so many teams stepping up and causing the 'Top 6' more problems than ever before.
 
Kind of, still lots to improve that will hopefully come. I think a CL spot is possible if we keep plugging away and Sesko sharpens up and we get more out of Dorgu.
 
It could be a lot worse, but it could certainly also be a lot better. We're still poor in the second half in almost every game. In the last five games, all the goals we've conceded were in the second half. This is something that has to change. They can't possibly be tired, playing once a week. It's a failure to motivate the team.
 
Happy? Yeah, because the signings largely seem to have worked, Sesko is the only doubt out of the big four. That’s an accomplishment given recent history.

Also, happy because we’re avoiding injuries that have plagued us recently. I think 1 game a week is flattering us somewhat. If we were playing midweek in Europe I think we’d have 5 or 6 less points on the board and we’d br talking crisis.
 
Results have improved overall, but consistency remains a challenge. We still experience lapses in focus that impact execution. Mbuemo has been a standout performer, while Cunha’s contribution has been below expectations. Sesko is still a long-term project and will need time to develop. Squad depth is a concern, as we lack impactful bench options.

Based on the current situation, we are likely to finish between 8th and 10th place unless reinforcements arrive in January. To compete for a top-four position, we urgently need a proven striker and a reliable central midfielder.
 
r0663664 said:
Results have improved overall, but consistency remains a challenge. We still experience lapses in focus that impact execution. Mbuemo has been a standout performer, while Cunha’s contribution has been below expectations. Sesko is still a long-term project and will need time to develop. Squad depth is a concern, as we lack impactful bench options.

Based on the current situation, we are likely to finish between 8th and 10th place unless reinforcements arrive in January. To compete for a top-four position, we urgently need a proven striker and a reliable central midfielder.
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Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Chelsea will surely finish above us but it's not a given when it comes to other teams. Villa have started playing well but we'll see how their season goes, Newcastle are obviously struggling so far. Then there's some other teams but all those other teams will be inconsistent as well - Palace, Brighton, Sunderland (if they keep it up this way). So while we should be careful about expectations it's not like other teams won't drop plenty of points.
 
No doubt there’s been some improvement in our overall play compared to last season.
But it’s only just about acceptable — exactly what you’d expect when you only have one game a week and can prepare 100% for each opponent.
There had to be some progress, otherwise all faith in Amorim would already be gone.
If we can finish in the top five with the squad we’ve got, that would be a fair and acceptable outcome.

For me, our biggest issues are at wing-back, central midfield, and striker.

Amad actually looks quite promising as a right wing-back, but he still struggles defensively. On the left side, I just don’t see Dorgu as the long-term solution. Casemiro is running on his last legs, and unfortunately Ugarte doesn’t look anywhere near ready to take over that role. Bruno is still our best player — both as a CM and as an attacking midfielder — which really tells you everything about the lack of depth and quality behind him.

Sesko so far looks like a downgrade from Højlund, which I honestly didn’t think was possible. But apparently, the no.9 role in Amorim’s system is one of the toughest positions in football.

On the positive side, the goalkeeper looks decent, and the back three have been quite solid overall. We’re also well stocked in the attacking midfield positions.

I’m just disappointed that Mainoo hasn’t managed to play himself into the starting XI yet. If he could, we’d be able to move Bruno further up and gain a bit more tactical flexibility. Maybe he’s not quite strong enough for that deeper role yet, but we absolutely cannot afford to let him go — it would be a huge mistake given his potential.

Central midfield, both wing-backs, and a proper striker are an absolute must in the summer window.
No more squad players — we’ve got enough of those to fill two benches already.
What we need now are Mbuemo-level signings — players who walk straight into the XI and immediately raise the entire team’s level.
 
Last year was a shambles in disguise as with a preseason behind us and few system-specific signings we can now see the vision more clearly.

Positives:
1. Got rid of the bad apples, irrespective of their price and status. Kudos to SJR for that;
2. Brought in leaders; serious, grounded individuals who lead by example (Mbeumo, Cunha);
3. Created an environment in which players who were shot of confidence are finally able to step up (De Ligt, Maguire, Mount);
4. Team finally looks like it trains together, after years of looking like some random guys who just met up for a kick about. Remember our lack of goals from corners, anyone? Set piece plays, open play automations, and even kick-offs are all being worked on and it shows;
5. Confidence in first-team recruitment is back again. Plus impressive youth-level acquisitions;
6. Fan needs and suggestions are being considered (flags, safe standing etc.);
7. Stadium and OT redevelopment progressing;
8. Comebackability is back.

Negatives:
1. Glazers;
2. A couple more windows needed to cover the holes in the system
 
Good- The attacking play is much better than last season. We are scoring goals and its a much better watch.

Bad - the frailty is still evidently clear when the opposition attack us. We ship goals far too easily. Its almost like we hit a panic button and crumble.
 
Fergie's gum said:
Last year was a shambles in disguise as with a preseason behind us and few system-specific signings we can now see the vision more clearly.

Positives:
1. Got rid of the bad apples, irrespective of their price and status. Kudos to SJR for that;
2. Brought in leaders; serious, grounded individuals who lead by example (Mbeumo, Cunha);
3. Created an environment in which players who were shot of confidence are finally able to step up (De Ligt, Maguire, Mount);
4. Team finally looks like it trains together, after years of looking like some random guys who just met up for a kick about. Remember our lack of goals from corners, anyone? Set piece plays, open play automations, and even kick-offs are all being worked on and it shows;
5. Confidence in first-team recruitment is back again. Plus impressive youth-level acquisitions;
6. Fan needs and suggestions are being considered (flags, safe standing etc.);
7. Stadium and OT redevelopment progressing;
8. Comebackability is back.

Negatives:
1. Glazers;
2. A couple more windows needed to cover the holes in the system
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Agree with all of the above, very well put.

One thing I think is missing from the positives though and generally doesn’t get discussed too much is the new Carrington. The effect that has on the players and the staff cannot be underestimated. Now hearing players coming in early, leaving late, hanging around for spa, pool after games etc…. All that feeds into a greater team spirit, proud to be at the club.

So fair play to Jim and Co. for spotting that, investing in it and fixing that fairly rapidly.
 
Ludens the Red said:
Happy we’re not messing about around the bottom. Happy we won at Anfield. Happy with Cunha and Mbeumo.
Happy the team has a decent spirit about it.

Not and will never be happy with Amorim being our manager. I like him, seems a genuine bloke but he’s completely out of his depth and at the same time the most stubborn manager I’ve ever seen.
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“Never” is a long time. So even if he won the PL you wouldn’t be happy with him?
 
I'm very happy and optimistic for the future of this club based on our performances so far. The players are putting in decent performances and minus a few lapses in concentration here and there would have us much higher in the table.

Something big is brewing here and it feels like we're only 3 or 4 signings away from a genuine top 4 team.
 
After 11 matches, we are 7th, having played 5 of the 6 above us. Plus a win against Liverpool, at their place, who are currently behind us. Yes I'm happy so far.
 
Not happy, no. I can't really complain about the points total relative to other teams, but I don't think we've been good enough in a lot of games to expect to keep the pace for the whole season.

We've proven we can score goals now, but we're equally liable to concede

The commitment is generally good, the players seem to work hard, try to defend well, and some late goals for us show they aren't giving up.

We spend way too much time playing on the back foot though, especially if we've gone ahead. We don't even make much of the chances to counter which would be the only benefit of playing like this.

If we cede control for long periods we're going to concede goals more often than not. Games can just as easily be drawn or lost then, even from winning positions, so I feel the final result is a bit of a lottery at the moment. We're better than last season but still very unconvincing.
 
18 points from 11 games isnt too bad however that doesnt tell the full story of our season so far as some of our performances so far have been awful and there have been multiple matches where we have been lucky to come away with the points we did with own goals, penalties, and red cards playing a big part in a few of our games.

I still dont feel the system is working or that the manager is the right one for this club and I would love to be proven wrong on this but I cant see us getting back to the Champions League or winning a major trophy anytime soon in we stick with the manager and his system.
 
RedRocket9908 said:
18 points from 11 games isnt too bad however that doesnt tell the full story of our season so far as some of our performances so far have been awful and there have been multiple matches where we have been lucky to come away with the points we did with own goals, penalties, and red cards playing a big part in a few of our games.

I still dont feel the system is working or that the manager is the right one for this club and I would love to be proven wrong on this but I cant see us getting back to the Champions League or winning a major trophy anytime soon in we stick with the manager and his system.
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Conversely though we have had an insanely hard start to the season, played all of the rest of the "big six", and made an in form Sunderland look very, very average. Also should have had a penalty v arsenal. Have been bedding in a brand new front 3, despite that we are scoring lots of goals which hasn't happened for years. In touching distance of second, above Liverpool who we have beaten.

If at the start of the season we'd been offered this start we would have surely all taken it.

Not saying there are not issues but it's about as good a start as anyone could have hoped for.
 
RedRocket9908 said:
18 points from 11 games isnt too bad however that doesnt tell the full story of our season so far as some of our performances so far have been awful and there have been multiple matches where we have been lucky to come away with the points we did with own goals, penalties, and red cards playing a big part in a few of our games.

I still dont feel the system is working or that the manager is the right one for this club and I would love to be proven wrong on this but I cant see us getting back to the Champions League or winning a major trophy anytime soon in we stick with the manager and his system.
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I assume you're referring to the Brentford and City games as awful? Largely, we have been pretty good.

I think the system works perfectly well. We just need to keep recruiting better players and better fits in order for it to function to it's optimum level. Champions League was never really the aim this season, but as it happens, we're in with as good a chance as Villa and Spurs to pinch that 5th spot.
 
Remember the geese said:
I assume you're referring to the Brentford and City games as awful? Largely, we have been pretty good.
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Without the early red card for Chelsea's keeper and their manager taking off all their attackers we would probably have lost that one, with the own goal and the penalty we would've lost at home to Burnley, without an own goal we would've lost to Fulham, without the incorrectly awarded corner we got we would have lost away to an awful Forest side that hadnt even scored a goal in 8 hours+ of Premier League football, we also made a very poor Spurs side look decent and were lucky to snatch a late point off them
 
RedRocket9908 said:
Without the early red card for Chelsea's keeper and their manager taking off all their attackers we would probably have lost that one, with the own goal and the penalty we would've lost at home to Burnley, without an own goal we would've lost to Fulham, without the incorrectly awarded corner we got we would have lost away to an awful Forest side that hadnt even scored a goal in 8 hours+ of Premier League football, we also made a very poor Spurs side look decent and were lucky to snatch a late point off them
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Why speak so negatively? We earned that Chelsea red. We may well have scored otherwise. We absolutely battered Burnley. If we had taken our chances early on against Fulham, we would have won comfortably. What about the incorrect corners that Forest were awarded? Do they not suit your agenda? Lucky to snatch a point against Spurs? We were leading for the majority of the game!

I genuinely question some of our so called "fans".
 
RedRocket9908 said:
Without the early red card for Chelsea's keeper and their manager taking off all their attackers we would probably have lost that one, with the own goal and the penalty we would've lost at home to Burnley, without an own goal we would've lost to Fulham, without the incorrectly awarded corner we got we would have lost away to an awful Forest side that hadnt even scored a goal in 8 hours+ of Premier League football, we also made a very poor Spurs side look decent and were lucky to snatch a late point off them
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what? :lol:
 
It is so early in the season and I still don't really know where we are headed. There has been the cup exit that should never have been. A win at Anfield as part of a tough run of fixtures. There are positives for sure and I guess we can be happy in the context of last season. CL qualification is possible and really has to be the aim. There are no distractions without Eurpoe and not even a league cup. If we achieve that then I will be reasonably happy to accept this season as a stepping stone to greater things. Anything less has to be unacceptable.
 
A big day tomorrow. Win and we’ll jump 5 places to within reach of second place. Could be time to consider our glasses as half full ?
 
RedRocket9908 said:
Without the early red card for Chelsea's keeper and their manager taking off all their attackers we would probably have lost that one, with the own goal and the penalty we would've lost at home to Burnley, without an own goal we would've lost to Fulham, without the incorrectly awarded corner we got we would have lost away to an awful Forest side that hadnt even scored a goal in 8 hours+ of Premier League football, we also made a very poor Spurs side look decent and were lucky to snatch a late point off them
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More like we're two Bruno missed penalties and a flailing Turkish keeper away from being comfortably in second
 
Tomorrow does feel like a big game in that regard-lose or draw and it’ll feel like there has been not enough improvement. Win and we’re in the top 5? The margins are crazy. But the whole league is crazy at the moment to be honest.
 
After seeing Tottenham today, I'm pretty annoyed we didn't beat them. They're awful. We still just don't look comfortable and in control of games but there are some improvements.
 
I feel mixed. 18 out of 33 points, 1.64 points per game. It's not awful but I want a bit more. It would have us finishing on 62 points. We finished on 42 points last season so it's a huge improvement on that. But last season was next level dire. 62 points would have us finish 8th last season. Which is okay. But not something I'd be happy about last season or this season. I'm glad we've shown we can beat big teams. But I'd still expect them to beat us more times than we beat them over ten games. It's close to clicking sometimes, but it's rarely excellent and I still don't trust us to win going into any game. Sometimes it's quite bad. We're a better team this season but that isn't saying much. I can't say I'm happy and very optimistic, but I'm alright to see where this goes.
 
Maybe we can convince the PL to only do the table from when we could play a keeper. We were unfairly disadvantaged for August and September as we had to play a rush goalie*. It would look much healthier then. And Liverpool would be in the relegation zone along with Leeds, so it's worth a go.

*Admittedly, we bought SL in early September, but just tell them his international clearance didn't clear until October.
 
Ole'sgunnarwin said:
After seeing Tottenham today, I'm pretty annoyed we didn't beat them. They're awful. We still just don't look comfortable and in control of games but there are some improvements.
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I felt that on the day. They're toothless in attack at the moment so the fact we managed to let them back in and find ourselves in a position where we had to salvage a point from a losing position was really frustrating. It's been a theme though - conceded two in a few minutes against Forest, had a scare against Brighton and even made a meal out of the second half of the Chelsea game. We're a bit better with the ball this season but I don't think much has changed without it.
 
Waynne said:
I'm very happy and optimistic for the future of this club based on our performances so far. The players are putting in decent performances and minus a few lapses in concentration here and there would have us much higher in the table.

Something big is brewing here and it feels like we're only 3 or 4 signings away from a genuine top 4 team.
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Tonight we could go fourth. This could be a good season for us, no europe, out of the league cup early. Teams like Liverpool, Newcastle, Forest struggling, Chelsea and Villa look no better than us. The trouble may occur when we lose players to the African competition and if Sesko is out longer than expected.

I see no reason why we should not challenge for top 4. We still have Martinez to come back, Mainoo and Zirzke should be like new signings if they get game time in December

We have to stop over hyping other teams, only Arsenal are really showing consistency
 
Its been ok, i'm pleased we're scoring goals but would like to see more contributions from Cunha.

Defensively we are a worry, we always concede and our away form is terrible. I also think the lack of games is detrimental, its so hard to build momentum with just 1 game a week.
 
I don't think we've been great. But Mbeumo has been a superb signing, and removing a number of the under performing players far away from the club has been a start on yet another rebuild (how many times now?)

Lammens is an upgrade on Onana, but I still don't think he's the answer. de Ligt has been good, as has Cunha. But I don't see this side competing for the league as they are right now. Just too inconsistent, and I'm still not convinced by the 3-4-3. Let's be honest it's a 5-3-2 under a scooby doo mask and I have never liked it. It masks certain failings in a side but I simply prefer 4-3-3 and even 4-4-2. More potential for controling a game in those formations, which is something I never, ever think we manage to do. If we go behind - it gives us a mask of control when teams drop off. If we go in front, I just assume we are going to have to hang on for dear life.

A lot of that is our passing and general lack of composure in midfield. But the plus in our side is there is definitely goals there, with Cunha, Mbeumo and Bruno. Sesko will get there too -i think / hope-.
 
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