Ayew hasn't been good enough for a minimum of 2 seasons now.. Neither has Ward yet these players start regularly.. The best defence that the Ayew supporters come up with on here is 'he wins a few free kicks every game'

Ayew and Ward wouldn't start in any other team in this league and I genuinely believe that's a fact.. Look at our bench today.. So weak and not a single player on it who makes us better or makes an impact... We've gone backwards since last season without a doubt.

Don't waste your time with jealousy. Sometimes your ahead, sometimes your behind, the race is long. But in the end it's only with yourself!!

1) Aside from Doucouré, who on the roster is currently a Premier League calibre starting midfielder? OF COURSE we're going to look terrible.

2) When inspired, Olisé and Ebz create create problems and good chances. Defensively, their default approach is to observe. Assuming they won't miraculously morph into Conor Gallagher, PV needs to remind them that we won't score if we don't have possession of the ball. PRESS! Work!! It's worth the effort!!!

I have slept on it but it doesn't get any better.
As soon as I saw the team sheet with no centre forward I knew it would be a long afternoon - dreadful error by the Manager when playing at home.
Fulham were on it from the off while we were slow and looked tired.
Tomkins had a half to forget and given that we were down to 10 men by half time he should have been subbed because he was one mistake away from a sending off and so it came to pass - this is not hindsight - it was our half time discussion point and so another bad mistake by the Manager.
The ref was trigger happy and for once gave us nothing at all.
Mitrovic is a vile cheat as well - despicable to get a fellow pro sent off - albeit too many players do it nowadays.
He also fell over at the drop of a hat - quite pathetic.
An afternoon to forget but I am beginning to doubt PV's tactical acumen and his heart to make big decisions because it was obvious inside 15 mins that he had cocked up.
A worrying start to the rest of the season to be honest!

The doubts have crept beyond the half way stage for me when it comes down to tactical acumen, also I'm wondering if the first season "magic touch" has worn off and I think the players know they are on an easy touch, hence the lackadaisical attitude and general lack of matchday fitness.

Edited by southnorwoodhill (27 Dec 2022 9.03am)

In 2020/21 we had 1 point less, with a complete shambles of a squad, but we had a football manager, not somebody pretending to be one, assisted by someone who has only managed Porthmadog, i ask you, FFS

“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

A worrying display yesterday with no cohesion... even with 11 men there were gaps all over the pitch.

Tomkins looked incredibly rusty and it was painful to watch him only ever able to find Schlupp with a short pass who then in turn would look up to see Eze not moving surrounded by 2 or 3 players. On the odd occasion it did reach Eze he'd either misplace the pass or pass it back to Tomkins! This pattern led to Tomkins silly second yellow. Rather than change this approach which clearly wasn't working we just repeated it over and over again.

Olise was the only one yesterday who came out with any credit for me. He at least tried to take some responsibility, came looking for the ball and tried to make things happen.

As boring as it sounds I wouldn't be against playing

Doucouré Luka and Hughes together in the middle against Bournemouth as it'd least provide a bit of protection and bite compared to the ineffective Schlupp and Eze yesterday.

A lot of work to be done. A depressing performance after 4 weeks on the training ground.