We're in big big trouble

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Sell Curtis Davis, Sidwell, Milner and buy 2 or 3 more just to liven things up. 

Errr I think we already have ?
I think he was playing for some team losing at Wolves on the weekend.

[andrew08]

Sell Curtis Davis, Sidwell, Milner and buy 2 or 3 more just to liven things up. 

Errr I think we already have ?
I think he was playing for some team losing at Wolves on the weekend.

I was speculating in the context of what we should have done in the summer or before the season started.

[Bosco81]

People seem to be critising the formation, saying it is too negative for a home match vs Brum.  I personally disagree, the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 is just how they line up, primarily defensively.  The intent of the team decides whether it is an attacking formation or not. 

A 4-4-2 can be just as defensive if the midfielders never overlap or go past the forwards.  I actually think a 4-2-3-1 is more attacking as the two midfielders should allow the front four to play with greater freedom.

I disagree, it was embarassingly negative, Heskey worked like a trojan up front but received very little support. We appeared scared of losing, as did Blues but that's the way they play, I don't want my team to play like that. There was an incident in the second half where Warnock could of overlapped Young to get a cross in but put the brakes on almost like he was attached to a rope, that must come from the manager.

The cup game might as well go straight to penalties cos it's going to be exactly the same, I hope we are practising them.

[Merv]

Thoughts?

I'm seeing exactly what I thought we'd see this first half of the season, and I'm not alone in that: a team that needs two or three new, top quality players and, because of unexpected events this summer, has been unable to do that and is having to repair itself somewhat. We've a new manager who is assessing his squad until the transfer window opens so, in that regard, we're in something of a mini-transitional period.

Our form is not great and we need to start winning again. But we really could and should have beaten Chelsea, given the chances we created and missed, should have got at least a point at Sunderland and could have nicked it yesterday. Always going to be a tough game, a point in a derby is never a bad thing. Yes, they're a horrible bunch but Blues are a decent side these days.

As for players... I prefer to look at the positives. We have players who were destined to leave in the summer who have stayed and fought for the shirt and a future at the club: Luke Young and Reo-Coker have been strong players so far. Players who were poor last season who have really responded and stepped up their performances: Heskey and Downing. And young players who would barely have got a look-in under MON who are now making positive contributions: Clark, Albrighton, Bannan and Lichaj.

I just don't see a bunch of uninterested players. I do see a squad of mostly revitalised players, while recognising we are slightly short in number and quality. The manager hasn't had a change to remedy that yet. But I have a confidence in him to do that which I don't believe I'd have had if MON was still here.

[sfx412]

If the team had been set up to get into scoring positions, to help the limited strike force we had rather than to get men behind the ball I'd be more pleased.
It was Blues at home after all

[Risso]

Given the awful starts to the season that Everton and Liverpool have had, it's a bit sad that we're now below them both in the table.

[Concrete John]

Given the awful starts to the season that Everton and Liverpool have had, it's a bit sad that we're now below them both in the table.

It's early enough in the season that 1 or 2 results can change your position dramatically.  Without checking I think we're only 3 points off 5th place, so an upturn in our form (and we're not actually playing all that badly) will see us climb the table quite quickly.

I'm not worried. 

[Chris Smith]

Milner, Petrov and Gabby were really important players for us last season and at present the manager is having to do without all 3. The players are having to adapt to his methods while he gets to know what they can and can't do. I've said since he came that the first part of the season will just be about trying to get by, with the hope that we can kick on in the new year with the impetus of a couple of new signings.

[Bosco81]

Given we played Burnley with no strikers, Blues with one striker but no support, what tactics are we going to play against Man U and Arsenal at home.

How about a midfield 3 of Clark, Cuellar and Davies ?

[Concrete John]

How about a midfield 3 of Clark, Cuellar and Davies ?

Utterly ridiculous suggestion.  Davies is out on loan!

[Chris Smith]

How about a midfield 3 of Clark, Cuellar and Davies ?

Utterly ridiculous suggestion.  Davies is out on loan!

Also, 3 isn't going to be enough. I think we need to play 5 in the middle with 4 full backs.

[Bosco81]

I remember GT going to Oldham in the Cup QF and playing 4 full backs when we got hammered 3-0, still bugs me why he did that.

We should bring in golden goal tickets so you can guess the time of the next goal, I'll go for February.

[Pete3206]

Thoughts?

Yes, I disagree.

[damon loves JT]

Thoughts?

Yes, I disagree.

No, you're spot on

[not3bad]

Thoughts?

Yes, I disagree.

No, you're spot on

I agree, you're spot on in disagreeing.