As one who found the 3 month pre-season posts on here really boring from a number of posters who just bombarded us with their knowledge on Tony Khan and our useless defence, its nice to point out that 1/5th through the season only two teams have conceded less than us and only one team has a better goal difference.
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league. I dont say that lightly, I'm not one for knee-jerk posts and I dont come on here posting continual messages that say the same thing. I think we have the team that will improve more than any other in the league. By about game 20, we will be virtually unbeatable and will know how to play against the derivative of tactics being used against us.
We're the best-resourced team in the league and were second favourites to win the league from the start of the summer. Yes we won our last match but we're still 10th, some way below the other favourites Leeds (4th) and West Brom (1st). So we've clearly started poorly and if I wanted an ungracious gloat like the OP, I'd say that shows why we should have done our business sooner and given the squad a more useful pre-season, which was my main complaint in the summer.
As to the defence, having the joint third best defence in the league is no big achievement for the second best team in the league. In any case the issue was always the lack of cover - let's see what happens if one of our first choice CBs gets injured before January.
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
As one who found the 3 month pre-season posts on here really boring from a number of posters who just bombarded us with their knowledge on Tony Khan and our useless defence, its nice to point out that 1/5th through the season only two teams have conceded less than us and only one team has a better goal difference.
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league. I dont say that lightly, I'm not one for knee-jerk posts and I dont come on here posting continual messages that say the same thing. I think we have the team that will improve more than any other in the league. By about game 20, we will be virtually unbeatable and will know how to play against the derivative of tactics being used against us.
Good post, interesting points. Brave to say we'll win the league but well-reasoned and I hope your optimism is rewarded.
Our back four are indeed our Achilles heel. While they are better organized than before, they are still venerable. What is making them look better is that our possession is quite high. Just as in Slava 's team. If they don't have the ball, they can't usually score. Look how poor we are when they are on the break. Hector can't get here quick enough.
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
As one who found the 3 month pre-season posts on here really boring from a number of posters who just bombarded us with their knowledge on Tony Khan and our useless defence, its nice to point out that 1/5th through the season only two teams have conceded less than us and only one team has a better goal difference.
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league. I dont say that lightly, I'm not one for knee-jerk posts and I dont come on here posting continual messages that say the same thing. I think we have the team that will improve more than any other in the league. By about game 20, we will be virtually unbeatable and will know how to play against the derivative of tactics being used against us.
selective use of stats in not an intlligent way to asses anything.
we have won only once in the last six outings (inc cup). we have surrended a winning lead three times in that time, we are tenth.
in comparison with slav's sid we have a much better first 11 in terms of the 6 in front of the back four and it is clear oppoents are very wary of taking us on nd sit back.#
our back four os rather better than any of us anticipated but we have a decent holding central midfielder in arter OR Reed that is the big difference.
I am totally confident if slav had this squad we wuld be top and cruising. parker is OK and I was and remain content with his appointment but he is learning as he goes along.
I thought we would not be doing so well but knock and cav and reid d arter all were brought in and that transfrmed the situation. TK remains a problem but at least parker seems to be able to manae him better than slav did. I have no confidence they will do the necessary in the wnter break to assure top two. they probably think the squad is good enough and it isn't because we need a better right back and a back/partner for mitro.
this tpe of post is tiresome when we have had such a good win and seem to be turning the proverbial corner.
Quote from: YankeeJim on September 29, 2019, 11:11:26 PM
Our back four are indeed our Achilles heel. While they are better organized than before, they are still venerable. What is making them look better is that our possession is quite high. Just as in Slava 's team. If they don't have the ball, they can't usually score. Look how poor we are when they are on the break. Hector can't get here quick enough.
Ream and Mawson are first and second in the league for possessions stats. While Ream may not be good at his defensive duties, he is not only brilliant at possession but also making sure we don't loses the ball in our half. Ream is good in the championship, but we need Hector so that any premier league promotion, won't lead to a new partnership and instant relegation.
For anyone saying Slavisa would do better than Parker at this stage, let me remind you that in his first fourteen league games of the four seasons he never got more than four wins (or could have got more in the last season). Slavisa was terrible at starting seasons, Parker is on track to give us the best start in years.
Parker has changed our tactics a little. Cavy and Knock playing forward and wide with full backs rarely overlapping , a safer approach to games.
Problem is that while less goals have been conceded we are now struggling to score.
Quote from: ALG01 on September 29, 2019, 11:47:19 PM
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
As one who found the 3 month pre-season posts on here really boring from a number of posters who just bombarded us with their knowledge on Tony Khan and our useless defence, its nice to point out that 1/5th through the season only two teams have conceded less than us and only one team has a better goal difference.
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league. I dont say that lightly, I'm not one for knee-jerk posts and I dont come on here posting continual messages that say the same thing. I think we have the team that will improve more than any other in the league. By about game 20, we will be virtually unbeatable and will know how to play against the derivative of tactics being used against us.
]selective use of stats in not an intlligent way to asses anything.
we have won only once in the last six outings (inc cup). we have surrended a winning lead three times in that time, we are tenth.
in comparison with slav's sid we have a much better first 11 in terms of the 6 in front of the back four and it is clear oppoents are very wary of taking us on nd sit back.#
our back four os rather better than any of us anticipated but we have a decent holding central midfielder in arter OR Reed that is the big difference.
I am totally confident if slav had this squad we wuld be top and cruising. parker is OK and I was and remain content with his appointment but he is learning as he goes along.
I thought we would not be doing so well but knock and cav and reid d arter all were brought in and that transfrmed the situation. TK remains a problem but at least parker seems to be able to manae him better than slav did. I have no confidence they will do the necessary in the wnter break to assure top two. they probably think the squad is good enough and it isn't because we need a better right back and a back/partner for mitro.
this tpe of post is tiresome when we have had such a good win and seem to be turning the proverbial corner.
Is this meant to be funny? (Serious question!)
Quote from: ALG01 on September 29, 2019, 11:47:19 PM
selective use of stats in not an intlligent way to asses anything.
we have won only once in the last six outings (inc cup). we have surrended a winning lead three times in that time, we are tenth.
in comparison with slav's sid we have a much better first 11 in terms of the 6 in front of the back four and it is clear oppoents are very wary of taking us on nd sit back.#
our back four os rather better than any of us anticipated but we have a decent holding central midfielder in arter OR Reed that is the big difference.
I am totally confident if slav had this squad we wuld be top and cruising. parker is OK and I was and remain content with his appointment but he is learning as he goes along.
I thought we would not be doing so well but knock and cav and reid d arter all were brought in and that transfrmed the situation. TK remains a problem but at least parker seems to be able to manae him better than slav did. I have no confidence they will do the necessary in the wnter break to assure top two. they probably think the squad is good enough and it isn't because we need a better right back and a back/partner for mitro.
this tpe of post is tiresome when we have had such a good win and seem to be turning the proverbial corner.
I agree that your post is slightly tiresome. Whilst the draws you mention in such a defeatist tone are correct, the manner of them point perhaps to better results ahead. West Brom in particular couldn't get close to the ball for 65 minutes, we made them look very second rate and we could have been out of sight. Lots of ifs and buts and we know what transpired. However put in the context that they are doing exceptionally well against other teams we're yet to play, this bodes well.
I'm very much in the optimistic camp and don't think we need to "do the necessary" in the winter break to "assure" top two. We have enough quality all over the pitch to put a sustained challenge in for the automatics.
I am always game for a healthily optimistic OP and I also share the optimism although I am not sure any team can be confident of being top and staying there at any stage of the season until it is mathematically certain. I do not agree with those who say 'we will not improve' or get so downhearted by lost points which actually even happen to the very best sides. We have been beaten twice and, arguably, we could have turned both games on their heads with a little more flare. Our defence isn't the best money could buy but it has worked reasonably well most of the time whilst being fragile under intense pressure which is a rectifiable fault (e.g. do not cave into pressure but remain as composed as you have been for the majority of the game). The OP is right to say we will improve because we can all see what needs to improve.
This season isn't like last season where Jokanovic was faced with an almost impossible task of fitting a bunch of misfits together and was fired at the first glimpse that he may actually have turned a corner (similar in some respects to Magath who also produced a better performance in his last game). This season performances show that the majority of positions in the first team are well covered and that our blips are down to a combination of failing to stay resolute when under fire, a nervousness and lack of composure that'll only be overcome by the players themselves following coaching instruction. Parker is doing pretty well compared to how I thought he would do this season, about halfway between where I expected him to be if he was superb and where I felt we would be if he was not the required article. He is still a young coach/manager and he will make mistakes but they will not matter as long as he learns from them.
Quote from: Jim© on September 30, 2019, 11:48:29 AM
Quote from: ALG01 on September 29, 2019, 11:47:19 PM
selective use of stats in not an intlligent way to asses anything.
we have won only once in the last six outings (inc cup). we have surrended a winning lead three times in that time, we are tenth.
in comparison with slav's sid we have a much better first 11 in terms of the 6 in front of the back four and it is clear oppoents are very wary of taking us on nd sit back.#
our back four os rather better than any of us anticipated but we have a decent holding central midfielder in arter OR Reed that is the big difference.
I am totally confident if slav had this squad we wuld be top and cruising. parker is OK and I was and remain content with his appointment but he is learning as he goes along.
I thought we would not be doing so well but knock and cav and reid d arter all were brought in and that transfrmed the situation. TK remains a problem but at least parker seems to be able to manae him better than slav did. I have no confidence they will do the necessary in the wnter break to assure top two. they probably think the squad is good enough and it isn't because we need a better right back and a back/partner for mitro.
this tpe of post is tiresome when we have had such a good win and seem to be turning the proverbial corner.
I agree that your post is slightly tiresome. Whilst the draws you mention in such a defeatist tone are correct, the manner of them point perhaps to better results ahead. West Brom in particular couldn't get close to the ball for 65 minutes, we made them look very second rate and we could have been out of sight. Lots of ifs and buts and we know what transpired. However put in the context that they are doing exceptionally well against other teams we're yet to play, this bodes well.
I'm very much in the optimistic camp and don't think we need to "do the necessary" in the winter break to "assure" top two. We have enough quality all over the pitch to put a sustained challenge in for the automatics.
We all would like to be optimistic, but it is also important to be realistic. Not sure we are the finished article yet, and I am also a little concerned that we have sufficient quality and cover all over the pitch if we sustain injuries to any player let alone key players.
Perhaps we may get lucky and avoid any serious long or short term injuries, or suspensions or maybe even loss of form. But as these issues tend to come in clusters if they do arise, it's best to be wise before the event rather than after. So I would not avoid planning to add to the team/ squad if necessary.
The manager and club of course will have a better idea nearer the time.
As it's often said because it is so true, one game at a time. You never know what's round the next corner.
Adverse matters tend to arise just when you think everything is sweet as a nut. Then all of a sudden wallop, somebody gets injured, and they are out for a month or two. That's where foresight and vision are so important, always prepare for every eventuality.
If we take any match for granted, like for instance Barnsley, then prepare for failure. Every game is a different challenge. Teams will fight like tigers, no matter where they are in the Division, we have to learn to do the same, that's why I feel that Scott Parker will get this team doing exactly that, he knows he has to.
Looking at the Fixtures and saying, we can get 3 points there 1 point here and none over there is not realistic, it's just guessing. All I am concerned is about the next match and walking away from Reading with all 3 points. Then I shall turn my attention to Charlton.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the Bush.
We could keep more clean sheets but the real problem is that we've not been scoring enough goals and given the investment during the summer that is really disappointing.
Like many I hope that sooner rather than later - everything will click
As to lack of cover in defence - at the moment we don't need any
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 30, 2019, 01:26:22 PM
I am also a little concerned that we have sufficient quality and cover all over the pitch if we sustain injuries to any player let alone key players.
I think we have excellent cover down the centre of the field with Rodak (1), MLM (4/5), Arter (6/8) and BC.Reid (9/10), which will be even stronger once Hector can be registrated 2nd Jan. As for the right side of the field we have Odoi (2) and Kamara (7).
What concerns me is the cover on the left side of the field left-back (3) and left-wing (11), especially as without Bryan we would lack attacking width. What concerns other people about our backup cover?
Quote from: YankeeJim on September 29, 2019, 11:11:26 PM
Our back four are indeed our Achilles heel. While they are better organized than before, they are still venerable. What is making them look better is that our possession is quite high. Just as in Slava 's team. If they don't have the ball, they can't usually score. Look how poor we are when they are on the break. Hector can't get here quick enough.
More vulnerable than venerable, but know what you mean...fewer goals conceded as we have so much possession, but always suspect to a quick counter attack. Shows, though , the truth about the need to defend as a team, not just as a back four.
Quote from: Southcoastffc on September 30, 2019, 11:01:02 AM
Quote from: ALG01 on September 29, 2019, 11:47:19 PM
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
As one who found the 3 month pre-season posts on here really boring from a number of posters who just bombarded us with their knowledge on Tony Khan and our useless defence, its nice to point out that 1/5th through the season only two teams have conceded less than us and only one team has a better goal difference.
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league. I dont say that lightly, I'm not one for knee-jerk posts and I dont come on here posting continual messages that say the same thing. I think we have the team that will improve more than any other in the league. By about game 20, we will be virtually unbeatable and will know how to play against the derivative of tactics being used against us.
]selective use of stats in not an intlligent way to asses anything.
we have won only once in the last six outings (inc cup). we have surrended a winning lead three times in that time, we are tenth.
in comparison with slav's sid we have a much better first 11 in terms of the 6 in front of the back four and it is clear oppoents are very wary of taking us on nd sit back.#
our back four os rather better than any of us anticipated but we have a decent holding central midfielder in arter OR Reed that is the big difference.
I am totally confident if slav had this squad we wuld be top and cruising. parker is OK and I was and remain content with his appointment but he is learning as he goes along.
I thought we would not be doing so well but knock and cav and reid d arter all were brought in and that transfrmed the situation. TK remains a problem but at least parker seems to be able to manae him better than slav did. I have no confidence they will do the necessary in the wnter break to assure top two. they probably think the squad is good enough and it isn't because we need a better right back and a back/partner for mitro.
this tpe of post is tiresome when we have had such a good win and seem to be turning the proverbial corner.
Is this meant to be funny? (Serious question!)
No not being funny. I think the tone of the OP is wrong. I am delighted withthe progress but the stat that counts is we still have 10 points. I am one that predicteddoom during summer but am happy to be proved wrong, so far, and my natural enthusisam is now having to be held in check. I do now think we are looing like contenders and just need some fine tunning.
We won so no need for, what seemed to me, a post being a bit finger pointing at fellow fans.
Just thought, only 3 goals conceded in last four games.
Our defenders and keeper must be feeling pretty pleased with themselves but should be aware that a few nasty slip ups tomorrow night could easily upset that record.
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
As one who found the 3 month pre-season posts on here really boring from a number of posters who just bombarded us with their knowledge on Tony Khan and our useless defence, its nice to point out that 1/5th through the season only two teams have conceded less than us and only one team has a better goal difference.
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league. I dont say that lightly, I'm not one for knee-jerk posts and I dont come on here posting continual messages that say the same thing. I think we have the team that will improve more than any other in the league. By about game 20, we will be virtually unbeatable and will know how to play against the derivative of tactics being used against us.
Very optimistic post, but it's better than pessimistic. I don't think we're going to win the league but we will almost certainly make the play offs.
At the moment the problem is scoring goals and one factor might be the full backs don't get forward, but that also makes us harder to break down defensively. It's a double edged sword and we need to find a happy medium.
Quote from: ALG01 on September 30, 2019, 04:02:21 PM
Quote from: Southcoastffc on September 30, 2019, 11:01:02 AM
Quote from: ALG01 on September 29, 2019, 11:47:19 PM
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
As one who found the 3 month pre-season posts on here really boring from a number of posters who just bombarded us with their knowledge on Tony Khan and our useless defence, its nice to point out that 1/5th through the season only two teams have conceded less than us and only one team has a better goal difference.
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league. I dont say that lightly, I'm not one for knee-jerk posts and I dont come on here posting continual messages that say the same thing. I think we have the team that will improve more than any other in the league. By about game 20, we will be virtually unbeatable and will know how to play against the derivative of tactics being used against us.
No not being funny. I think the tone of the OP is wrong. I am delighted withthe progress but the stat that counts is we still have 10 points. I am one that predicteddoom during summer but am happy to be proved wrong, so far, and my natural enthusisam is now having to be held in check. I do now think we are looing like contenders and just need some fine tunning.
We won so no need for, what seemed to me, a post being a bit finger pointing at fellow fans.
Mate, like many others, I came on here during the close season to see pretty much every thread taken over by the same people saying the same two things over and over.
Tony Khan was an imbecile (usually worse) and we had a defence that was going to be ripped apart every game. We are talking 100's if not 1000's of posts. The summer transfer thread was basically over 100 pages saying just this.
Pre season I made one post saying I thought we had a really good defence with our POS from a year before, a player I really rate in Mawson, ditto Bryan, who I happened then and still do think is the best left back in the league. I agreed our weak spot was right back but I am really happy with Sess. To be 9 games in and have a really good defensive record, Odoi as cover and Hector joining in Jan, I think it would be a right old curmudgeon to not be satisfied.
So, after 1000's of posts over the close season, I think I should be allowed my one post to just point out that I possibly may have been correct in my thinking.
It will be the only one
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 30, 2019, 09:12:37 PM
So, after 1000's of posts over the close season, I think I should be allowed my one post to just point out that I possibly may have been correct in my thinking.
It will be the only one
Well this is already your second post on the subject so your clearly milking it.
And it's a bit of a ridiculous point anyway - "I reckon we're gonna win the league so that proves I was right about how great TK is..." :doh:
If we suffer a significant injury to Mawson or Ream before 31 December AND we're still in the top 2 (or at least, have one of the top 2 best defensive records) on that date, THEN, and only then, can anyone say TK's failure to sign more defensive cover wasn't a mistake.
Quote from: ALG01 on September 30, 2019, 04:02:21 PM
Quote from: Southcoastffc on September 30, 2019, 11:01:02 AM
Quote from: ALG01 on September 29, 2019, 11:47:19 PM
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
As one who found the 3 month pre-season posts on here really boring from a number of posters who just bombarded us with their knowledge on Tony Khan and our useless defence, its nice to point out that 1/5th through the season only two teams have conceded less than us and only one team has a better goal difference.
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league. I dont say that lightly, I'm not one for knee-jerk posts and I dont come on here posting continual messages that say the same thing. I think we have the team that will improve more than any other in the league. By about game 20, we will be virtually unbeatable and will know how to play against the derivative of tactics being used against us.
]selective use of stats in not an intlligent way to asses anything.
we have won only once in the last six outings (inc cup). we have surrended a winning lead three times in that time, we are tenth.
in comparison with slav's sid we have a much better first 11 in terms of the 6 in front of the back four and it is clear oppoents are very wary of taking us on nd sit back.#
our back four os rather better than any of us anticipated but we have a decent holding central midfielder in arter OR Reed that is the big difference.
I am totally confident if slav had this squad we wuld be top and cruising. parker is OK and I was and remain content with his appointment but he is learning as he goes along.
I thought we would not be doing so well but knock and cav and reid d arter all were brought in and that transfrmed the situation. TK remains a problem but at least parker seems to be able to manae him better than slav did. I have no confidence they will do the necessary in the wnter break to assure top two. they probably think the squad is good enough and it isn't because we need a better right back and a back/partner for mitro.
this tpe of post is tiresome when we have had such a good win and seem to be turning the proverbial corner.
Is this meant to be funny? (Serious question!)
No not being funny. I think the tone of the OP is wrong. I am delighted withthe progress but the stat that counts is we still have 10 points. I am one that predicteddoom during summer but am happy to be proved wrong, so far, and my natural enthusisam is now having to be held in check. I do now think we are looing like contenders and just need some fine tunning.
We won so no need for, what seemed to me, a post being a bit finger pointing at fellow fans.
Thanks and fair enough. I truly wondered if you were being humorous because you could just as easily have said we are unbeaten in 4 and 3 points off second place.
MLM played as well as Ream did in the Premier League, MLM is a decent squad reserve in the PL and quality bench reserve in the championship. Hector is not needed to get promoted, but he is an improvement especially in the air and we need Hector so if we get promoted we have an established centre back partnership without Ream in it.
Quote from: res on September 30, 2019, 03:10:32 PM
Quote from: YankeeJim on September 29, 2019, 11:11:26 PM
Our back four are indeed our Achilles heel. While they are better organized than before, they are still venerable. What is making them look better is that our possession is quite high. Just as in Slava 's team. If they don't have the ball, they can't usually score. Look how poor we are when they are on the break. Hector can't get here quick enough.
More vulnerable than venerable, but know what you mean...fewer goals conceded as we have so much possession, but always suspect to a quick counter attack. Shows, though , the truth about the need to defend as a team, not just as a back four.
Damn spellcheck. LOL
It is shame, IMO, that 70sPimlico shifts attention from the optimism of the OP to a critique on the condemnation of TK who was rightly blasted for his immature ineptitude in summer 2018 and winter 2019. He had since cobbled his explanations together in two episodic media events one behind a paywall. It's the nearest we are going to get to an apology for his ineptitude. I'd like to think all those who have had a go at the guy since his miserable DoF PL debut failure have influenced changes in his behaviour which improved his focus for summer transfers just passed. But I also hope the guy has learned the value of being a little more subservient to his coaching regime when deciding recruitment targets. I also hope it will inspire the guy not to sack a coach unless and until he has soul searched very candidly and honestly and declared himself fault free.
I haven't yet forgiven him for sacking Jokanovic and I doubt I ever will because it ranks with the worse decisions I have seen at Craven Cottage in my lifetime of support. He has a lot left to do before I declare him a safe pair of hands. Criticism of TK was more than deserved IMO, so thanks for opening the wounds again, 70sPimlico.
Quote from: toshes mate on October 01, 2019, 06:41:46 AM
Criticism of TK was more than deserved IMO, so thanks for opening the wounds again, 70sPimlico.
I'm desperately sorry. As I said, it won't happen again. Sorry again, petal.
Quote from: 70sPimlico on October 01, 2019, 10:09:23 AM
Quote from: toshes mate on October 01, 2019, 06:41:46 AM
Criticism of TK was more than deserved IMO, so thanks for opening the wounds again, 70sPimlico.
I'm desperately sorry. As I said, it won't happen again. Sorry again, petal.
AAAAwwwwwwww!
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
For me thats one reason we are doing better.
Quote from: MJG on October 01, 2019, 11:45:23 AM
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
For me thats one reason we are doing better.
Yeh, you could be right. Sadly, as he's verging on cult status in my eyes. That flick. That goal. That night. That crossbar.
Quote from: 70sPimlico on October 01, 2019, 12:56:17 PM
Quote from: MJG on October 01, 2019, 11:45:23 AM
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
For me thats one reason we are doing better.
Yeh, you could be right.
Well thanks to TK, all it will take is one injury in the next 15 games and we'll have Odoi starting at CB again.
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 01:27:19 PM
Quote from: 70sPimlico on October 01, 2019, 12:56:17 PM
Quote from: MJG on October 01, 2019, 11:45:23 AM
Quote from: 70sPimlico on September 29, 2019, 06:42:59 PM
We are def tougher to breakdown than Slavisa's team and that is with Odoi on bench and Hector already unofficially here and ready to start on Jan 1st.
For me thats one reason we are doing better.
Yeh, you could be right.
Well thanks to TK, all it will take is one injury in the next 15 games and we'll have Odoi starting at CB again.
With Reed, Arter & Stefjo back covering in front of them, I do believe we would cope.
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 01:27:19 PM
Well thanks to TK, all it will take is one injury in the next 15 games and we'll have Odoi starting at CB again.
Most sides in all 92 clubs will have the same issue. Look at Man City bemoaning the loss of Laporte. Look at Spurs fans moaning whenever Kane gets injured that they have no other CF.
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Quote from: Jim© on October 01, 2019, 02:49:34 PM
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Well, they don't have to come in as a bench warmer. They have to come in to compete with Mawson and Ream, with a good chance of making one of those two (probably Ream) the "bench warmer". That being the case...
Hector
Carter-Vickers
Kalas
Jansson
Flint
Scott McKenna
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 03:23:46 PM
Quote from: Jim© on October 01, 2019, 02:49:34 PM
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Well, they don't have to come in as a bench warmer. They have to come in to compete with Mawson and Ream, with a good chance of making one of those two (probably Ream) the "bench warmer". That being the case...
Hector
Carter-Vickers
Kalas
Jansson
Flint
Scott McKenna
Disagree that Kalas is better than Odoi. About the same level. He's just changed clubs anyway, so it's a moot point.
Jansson also just moved.
Quote from: Mitrovic the warrior on October 01, 2019, 05:15:11 PM
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 03:23:46 PM
Quote from: Jim© on October 01, 2019, 02:49:34 PM
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Well, they don't have to come in as a bench warmer. They have to come in to compete with Mawson and Ream, with a good chance of making one of those two (probably Ream) the "bench warmer". That being the case...
Hector
Carter-Vickers
Kalas
Jansson
Flint
Scott McKenna
Disagree that Kalas is better than Odoi. About the same level. He's just changed clubs anyway, so it's a moot point.
Jansson also just moved.
Kalas vs Odoi is a matter of opinion, so you're entitled to your opinion and I'm not going to challenge it.
But the point about Kalas and Jansson having just changed clubs is irrelevant. This is a thread about TK's failure to sign defensive cover last summer. When the transfer window opened, they hadn't just changed clubs.
Actually all of those players changed clubs in the summer, except McKenna.
Let's hope I'm wrong about Odoi
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 05:51:37 PM
Quote from: Mitrovic the warrior on October 01, 2019, 05:15:11 PM
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 03:23:46 PM
Quote from: Jim© on October 01, 2019, 02:49:34 PM
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Well, they don't have to come in as a bench warmer. They have to come in to compete with Mawson and Ream, with a good chance of making one of those two (probably Ream) the "bench warmer". That being the case...
Hector
Carter-Vickers
Kalas
Jansson
Flint
Scott McKenna
Disagree that Kalas is better than Odoi. About the same level. He's just changed clubs anyway, so it's a moot point.
Jansson also just moved.
Kalas vs Odoi is a matter of opinion, so you're entitled to your opinion and I'm not going to challenge it.
But the point about Kalas and Jansson having just changed clubs is irrelevant. This is a thread about TK's failure to sign defensive cover last summer. When the transfer window opened, they hadn't just changed clubs.
Actually all of those players changed clubs in the summer, except McKenna.
It's far from ideal we didn't sign a defender but that aside the business was good in my opinion. Sounds like Chelsea wouldn't loan Hector to us and we couldn't buy him until we sold Sess. So it's tricky.
Quote from: 70sPimlico on October 01, 2019, 10:09:23 AM
Quote from: toshes mate on October 01, 2019, 06:41:46 AM
Criticism of TK was more than deserved IMO, so thanks for opening the wounds again, 70sPimlico.
I'm desperately sorry. As I said, it won't happen again. Sorry again, petal.
WUM
Quote from: Mitrovic the warrior on October 01, 2019, 07:44:50 PM
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 05:51:37 PM
Quote from: Mitrovic the warrior on October 01, 2019, 05:15:11 PM
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 03:23:46 PM
Quote from: Jim© on October 01, 2019, 02:49:34 PM
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Well, they don't have to come in as a bench warmer. They have to come in to compete with Mawson and Ream, with a good chance of making one of those two (probably Ream) the "bench warmer". That being the case...
Hector
Carter-Vickers
Kalas
Jansson
Flint
Scott McKenna
Disagree that Kalas is better than Odoi. About the same level. He's just changed clubs anyway, so it's a moot point.
Jansson also just moved.
Kalas vs Odoi is a matter of opinion, so you're entitled to your opinion and I'm not going to challenge it.
But the point about Kalas and Jansson having just changed clubs is irrelevant. This is a thread about TK's failure to sign defensive cover last summer. When the transfer window opened, they hadn't just changed clubs.
Actually all of those players changed clubs in the summer, except McKenna.
It's far from ideal we didn't sign a defender but that aside the business was good in my opinion. Sounds like Chelsea wouldn't loan Hector to us and we couldn't buy him until we sold Sess. So it's tricky.
Yes broadly agree with that
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league.
Wow ...... You do know Pimlico, Statto and Tosh will keep that quote until seasons end when they will beat you over the head with it!
Hopefully, you can do the reverse if proved right.
Quote from: Fernhurst on October 01, 2019, 10:55:03 PM
Based on what I am seeing, I think we will win the league.
Wow ...... You do know Pimlico, Statto and Tosh will keep that quote until seasons end when they will beat you over the head with it!
Hopefully, you can do the reverse if proved right.
Last 9 Games: 5 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss with 18 scored and 7 conceeded. That's 2 points per game, so on track for 90 points.
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 09:19:44 PM
Quote from: Mitrovic the warrior on October 01, 2019, 07:44:50 PM
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 05:51:37 PM
Quote from: Mitrovic the warrior on October 01, 2019, 05:15:11 PM
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 03:23:46 PM
Quote from: Jim© on October 01, 2019, 02:49:34 PM
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Well, they don't have to come in as a bench warmer. They have to come in to compete with Mawson and Ream, with a good chance of making one of those two (probably Ream) the "bench warmer". That being the case...
Hector
Carter-Vickers
Kalas
Jansson
Flint
Scott McKenna
Disagree that Kalas is better than Odoi. About the same level. He's just changed clubs anyway, so it's a moot point.
Jansson also just moved.
Kalas vs Odoi is a matter of opinion, so you're entitled to your opinion and I'm not going to challenge it.
But the point about Kalas and Jansson having just changed clubs is irrelevant. This is a thread about TK's failure to sign defensive cover last summer. When the transfer window opened, they hadn't just changed clubs.
Actually all of those players changed clubs in the summer, except McKenna.
It's far from ideal we didn't sign a defender but that aside the business was good in my opinion. Sounds like Chelsea wouldn't loan Hector to us and we couldn't buy him until we sold Sess. So it's tricky.
Yes broadly agree with that
According to transfermarkt, there are around 9 centre backs in the championship not playing for Fulham better than MLM. I would have thought our backup right winger Kamara/Kebano/Onamah is more concerning and you need quality attackers if you play teams "parking a double bus". Frankly, Kamara is useful sub as he is good at creating space, but no where near clinical enough as a starter.
Our first choice wingers are interchangeable, right to left, with Bobby Reid as backup. Would take two of them to be unavailable for Kamara to get a start.
After the re-emergence of MLM (and I know he didn't play central), I'm glad we have Hector ready to play in January. Fingers crossed Mawsom and Ream stay fit over the next few months.
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 03:23:46 PM
Quote from: Jim© on October 01, 2019, 02:49:34 PM
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Well, they don't have to come in as a bench warmer. They have to come in to compete with Mawson and Ream, with a good chance of making one of those two (probably Ream) the "bench warmer". That being the case...
Hector
Carter-Vickers
Kalas
Jansson
Flint
Scott McKenna
It's all very subjective, but I'm not with you on Kalas, Carter-Vickers looks like he's been on a pie-eating course (for 6 months), Jansson and Flint don't have the passing skills to fit anywhere near our system and I've only seen McKenna once or twice.I still don't think any are better than either CB we have currently playing and on a par with Odoi- so the truth is that they would be bench warming (if i were manager).
Quote from: Jim© on October 02, 2019, 09:29:31 AM
Quote from: Statto on October 01, 2019, 03:23:46 PM
Quote from: Jim© on October 01, 2019, 02:49:34 PM
I'd be interested to hear what calibre of player you think would happily come and bench warm for us in the championship who is better than either MLM or Odoi? Honestly, I don't think there'll be many.
Well, they don't have to come in as a bench warmer. They have to come in to compete with Mawson and Ream, with a good chance of making one of those two (probably Ream) the "bench warmer". That being the case...
Hector
Carter-Vickers
Kalas
Jansson
Flint
Scott McKenna
It's all very subjective, but I'm not with you on Kalas, Carter-Vickers looks like he's been on a pie-eating course (for 6 months), Jansson and Flint don't have the passing skills to fit anywhere near our system and I've only seen McKenna once or twice.I still don't think any are better than either CB we have currently playing and on a par with Odoi- so the truth is that they would be bench warming (if i were manager).
I haven't really seen the other players (except for Kalas) that much, but I have seen Jansson a lot. I don't think he would have a problem with our system at all as he is comfortable on the ball. Don't think he would be a clear improvement, but a better option than MLM and Odoi most likely, and adds an aerial presence.
Quote from: Statto on October 02, 2019, 07:57:37 AM
Our first choice wingers are interchangeable, right to left, with Bobby Reid as backup. Would take two of them to be unavailable for Kamara to get a start.
So Bobby Reid is backup for four starters Cairney, Mitro, Cav and Knockaert; two injuries to the front four or one injury and Reid injuries then we are short upfront. If we start with Cav, Reid, Kamara and Knockaert, i would be more fearful than Rodak, Bryan, MLM, Odoi, Christie.
Quote from: The Rational Fan on October 02, 2019, 09:54:22 AM
Quote from: Statto on October 02, 2019, 07:57:37 AM
Our first choice wingers are interchangeable, right to left, with Bobby Reid as backup. Would take two of them to be unavailable for Kamara to get a start.
So Bobby Reid is backup for four starters Cairney, Mitro, Cav and Knockaert; two injuries to the front four or one injury and Reid injuries then we are short upfront. If we start with Cav, Reid, Kamara and Knockaert, i would be fearful.
Still better than most teams in this division if we start with those, and better than the first half of our last promotion season. Also, you may have forgotten about Onomah, or that Johansen can easily play further upfield if needed. All teams will be worse if they lose a few starters to injuries/suspensions, but Fulham is not in a bad spot depth wise. A Championship team where a player like Kamara is at best the second attacking sub sounds like quite the team to me. For all his faults, he would start in many teams in this division.
With all that said, I am still a bit sad that they let Ayite go.
Quote from: The Rational Fan on October 02, 2019, 09:54:22 AM
Quote from: Statto on October 02, 2019, 07:57:37 AM
Our first choice wingers are interchangeable, right to left, with Bobby Reid as backup. Would take two of them to be unavailable for Kamara to get a start.
So Bobby Reid is backup for four starters Cairney, Mitro, Cav and Knockaert; two injuries to the front four or one injury and Reid injuries then we are short upfront. If we start with Cav, Reid, Kamara and Knockaert, i would be more fearful than Rodak, Bryan, MLM, Odoi, Christie.
Surely you always look to the midfield engine room to drive a team and, as we have seen in the past, when the midfield works well what is in front becomes less able to cope and what is behind has less chance of being breached. We've already had a taste of Arter being absent without suffering unduly and I'd measure Reed as currently the better fit to the team. Johansen's form has been another shot in the arm demonstrating his all round ability in this side. Defensively we are a little weak wide left, MLM being no real best next fit for JB, but Odoi is still a pretty versatile player to have when necessary. It's possible that S Sessegnon could play LB if required too. Reid is beginning to show as a versatile Odoi equivalent for midfield or attack, and Knockaert shows versatility too. What encourages me is that all the players who have participated this season look to offer improvements each time they play.
I am feeling more optimistic as each game passes but it is a tough season and so we can take nothing for granted.
Hopefully our training regime is well able to keep our regulars in prime condition although wear and tear necessitates rotation as and when opportunities arise.