Do we have a problem?

[ballard45]

I realise that it is only early days but things can get away from you quickly if you're not too careful.

The introduction of the 2 Argies and the resultant media interest seems to have so far only had a negative effect on performances. AP's man management skills are seriously going to be tested in coming weeks.

I haven't sent the game as yet and having seen the corresponding fixture last year, am not too concerned. However I would like to see us get another win under our belt.

Are we not performing well or are we having a run of bad luck? :confused:

[Batcave Brigade]

Are we not performing well or are we having a run of bad luck? :confused:

Both, but more the former.

[JuveFE]

i think you will be fine.

and i think tevez needs to go the full 90 mins. he can make it happen at any time.

[Ami05]

Something is not clicking. Tevez needs time to adjust to this style of soccer. He's a great player and I know he will,,,it just takes time. Looking back at last year, we appeared more hungry for goals, but your right it's early in the season. AP needs to light a fire under these guys and find a path to goals. The team needs to adjust to eachother.

Is Etherington healthy?

How's Ashtons condition?

Who should AP start with for strikers?

[TheNewOrleansHammer]

Is Etherington healthy?

How's Ashtons condition?

Who should AP start with for strikers?


I think Ethers is healthy, he played today and put in a good show but maybe isn't quite fit enough just yet as he hasn't played since the Charlton game.

Ashton won't be back this year unless we are really lucky.

I personally don't rate Bobby Z, his goals have all had a big touch of luck involved and with the guys AP keeps leaving on the bench, his inclusion is a big reason I think we are struggeling. Harewood HAS to start alongside Tevez or Cole depending on the opponents untill Ashton gets back.

Sorry Bobby, your just not good enough.

[west_ham]

Ethers has only made 2 or 3 appearances this season and is still coming back to full fitness. As he is the only real wide player we have who knows that role inside out he makes such a difference when he plays, but we need him fit.

I think Zamora is good enough but he isn't consistent enough with his goals. The only time he scores in back to back games is when he gets some good fortune go his way. We cannot ignore the work he puts in during build up play though, he has a high work rate. Also he is an energetic figure who spurs other players on and quite often we need that, although apparently he didn't play well against NUFC.

The ultimate starting two has to be Ashton and Tevez. This may seriously put the other strikers' noses out of joint though.

Tevez will come good. In himself he doesn't look too affected by the hype, he's just getting on with his usual game. But there are many changes he has to adjust to before he can show us his best. Also our other players need to learn when to pass to him i.e. on the edge of the box with back to goal. If we start doing that more often we will encourage to him run at defenders more and make best use of his strengths.

[Batcave Brigade]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Konchesky. He has been shockingly bad so far this year. Every cross lands ten rows behind the goal.

[ATL_Iron]

The introduction of the 2 Argies and the resultant media interest seems to have so far only had a negative effect on performances.




This seems to be a common misconception from our fans, if you look across the boards. Our form has nothing to do with our new additions, in fact they are improving our form.

Harewood, Konch, Etherington, NRC and Gabs last season were among the best in their respective positions in the Premiership last season. This year their form has been shocking and among the worst. This is all before the inclusion of our 2 new signings.
Add to that the injury to Ashton and old Johnny Pants and i think you have the reason for the results we are seeing this season.
The above 5 need to really focus on getting their form back, thats the real issue.

[ATL_Iron]

Who should AP start with for strikers?

I think for the City game, we should give Cole a shot, So Tevez and Cole for me

[MadAussieInUSA]

5 games in and only 1 game 3pts off the bottom.. not the best start... sigh.. lets hopt it picks up before december rolls around

[ATL_Iron]

5 games in and only 1 game 3pts off the bottom.. not the best start... sigh.. lets hopt it picks up before december rolls around


Ohh come on... one more point would put us 8th, would you be saying the same then? Look how close the start has been this season.

There is only 7 points between 20th and 5th

[MadAussieInUSA]

Ohh come on... one more point would put us 8th, would you be saying the same then? Look how close the start has been this season.

There is only 7 points between 20th and 5th

5 points for 5 games.. 5 points from a possible 15...

1 more point would put us 10th, not 8th. our GD is still -1, Newcastle's is 0.

could be worse, could be MUCH better.

[Batcave Brigade]

My lineup for Citeh. I say shake up the lineup and give Nigel and Konchesky a "rest". Play Harewood on the right side to give are attack a little more kick. Put Cole in their to give us a target man who can win something in the air and flick on a few balls, something we really miss with Ashton's absence.

Caroll
Mears Gabidon Ferdinand Spector
Harewood Bowyer Mascherano Yossi
Cole Tevez

[Footstomper]

I just think we're not as hungry as we were last year.

[Batcave Brigade]

I just think we're not as hungry as we were last year.

We should bring Lampard back, he would solve that problem very quickly!

[ATL_Iron]

We should bring Lampard back, he would solve that problem very quickly!


Please tell me your joking :eek:

The thought sends shivers :)

[Footstomper]

Please tell me your joking :eek:
Who ate all the pies?

[ATL_Iron]

Who ate all the pies?


LOL

1 man and a dog, counld'nt lift fat lampard....... :D

[Batcave Brigade]

Who ate all the pies?

LOL thanks stomp, hopefully ATL gets it with your little clue. I don't want to be getting nasty emails. :D

[pething101]

Who ate all the pies?

I smell a Neil Mellor comeback.