The money we spent on Franca and Henderson doesn't look like it wisely spent, but the lack of ideas, tactics, formations is down to Roy and he is not getting the most of what we have, and we know he is going at the end of the season, and i can only believe the choice of new manager isn't available or surely he would be appointed.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

Roys methods are not in touch with the modern game. Blocking defenders and standing with your back pushing into the keeper are commonplace these days but our players looked as if they had never seen it before. Roy should have been making our players aware of this but he clearly didnt as he hasn't all season at set pieces

Concur. Game has evolved. Also with 5 subs, creative managers can add make on the fly changes to dimensions of play that a ridged, turgid manager can’t recognize or keep up with.
Those Arsenal set pieces were American football inspired with blockers, tacklers and all. Knowing full well that any fowling that’s called only gives Arsenal a chance to set up their defence. On the other hand if no foul is given then it’s a goal. A rare low risk high reward arrangement

Good call - I agree

I do not blame Roy for having a thin squad at all - that is down to those above him.
However, he should be able to do better with what he has at his disposal in my opinion.
He plays too negatively, we don't pass the ball quickly enough, there isn't enough movement, we don't look fit enough and don't get me started on set pieces.
It cannot be beyond a man who has managed over 1,000 games not to have a plan - can it?
We also do not seem to have the passion that we once had - other than in a few of them - to help us through games either.
It is very disappointing and it is my belief that someone - anyone - else would get more out of the squad that we currently have available.
Roy is now past his sell by date and it is sad that it has to come to this but something has to be done - we are sleepwalking into relegation.
I don't actually mind going down to be honest - the big names will leave anyway, so we might as well take the hit, get some money in and start again!

Edited by The Dolphin (22 Jan 2024 11.48am)

Doucoure is a key loss.
It's no coincidence that neither Anderson not Guehi look as assured in his absence playing just in front of them.
Doucoure was also the launchpad for playing out from the back playing simple 15-20 yard forward passes to move us up the field.
We continually lose possession in his absence and can't build momentum.
Roy has tried Richards to play the role, but Richards doesn't have the necessary attributes.
Roy doesn't seem to trust Hughes or Lerma to play the Doucoure role (perhaps justifiably).
Therefore, my question to Roy would be if nobody can play the Doucoure role in the squad, why not try a different approach?
For example, play more directly, try 2 up front, play 442,get players in the box when the opportunity is there, work on set pieces.
Don't shoehorn players out of position just so you can adopt the same coaching methods as if Doucoure was available.
It's not working.