I know that statistically last season is irrelevant as points won or lost then do not count but our last 38 games - one whole season - have garnered 28 points - 6 wins and 10 draws and 22 losses.
28 points sees us relegated every season since the inception of the Premier League - I am certainly worried!

Edited by The Dolphin (19 Dec 2016 2.00pm)

For me, the way we were organised defensively for United and Chelsea was a lot better. Ok so you could argue that at least one goal conceded against these two teams was as the result of bad defensive organisation, but I honestly believe that we were only punished by them because we were playing teams that always punish your mistakes. Set up the same way against some 'lesser' teams (make your own mind up what constitutes a lesser team) and I think we'll avoid being punished for 100% of our mistakes. If we can do that then we'll grab some not very pretty points which will keep us afloat. My only fear comes when I consider whether Pardew will be prudent enough to set up with a similar tactic against 'lesser teams' at least while the ship rights itself again. I'm a little worried that he'll go back to an open attacking tactic again when we're not playing one of the giants. I think we can only afford to do that once we have bagged a few more points and broken this terrible run. That's not Pardew bashing, I'm waiting to see what he does. I think a good manager right now would go into the next few games doing exactly what we did against Chelsea and United. Limit the opposition chances at the expense of our own.

I agree we need to buy in the window, mainly because I think the losses of Souare and Wickham have meant we need squad replacements for them but I disagree that the current squad couldn't stay up. Mainly because I think the current squad has enough talent to finish above at least three of the really awful teams in this league provided the tactics were sensible of course. But yes, I think 2 or 3 good signings would certainly help the cause!

I agree we need to buy in the window, mainly because I think the losses of Souare and Wickham have meant we need squad replacements for them but I disagree that the current squad couldn't stay up. Mainly because I think the current squad has enough talent to finish above at least three of the really awful teams in this league provided the tactics were sensible of course. But yes, I think 2 or 3 good signings would certainly help the cause!

For me, the way we were organised defensively for United and Chelsea was a lot better. Ok so you could argue that at least one goal conceded against these two teams was as the result of bad defensive organisation, but I honestly believe that we were only punished by them because we were playing teams that always punish your mistakes. Set up the same way against some 'lesser' teams (make your own mind up what constitutes a lesser team) and I think we'll avoid being punished for 100% of our mistakes. If we can do that then we'll grab some not very pretty points which will keep us afloat. My only fear comes when I consider whether Pardew will be prudent enough to set up with a similar tactic against 'lesser teams' at least while the ship rights itself again. I'm a little worried that he'll go back to an open attacking tactic again when we're not playing one of the giants. I think we can only afford to do that once we have bagged a few more points and broken this terrible run. That's not Pardew bashing, I'm waiting to see what he does. I think a good manager right now would go into the next few games doing exactly what we did against Chelsea and United. Limit the opposition chances at the expense of our own.