So surely if more than one of them finishes above us we must be underperforming?
We've strengthened Centre Back and Defensive Midfield since the end of last season. We've added some cover at Left Back and that's it.We need some more ins and outs.
Quote from: Drummond on July 26, 2022, 01:43:51 AMWe've strengthened Centre Back and Defensive Midfield since the end of last season. We've added some cover at Left Back and that's it.We need some more ins and outs. True. But we also have a fit and motivated Bailey. That’s 3 significant upgrades to the starting squad for the majority of last season, including the elusive DM which most of us identified as the key problem.We need to expect more from this team, not accept stuttering to 10th as progress.
Nothing less than the double will do. It’s time to start reeling back in the Johnny-come-latelys from south Lancashire and London and showing them who’s boss.
Quote from: Hillbilly on July 26, 2022, 11:06:13 AMNothing less than the double will do. It’s time to start reeling back in the Johnny-come-latelys from south Lancashire and London and showing them who’s boss.I know you're being light hearted and sarcastic, but when our net spend is 5th in the PL over the last 5 years (and also 5th in the last 10 years) and having spent the best part of £30m each on Buendia, Bailey, Digne, Ings, Carlos & Watkins (and having secured Coutinho and Kamara for a song) then I don't think demanding a 7-8th placed finish is that unreasonable.
Quote from: chrisw1 on July 26, 2022, 11:27:28 AMQuote from: Hillbilly on July 26, 2022, 11:06:13 AMNothing less than the double will do. It’s time to start reeling back in the Johnny-come-latelys from south Lancashire and London and showing them who’s boss.I know you're being light hearted and sarcastic, but when our net spend is 5th in the PL over the last 5 years (and also 5th in the last 10 years) and having spent the best part of £30m each on Buendia, Bailey, Digne, Ings, Carlos & Watkins (and having secured Coutinho and Kamara for a song) then I don't think demanding a 7-8th placed finish is that unreasonable.I don’t think this is unreasonable expectation. I just don’t expect that to happen
Our challenge is that we have had to consolidate (mid-table) first as part of a journey back to being really competitive in the PL. that has meant signing a lot of mid-table quality players over the last 2-3 years (so Mings, Cash, Konsa, Luiz, McGinn, Ings, Watkins, Nakamba, Buendia, Traore etc). Good players but never going to get us into the top 6/7.Kamara and Carlos are the types of signings we need to push into that top 6 - add Martinez, Coutinho, Digne - and we are beginning to create a first XI capable of pushing upwards - for me we remain at least two short of a top 7 spot. A top quality striker, and another serious DM.Overperform - 8thPerform - 9/10thUnderperform - anything below 10th
I dont think most people outside of Villa are expecting us to pull up many trees.https://www.football365.com/news/predicting-positions-other-14-premier-league-clubs