Isn't it great to be sitting on a Saturday in February at 6 o'clock feeling a little bit disappointed to be
"only" 2nd, and
equal on points with a game in hand and having scored more goals than the leaders, and
ahead of Man Utd by a point and
having won the last 4 games on the trot, and
to have already got as many points (more or less) as we got all last season?

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

Answers

Yes I felt we wuz robbed when I discovered that Liverpool had motored past us despite our comfortable victory. Tomorrow we will sink to 3rd unless Charlton fail to win. Still the results of Leeds and Chelsea marginally increased our chances of a top 4 finish so the disappointment is not at all intense.

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

Yep - its great. Perhaps YBR will go straight to Lord Bob rather than muck about with the Sir bit.

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

absolutely delighted to be 2nd. I suspect the pressure may have been heavier had we gone top. To be sitting nicely in 2nd with a game in hand while they discuss Liverpool is lovely! Lot of football to be played yet mind...

;-)

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

Aye, no need for us to go top until the last game!

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

Just goes to show how far we've come. :-)

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

Also fantastic to have gained points on Leeds and Chelsea in terms of our CL ambitions - top four are in, so it's great to be in a top 4 that is opening up a gap on 5th & 6th. Certainly too early to celebrate yet, but we really must be aiming a CL spot as an absloute bare minimum from this position.

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

Curiously, I'm p**sed off we're not top. Bloody tractor boys my backside - useless East Anglian buffoons! Lads, we shouldn't be happy to settle for 2nd at anything, so get annoyed that WE didn't put 6 past the oppo.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Curiously, I'm p**sed off we're not top. Bloody tractor boys my backside - useless East Anglian buffoons! Lads, we shouldn't be happy to settle for 2nd at anything, so get annoyed that WE didn't put 6 past the oppo.

Until we start regularly start hammering lower league teams by 5 and 6 goals like ManU (and Liverpool yesterday) we'll never win owt.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

But Liverpool only drew with Southampton at home.

And Man Utd were beaten by Bolton at home.

A win is a win for me. It's always nice to score a few but three points are more important than goal difference for me.

The matches against Arsenal and Liverpool are going to be vital for our season.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

I think we'll have a good idea where we'll be at the end of the season at the end of play on March 6th.

Our problem will be keeping Bellamy fit. I'd go so far as to say that he is absolutely crucial to how we play, and that's knowing full well that one player doesn't make a team. I think this guy just about does for us.

He lightens the load for so many of our other players, that a good few of the guys who used to dither and fanny around are playing out of their skins, and that, I reckon, is down to the effect Bellamy has on the opposition.

On that basis, I'd be making a deliberate decision to keep him out of the firing line at every opportunity, which probably means taking our chances without him for the rest of the cup run and also for home games that logically, as far as there is such a thing in football, we shouldn't lose. The toughest of the three games will be Liverpool, because it looks as if they are just starting to get it properly together. Ipswich might as well have stayed in bed judging from how Liverpool looked yesterday. Heskey's sorting himself, looked very good, control, finish, strength. Probably the best he's been since he joined Liverpool, albeit having seen him only via ITV.

And they have a similar player to Bellamy in Owen, the difference being, IMO, he isn't absolutely vital to how well they play.

If we can get something against Liverpool, we'll be in with a fair chance of giving manure a run for their money. If we lose at Liverpool, I think top spot will be between them and manure, and we'll be battling it out with arse as also rans.

I look forward with relish to being force fed crow pie, when we carry everything before us to top spot, regardless of Bellamy's presence or otherwise. I'll need another mouth, cos one won't be big enough to accommodate the grin. :-{EE}

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Liverpool, dare I say it, are beatable.

Against Manure, they sat back, and Manure wasted a lot of chances in the first half, didn't even get one on target.

Liverpool tried to catch them on the break and it worked once.

At home they are a little bit more positive which allows us to go at them on the break. It all depends on whether Gerrard and Greedy Barsteward are up for the game. If they are we'll need some luck to get anything out of the game. If they aren't then we have a chance.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Is it just a trick of my imagination or have Liverpool been having a 1-0-er of a season so far? This 6-0 and 4-0 business is a fairly recent development. Man Utd are a different matter entirely but have still had a few low scoring games.

While it would be nice to score from all our chances, I'm not going to moan when we have scored three in so many games.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

... This 6-0 and 4-0 business is a fairly recent development ...

Hence my opinion that they seem to be getting it right at the right time. I wouldn't put too much stock in the early season form, it's the recent games that I think are the pointers we should take notice of.

I think how we come out against them is going to be the best indicator we have of how far we've progressed.

We can get a result, but everybody will have to graft and I think we'll need the run of the ball as well.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Agree with Bobby re not handing out a few hammerings this season. IMO, Leicester should have been one of them but we went close to falling back into old habits in underestimating the oppo and did well to earn a draw. The positive thing this season is that we seem to have learned from it and not underestimated subsequent oppo. I will be annoyed if we lose out on the title or CL spot on goal difference when we create so many chances. But I still marvel at how well we've done this season and honestly will be happy to see us finish in the top 4. It'll give us more to play for next season. ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Liverpool have played 15 games away and 12 at home, so look like they should have and advantage from that. BUT in their 12 home games they have managed, having managed two against only Boro and West Ham. We ALWAYS score :0) so we should get at least a draw at Anfield.

We also have the best home record in the Premiership, if you measure on points dropped we have dropped 10 only. If 6 games left at home, and we draw with Arsenal and win the rest we have 68 points which equals CL.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

In the past, we have dished out the odd hammering and gone on to get beaten in the next game. A recent example being the 5-0 against Southampton where we went on to get beaten 2-0 by Wimbledon the following week. This is largely because it was the utter shiteness of the opposition that allowed us to win by such a margin or because they rolled over after we scored one, not because we were so good. This season, with the exceptions of Villa at home and Boro at home, I can't think of a single side that hasn't duelled with us to the final whistle. Man Utd dish out hammerings but these are quite often because people roll over once they score.

In terms of taking chances, it would be great to convert all the chances we create and it would result in a few hammerings but no team converts all their chances: Everton and Arsenal would have stuffed us if they had taken their chances. The time to worry is when you don't create the chances. As it is, we have taken our chances sufficiently to win most games.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

PS. One place where our chance conversion rate will be an issue will be at Anfield where they defend incredibly well. We may only get two or three chances and will have to put them away. Big Al has been as guilty as anyone recently of missing chances (altho I thought he slipped yesterday so I'll not carp about that) and I'm very much hoping he's saving it for the Makems and Liverpool.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

So in other words we aren't good enough to terrorize other teams into rolling over to the inevitable the way ManU does. ;-) Exactly why we need to finish more of our chances. Or better still, tighten up our defence to the point that other teams will give up once we've gotten 2 goals up because they know we'll never give up 2 goals. We've come far, but still have a ways to go.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Ciara, in part, it's Man Utd's name that terrorizes teams: if we ever win three PLs in a row, our name alone may make teams roll over. The thing is, if we eventually do win a Championship, we probably won't convert that many more chances than we are converting now, certainly not on a week-in, week-out basis. Even in our best-ever attacking era, we'd stuff someone one week and struggle to win 1-0 the next. There is some statistic that suggests that teams that win 5-0 one week struggle to score the next (that mad Norwegian Wimbledon manager pulled it out of the computer after we'd beaten Southampton 5-0 and lost to them 2-0 - in fact, Man Utd seem to be one of the few teams that have become immune to this). LR would argue with this but I've never seen a team roll over quite as badly as Southampton did at their place in the 6-1 win.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

So why shouldn't we be striving to create a team and name that will do similar?

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Of course we should aspire to being like Man Utd but it has taken them years to get to the point they are at now. In the early days of the PL, they would win games by virtue of great goalkeeping and, very often, single goals from someone like Cantona. Now, they have World Class players on the bench, so even if a team is giving them a fight, they can bring someone on who will almost certainly change the game. If Bellamy or Shearer are missing sitters, who do we bring on? Those masters of the art of finishing Lua Lua and Ameobi. This is a question of resources and there are no quick fixes. Shearer isn't going to improve his finishing at this point while Bellamy may improve it, but we can't really drop either one of them at present.

Another thing is that while we should have won about 6-3 (Southampton wasted two ace chances at the end) yesterday, we created 3 chances at Goodison and scored from all three.

Don't get me wrong, I wish we would convert more of the chances we create but only because our defence is always likely to leak so many. Otherwise, regularly scoring three goals and creating loads of chances would seem to me to be caviare after several seasons of being unable to BUY goals or chances.

BTW, one thing that I felt last week against Bolton and this week against Southampton was that the crowd at times were displaying End of 12 Point Season-type stress when we weren't scoring. I'm not blaming that alone, but it isn't going to help.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

The Family enclosure is strangely immune to panic, no previous experience in half of its population is a great asset.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

I thought Ipswich were attrocious yesterday. They made Liverpool look far better than they were. That said, we were a lot better than Soton but failed to hit the back of the net in the 2nd half. Had Bellamy scored with one of his two good chances and had Al's shot gone in instead of hitting the post, I think Soton would have caved in like Ipswich. But they didn't and they didn't. Ee, its a funny old game.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Not only were Ipswich crap, but so were Charlton and even Everton.

A decent free kick and a canny shot doesn't disguise the fact that Ginola took on about half of the team and failed 9/10 of the time. He is sadly past it (although he'll probably score against us in March)

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

We must win at Liverpool, that or beating Arsenal would make our top four finish look more & more likely. I'd hate to lose to Sunderland & miss out on top four because of it.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Lets get something straight, we ARE scoring enough goals. We are second top scorers in the Premiership (and Dougal is dead right about one of the key reasons Man United are top, and we can't emulate that overnight). We've scored 4 against Leeds. 4 against Man United. 3 against Arsenal. 3 against Leeds. In the last 4 games we've scored 13 goals. Liverpool have scored 10 in their last 2 games and we've STILL scored more goals than them. Yes, of course it would be nice if we took all our chances but if we did we'd be winning games by 5 goals or more every other week and I think we should all be realistic and accept that that isn't going to happen. Equally, if our opponents also took all their chances we'd be winning 8-7 every week.

If we lose out on goal difference it will be because of our goals against column. Only Spurs and Charlton in the top half have conceded more goals. Sunderland have conceded fewer. Boro have conceded the same amount and they may well be relegated come May. (by t, he wayWest Ham, believe it or not, have conceded only 7 goals at home all season).

It's nice to dream and want more goals, but a little realism wouldn't go amiss.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Have to agree with you.

It's amazing how far we must have come if we are now complaining that we aren't winning games by a bigger margin! Last season we'd be happy just to win.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Try reading the second part of my post where I said it would be even better to improve our defending. Anyway, I am fully aware that we are scoring loads of goals, but that doesn't stop me wanting more when there are more to be had. (It's like eating Chinese...an hour later you're hungry again ;-) ) Doesn't mean I'm going to start wanting Shearer or Bellamy yanked off the pitch because they aren't scoring, just that there is room for improvement. Not so much from Shearer, but from Bellamy. I've been saying for months that if he improved his scoring ratio he'd be truly frightening. Of course that won't happen overnight, but it's something to work towards. I'm sure you'd hear similar from Bobby and the players. Doesn't mean they aren't doing better than anyone dreamed possible at the start of the season, but simply that they can't rest on their laurels now...unless they're content to always be second best. Since folks like to compare to ManU...look at how they did the first part of the season when they sat on their laurels. Not so good. IMO, attitude makes all the difference and at times can overcome mistakes and deficiencies in skill. We're developing the attitude, just have to continue working on the skill. :-)

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

.... must win at Liverpool, that or beating Arsenal ....

Don't think there's any must about any of the games coming up, as long as we win, lose and draw slightly better than the rest battling it out for top spot.

It's really only peace of mind that has us wanting the results to be predictable.

We might still lose games that logically we should win, but when did logic ever have much to do with it ? We could wipe the floor with the next three teams we face, and then make an ar5e of the three after that.

The point being, as long as we hold our nerve, there's no reason we shouldn't excede everybody's expectations. I mean, if we'd known at the start of the season we'd end up sixth or seventh, I'd have been more than satisfied, now I'll be disappointed if we're lower than fourth.

We're going to lose games between now and May, but as long as we lose the right games, and we'll only know which they are, after the event, we could still have a very successful season.

From quite a long time going to SJP and very often regretting the expense and inconvenience, I'm now enjoying going. We're great to watch when we're on song and barring accidents, the future looks decidedly rosy.

And if that doesn't bring the whole lot caving in round me lugs, nowt will. ;-{E}

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Ciara, I think I agreed with the point about defending, didn't I?

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

Defending is key to getting points if you don't score lots. Sunderland would be well clear below Leicester if they didn't have such a miserly defence. Liverpool have only managed to score 2 at home twice this season. So clearly if you have a good defence it is great for long term points.

BUT, if you don't score you don't win many either. Again Sunderland spring to mind. 13 goals at home in 13 games, 8 from 13 away. You cannot expect to win many games if you score less than a goal a game.

Our positive attitude and attacking style isn't something I feel you can switch on and off. Or we can't anyway. We don't have the Liverpool block defence but we wouldn't swap it for the world if it meant taking their midfield.

If our defence does okay it's a bonus, but our whole attitude is positive and we should just smile at our luck.

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

Ciara, wasn't directing my comments at anyone in particular, just at the general opinion expressed by a few people that we need to start hammering mid and lower table teams like Southampton. We don't so long as we keep beating them. And you're dead right about Bellamy, I think we can all agree he's got the potential to be a legend if he works at certain aspects of his game.

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

Geberally, absolute drubbings make me feel slightly uncomfortable. I don't mean they aren't great fun when they happen but when cricket scores are the norm, the PL will be considered the Mickey Mouse League of Europe because, being honest, drubbings are normally the result of shocking defending rather than great attacking. How often do you see cricket scores in Serie A? You see them now and then in La Liga, but generally, outside the smaller leagues, the only place you see them several times a season is in England and that is because, Liverpool apart, there isn't a completely convincing defence in the Premiership. Watching Roma v Juventus yesterday, there were almost no defensive errors and the game ended 0-0 despite great attacking players like Batistuta and Totti being on the pitch. Almost shockingly boring and the game, for me, gave rest to the myth that there is nothing physical about the Italian game as there were loads of dirty challenges. Give me the English game any time. 8-7 scorelines, however, aren't going to do much to justify the claims of those who say the PL is the best league in the World.

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

Sorry, my post sounds a bit snippier than I actually meant it. But I think some of us will have to agree to disagree as to the hammering of lower teams.

Still, we do all want the same thing in the end. And it is pretty funny that we've gone from saying we'd be thrilled to finish in the top 10 to worrying about points vs goals in our quest for the title. Who'd ever have thought it a year ago? :-D

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

Let's assume for a minute we do qualify for the Champions League, I reckon Bobby's big problem next season will be keeping the continental poachers away from Bellamy, Dyer and probably Jenas, because I'm not that sure that current contracts are that much help in keeping players tied down. Particularly if we do well in the Champs League. Bobby will just have to ensure they all get cup tied as soon as possible.

In fact, I'm surprised we haven't had the rumours flying already about Bellamy.

Or am I seeing more potential than is actually there ?

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

No, Bellamy is brilliant.

I've been meaning to ask for a while, but who would be the 6 nominations for Premiership player of the year ? And, cos they aren't the same what about the sports writers award, can see Shearer getting close to that one.

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

I think we are more likely to lose them if we don't qualify for the CL. My bigger worry if we do qualify is the depth of squad. We're already hoping ManUre, @rse and 'pool will suffer in the EPL due to their CL commitments. Bliddy double edged swords :-(

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

My candidates are Bellamy

Pires

Henry

Ruud VN

Hasselbank

Danny Mills

Hyypia

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

Screach, I agree with you there. Man Utd and Arsenal are the only two teams equipped for a double-pronged attack (although Liverpool seem, to be faring better in the league than Leeds and Chelsea did when they were in the CL). Thing is, we have already spent money and Bobby was quoted yesterday as saying we are buying Distin for the price specified in his loan contract so, unless we are going to take a HUGE risk on CL income for more than one phase, we won't be able to do much more than maybe get Brett Emerton. IMHO, we need a new CH probably, a new LB definitely and probably a new CF at the very least...

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002