PV wants a Man City clone, but we dont have the players, KD & Jedinak DMs, Enabling then Wilf, Moritz and Bolasie freedom behind Murray

“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

I had a further think about this, and came up with a simple question:
What is the difference between this season and last?
Teams around us reinforcing? Possibly.
Refs and VAR? Pretty much the same ineptitude as ever.
PV trying to play the same game but without the players he had last season and inadequate replacement levels? Ah got it.
Between him and the board the realisation must come that the playing style they want to achieve cannot be done on a shoestring and with a lacklustre bang average squad.

It is one of those strange quirks that we are matching last season's points tally thus far, yet having been fortunate in a number of games and not looked particularly convincing overall. One can only hope that the recent two abject performances are not a sign of things to come and are a wake up call.

Although the midfield weaknesses are there for all to see our dependence on the two first choice centre backs and lack of recruitment of a target man (even one that doesn't score) is as much a concern as there is so little tactical alternative.

I can remember all the discussion around formations / use of Eze etc under the previous manager but the changes seemed to make little difference because of the overall limitations of the players. Remember Eze and Olise in particular have lost any element of surprise. Olise is horribly one footed.

Gallagher was so good for us he was always going to be impossible to replace.

History and age dictate that McArthur was going to be available less often than more.

We've punched well above our weight up to this point IMO.

The points about leadership and grit are very fair and I don't see a Dyche type fancying our squad at all if things go the wrong way.

I think that's a very good post.

It does start to have the feeling of 'if we want to take the next step', which whilst seeming ungrateful and spoilt is natural for any football club, you feel it would have to be someone other than Vieira. It also feels, just for me, that the only way from here on in is downwards, that we've peaked before a decline.

I say 'feels' and 'for me' as it is just a subjective opinion from a simpleton such as myself, and one borne from a perpetual state of footballing anxiety. I think, as with any club, it all massively depends on further investment too, which is out of PV's hands.

We made some good signings, and have spent a lot of money, however that was to rejuvenate an ageing and struggling squad, which is barely 1/3 achieved. Without further investment, and PV not having answers to more immediate concerns, the perpetual and personal anxiety I feel may actually transition into real cause for panic.

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

10 seasons and £1bn+ in prize money from the loadsa mullah league...seems no lessons have been learnt.

Edited by HesHereHesThere (07 Jan 2023 5.20pm)