I don't think Mr Hodgson instructed Dann to make a complete mess of a routine clearance for Burnley's open goal, nor tell his players to offer no challenge whatsoever at a corner headed in from within the 6-yard box,nor tell PVA to fall on the floor leading up to Burnley's third goal.

No manager is above criticism but Mr Hodgson has to work with an aged squad, many well past their best and whose desire might have diminished due to their contract situations.

Quite right. The ageing squad is a major problem and it must start to be tackled with significant changes in the summer. Whilst Hodgson can't be blamed for the numerous individual errors of which there are certainly too many, I agree with numerous others that he is responsible for team selections, the tactics deployed and how well motivated the players are and he is falling short in all these areas. However, I suspect Parish won't do anything about replacing Hodgson until the summer, as he will expect him to get the 6-9 points we need to secure safety. Let's hope he's right and that Parish is already lining up a replacement so things can move swiftly once the season ends.

Of course Mr Hodgson is the 'Lightning rod' but I have considered the 'Bigger picture'.

After the last two abject performances there are those who have opined that he has "Lost the dressing room" but of course no such sentiments were expressed after the back-to-back wins against Wolves and Newcastle.

Finally, in terms of "Seeing him through a prism...", perhaps my spectacles are out of focus and I need to go to Specsavers!!

Edited by Willo (16 Feb 2021 9.19am)

The scenario could unfold whereby we survive in the PL yet again under Hodgson, he has no plans to retire and the 'Board' decide that a tried and trusted manager should continue with his experience vital at a time of evolution.
I somehow believe this would NOT be popular with supporters!

These are not school boys,. They are experienced pro,s. If there is a question of . “ I don’t know what to do next”. It can only reflect on their ability, and professionalism. As does their failure to cut out obvious personal mistakes.
Regardless , they don’t lose every game do they? Their motivation, and application is not always so poor it can’t get a result.
So there is no question motivation , and organisation is not the whole problem, which only leaves a big question Mark over ability.

I concur with these sentiments.

I have opined a few times on HOL, earlier in the season, that our ageing squad could well be found wanting as the season unfolds for the reasons you have highlighted.

Awww bless them, poor things, having to run about twice a week. Let's spare a thought for the rugby players who have to haul their battered bodies onto the pitch for another match a week later, or the tennis players who play a 5 setter in 30 degree conditions, only to play again 3 days later. Or even cricketers who have to stand out in the field all day long under a hot baking sun...

Evolving into what though?

And yet Hodgson seemingly plays players into the ground rather than managing a squad through the season to avoid injuries through fatigue or due to age. Of course he bangs on about his best 11 and his reluctance to deviate from this. But if it's costing you avoidable injuries surely it warrants a different approach?

Willo is Hodgson’s biggest fan and has previously set out succinctly the tactics employed successfully by Hodgson in the past I.e shape above everything and closing gaps for the opposition to exploit.
This involves sitting deep and is not physically demanding on our older players.
Either Hodgson’s abandoned this and we look at all sea or the players are not following instructions, in which case he should drop them.
In either scenario the buck stops with the manager.