Reflections on Conference League

[Stu]

I’m sympathetic to this (seemingly eternal) ‘running on fumes’ argument but hells bells, we could surely have lifted it for these two games, no? Winners find a way to win, we’re not the first club to have a full fixture list. Great season of course but to go out with such a whimper over 3 hours against qualifiers is pretty lame.

It was totally shit but at the same time I just don’t think the first teamers we have remaining have any energy in them any more. Arsenal and Bournemouth games were great results, and we got a point against a resurgent Chelsea team. Given the colossal injury list we have, it’s not like Emery could change things.

[eamonn]

Incredibly frustrating, we dictated play until a ragged last half hour when we had clearly lost heart.

We continue to concede really poor goals, I don't know if Emery can fix that without taking away from our attacking threat.
It can be hard to watch us chase a game because we're committed to the gradual build-up and at times there is a need for mixing things up a bit more. I feel McGinn is the only one who brings impetus with his arse-beating press and through balls.

We need more players who are comfortable on the ball in the middle of the park and can speed things up on a more frequent basis. An in-form Ramsey, even Buendia's bursts of acceleration are sorely missed. Kamara's absence has been sorely felt by Luiz and the late-season emergence of Rogers has thankfully been the difference in us hanging onto 4th and in danger of being caught by Chelsea and Newcastle, let alone Spurs.

[rob_bridge]

We won’t win a trophy in my lifetime.

We will

[Clampy]

I think what cost us over the whole tjie was conceding so soon after we pulled it back to 2-2 in the first leg. Didn't think we played that bad first half but their first goal obviously killed it.

Disappointed but not too downhearted. A defeat for Spurs in their one of their last three league games gives us Champions League football next season. I'll take that and we fucking deserve it.

[DB]

Some people on here...jeez.
We were poor but, thin squad due to injuries, more pressure on the ones who are playing..they just look jaded. Just hope there is enough to get over the line in the Prem

[ez]

We won’t win a trophy in my lifetime.

Yes you will and better ones than the conference league.

[manic-road]

Really disappointed we haven’t made the final, but the players have gained some much-needed European football experience which should stand those players in good stead for next season. Our best season for many a year or probably decades but so proud of the team and staff.

[Taylor]

There was very little to be proud of in those two legs. We were shocking tonight, and they looked like they'd given up.

Oh please, just give over.

Your one post tonight isn't on the match thread, it's to have a go at me. Exactly the same last match. Probably best you just put me on ignore, I really don't need a weird stalker in my life, cheers. Baby Reindeer.

I rarely post on match threads because I’m watching the game. But thanks for the advice. I will ignore your mindless  drivel from now on.

[TonyD]

Injuries don't explain why Diaby is playing like a drain or why Emery keeps playing Konsa at right back.

True

[Beard82]

If I had to chose between this and champions league, I would have chosen champions league.  Thats something I never believed for a minute I would see in my live time - I thought MON blew our chance.  TBH I was more disappointed in the Brighton game than these. 

It doesnt help that anytime we get a bright spark in the last few months they get injured, Youri comes and looks great, but gets injured.  So does Rogers.  Hell even Zaniolo looked useful and ended up injured.   

I just pray we can get this one over the line - the players, manager and fans deserve it, we've been so good this campaign. 

Just one more big performance - UTV

[rob_bridge]

I think what cost us over the whole tjie was conceding so soon after we pulled it back to 2-2 in the first leg. Didn't think we played that bad first half but their first goal obviously killed it.

Disappointed but not too downhearted. A defeat for Spurs in their one of their last three league games gives us Champions League football next season. I'll take that and we fucking deserve it.

Soon as we missed pen last week thought our chances went

[Footy-Vill]

Incredibly frustrating, we dictated play until a ragged last half hour when we had clearly lost heart.

We continue to concede really poor goals, I don't know if Emery can fix that without taking away from our attacking threat.
It can be hard to watch us chase a game because we're committed to the gradual build-up and at times there is a need for mixing things up a bit more. I feel McGinn is the only one who brings impetus with his arse-beating press and through balls.

We need more players who are comfortable on the ball in the middle of the park and can speed things up on a more frequent basis. An in-form Ramsey, even Buendia's bursts of acceleration are sorely missed. Kamara's absence has been sorely felt by Luiz and the late-season emergence of Rogers has thankfully been the difference in us hanging onto 4th and in danger of being caught by Chelsea and Newcastle, let alone Spurs.

Agree.
I think that's the players learning and adapting to gradual build up play give a few windows and seasons then the players remaining and those enhancers we sign to play football we'll be competing in every competition and dominating games every match!
Only way is up!

[Demitri_C]

Squad size- i think tonight demonstrated our squad isnt big enough

We need to add host of players to the squad in summer with CL or europa football which is a much superior tournament than this.

God of all teams to go out to i cant believe it was olympiakos and we lost both games so easily

[astonvilla82]

I don't know about tactics and where players should play, all I know that you stick the ball into the net, but they are people talking shit and it's been happening for months.

[PaulWinch again]

One thing to point out from my perspective, because this seems to come up a lot, it is both possible to be delighted with what Emery has done, and be fully aware how far we’ve come - we’re on the cusp of the Champions League. But simultaneously not be impressed with our level in the two legs of this semi-final. We are very short of options, but with the players on the pitch the level should have been better. We didn’t actually look like we had a plan, not saying that is the case (I’m sure it wasn’t) but it’s how it looked. We were favourites to win the Conference League, so this is a failure for me. Hopefully we’ll complete our overachievement in the league.