Light at the end of the tunnel or blindly optomistic?

[Jimpav]

For what it's worth, here's what I'm clinging too right now.

We have taken 4 points from our last 3 matches, this is nearly double the 5 points we had from the previous 12 matches.

Our matches against the current top 4 have all been played away (Citeh, Liverpool, Spurs and Chelski), although home advantage is neglible against these types of teams, I would rather be playing these fixtures at the Cottage than on the road.

The key matches which we dropped points to other relegation threatened sides (Huddersfield, Cardiff) were away. We will have home advantage in the reverse fixtures. Anyone that was at the Brum game in our Great Escape season, will testify what a difference this can make.

We are within 3 points of 15th place so we are far from isolated.

The 4 teams above us have a goal difference that is within 5 of our own. If Raneiri can find a wayof tightening our defence up then the goal difference will quickly be eroded.

[sunburywhite]

Its probably a train coming the other way

[FFC1987]

It's a big ask to get the manager to make our players more clinical in front of goal, and completely shore up our defence. I think we're down for the simple reason that we don't have enough fire power in this squad and we ship too many cheap goals. We can get away with beating bottom 5 teams at home but we're too easily defeated away from home against everyone, whilst not taking 3 points against mid table teams at home means we likely just won't get enough to stay up. Next 4 games are massive though.

[KJS]

It's a big ask to get the manager to make our players more clinical in front of goal, and completely shore up our defence. I think we're down for the simple reason that we don't have enough fire power in this squad and we ship too many cheap goals. We can get away with beating bottom 5 teams at home but we're too easily defeated away from home against everyone, whilst not taking 3 points against mid table teams at home means we likely just won't get enough to stay up. Next 4 games are massive though.

And a Happy Christmas to you too!!!!!!!!!!

[Lighthouse]

Had we lost all these last three games or stolen just a point. Then few would have been shocked just disappointed that the season was continuing so badly. Depending on opinion there has been an improvement in the way the side behaves and plays. We have a keeper that looks like a keeper. We have players who look better given a run in the side instead of all this chopping and changing. To my eyes there continues to be improvement overall. But as I have asked before. Will it be enough? Whatever happens it is a nice hiatus at least in a season that was going from bad to worse.

Sometimes it isn't about a change in coach but just a change in attitude.

[FFC1987]

It's a big ask to get the manager to make our players more clinical in front of goal, and completely shore up our defence. I think we're down for the simple reason that we don't have enough fire power in this squad and we ship too many cheap goals. We can get away with beating bottom 5 teams at home but we're too easily defeated away from home against everyone, whilst not taking 3 points against mid table teams at home means we likely just won't get enough to stay up. Next 4 games are massive though.

And a Happy Christmas to you too!!!!!!!!!!

That doesn't mean we won't give it a good go or we won't get some good games in. It's just very hard to see right now.

[Neutral Zone Ultra]

We're definitely not down yet, there's plenty of games left to come and although we're bottom we're by no means cut adrift. However it goes without saying that the upcoming winter period is absolutely critical to our survival. Out of Huddersfield Wolves West Ham Newcastle Man United Arsenal and Burnley we need at the very least 10-12 points in my opinion.

[filham]

We are in there fighting and the introduction of Chambers in midfield has helped to tighten the defence, a really strong centre back and playing Odoi at right back could solve all defensive issues.


We will have to see how things develop but it is not yet time to give up hope, not expecting to bring anything back from Old Trafford but it is essential that we all get right behind the team again at the Cottage for the West Ham match.

[Baszab]

Still need another 7 wins minimum - tough ask with our players - however good CR is I just don't think the players as a squad are good enough?

When Leicester brought on extra forwards last night we collapsed and looked so vulnerable

[alfie]

It's a big ask to get the manager to make our players more clinical in front of goal, and completely shore up our defence. I think we're down for the simple reason that we don't have enough fire power in this squad and we ship too many cheap goals. We can get away with beating bottom 5 teams at home but we're too easily defeated away from home against everyone, whilst not taking 3 points against mid table teams at home means we likely just won't get enough to stay up. Next 4 games are massive though.

I am assuming you do not go to games, because if you do then there is not a lot of point in wasting your money if you think we are already down.


And a Happy Christmas to you too!!!!!!!!!!

[toshes mate]

I don't believe you ever see a light at the end of the tunnel in a relegation struggle until you are safe.  You are in the tunnel period and if you don't see a light by a certain point then you are not emerging from the tunnel in one piece.  As for the improvement over the last three games results wise then Ranieri is on course for survival but not with latitude to spare.  Had we dominated in at least one game this season I'd be more relaxed about our chances but all we have done is dominate in patches as we did last night while always offering opponents a free shot at goal.

IMO that is demonstrating that the squad, as tried by both managers, is lacking.  I hope Ranieri finds whatever it is that's missing and deals with it in whatever way is necessary. 

[nose returns]

It's a big ask to get the manager to make our players more clinical in front of goal, and completely shore up our defence. I think we're down for the simple reason that we don't have enough fire power in this squad and we ship too many cheap goals. We can get away with beating bottom 5 teams at home but we're too easily defeated away from home against everyone, whilst not taking 3 points against mid table teams at home means we likely just won't get enough to stay up. Next 4 games are massive though.

Everyone goes on about our defence but actually the other end is inadequate too. we have a squad that is just not right and hoipefully when he arrived ranieri was able to get a tacit agreement he would get the players we need, not the ones Slava had imposed on him. The next four games AND the transfer window will be good indicators of our likely fortunes for the new year. But if we do not impriove the squad ranieri will have no chance of keeping us up.

[nose returns]

I don't believe you ever see a light at the end of the tunnel in a relegation struggle until you are safe.  You are in the tunnel period and if you don't see a light by a certain point then you are not emerging from the tunnel in one piece.  As for the improvement over the last three games results wise then Ranieri is on course for survival but not with latitude to spare.  Had we dominated in at least one game this season I'd be more relaxed about our chances but all we have done is dominate in patches as we did last night while always offering opponents a free shot at goal.

IMO that is demonstrating that the squad, as tried by both managers, is lacking.  I hope Ranieri finds whatever it is that's missing and deals with it in whatever way is necessary.

I absolutely agree... I believe, in the end, the key to survival will be the transfer window. The squad as assembled is wrong in too many areas and that needs to be addressed or we will be in the bottom three come May.

[FFC1987]

It's a big ask to get the manager to make our players more clinical in front of goal, and completely shore up our defence. I think we're down for the simple reason that we don't have enough fire power in this squad and we ship too many cheap goals. We can get away with beating bottom 5 teams at home but we're too easily defeated away from home against everyone, whilst not taking 3 points against mid table teams at home means we likely just won't get enough to stay up. Next 4 games are massive though.

I am assuming you do not go to games, because if you do then there is not a lot of point in wasting your money if you think we are already down.


And a Happy Christmas to you too!!!!!!!!!!

Seems like a completely unnecessary statement.

[FFC1987]

It's a big ask to get the manager to make our players more clinical in front of goal, and completely shore up our defence. I think we're down for the simple reason that we don't have enough fire power in this squad and we ship too many cheap goals. We can get away with beating bottom 5 teams at home but we're too easily defeated away from home against everyone, whilst not taking 3 points against mid table teams at home means we likely just won't get enough to stay up. Next 4 games are massive though.

Everyone goes on about our defence but actually the other end is inadequate too. we have a squad that is just not right and hoipefully when he arrived ranieri was able to get a tacit agreement he would get the players we need, not the ones Slava had imposed on him. The next four games AND the transfer window will be good indicators of our likely fortunes for the new year. But if we do not impriove the squad ranieri will have no chance of keeping us up.

I definitely think its more than just the defence. In a nutshell, not clinical enough and ship goals too cheaply. Its a two way street which is why, ultimately, I think we'll go down. Not sure why people feel I shouldn't go to games for holding that opinion though. Seems daft to me.

[Baszab]

I go to most games and I'm pretty sure we'll go down
Just have to enjoy Premier while it lasts

[FFC1987]

I go to most games and I'm pretty sure we'll go down
Just have to enjoy Premier while it lasts

Precisely, as long as the players give it a good go and we get some good games in!

[Woolly Mammoth]

If we are not active in the January Window to strengthen the starting eleven with quality players who are better than who we already have, and no cheap imports or come to think of it, no expensive imports either.
Then our chances of avoiding the trap door are remote.
We need experience in the ranks and a few more leaders.

[Mince n Tatties]

Personally I think were up sh*t creek,but when I'm pessimistic about things,they normally turn out OK.
Just think our terrible start puts too much pressure on.
But you never know we might go stuff Manure on Sat.
Coyw.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Personally I think were up sh*t creek,but when I'm pessimistic about things,they normally turn out OK.
Just think our terrible start puts too much pressure on.
But you never know we might go stuff Manure on Sat.
Coyw.

Is that light at the end of the tunnel you Mince holding a candle in one hand, and a flamethrower in the other.