Just how far behind the top four are we?

[thebluenosebolt]

3 windows

Tbf we have been saying that since Martinez first season...the wheels keep coming off. We need to keep this manager through thick and thin..build on this squad now and form a real bond with them. Chopping and changing hasnt helped us, constant rebuilding had hurt us bad.

 

[Bluebonic]

The Spurs and Liverpool model has latterly been buy cheap and buy well, then if you have to lose them, sell them at insane prices. I know it is a mortal sin crediting the rs with anything on here, but they have brought in some superb players over the last few years, almost all of whom fit beautifully into the system they play. Ditto Spurs, that is what we have to do. we will not match City’s spending, nor the global pulling power of Manu or rs, so we have to work smarter than the rest and most importantly of all, create a global profile via regular appearances in Europe and in finals.

 

[GwladysBlue]

By actually aiming for it and not being content with 7th. We're regularly outspending some of the teams in it now, time to start acting like it.

 

[TheCount]

We're about an Mbape and Verrati away from having a go. Welcome Alisher.

 

[toffeejack]

VAR might help.

 

[Fletch]

We need to define a style of play and then stick to it, players come and go and we need to be able to pick another player off the shelf to slip in the system and carry it on. Liverpool have done this, Coutinho went and they already had Salah in there to carry on the system. If we have a solid manager, a defined way to play and players to fill those positions then we will progress, we wont always keep everyone but. Fail to plan, plan to fail. Koeman didnt have a plan, look at what happened.

 

[Brownie]

We've won one game.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Pretty far off. Give it 3 years.

 

[BlueToff]

I wish

Tbh Khal, it's not really an outlandish statement.

Obviously, Kante is by far the better player, I won't dispute that, but in terms of playing style the poster is correct.

Gana's strengths are very similar to Kante, while their weaknesses are the same too.

It's notable that since Sarri came in and has started playing Kante as a box-to-box midfielder, rather than the defensive midfield/screener role in front of the back four, Chelsea are now much more liable to counter-attacks. They are getting caught high up the pitch because Kante is pressing upfield, and Jorginho (a fantastic player no doubt) hasn't got the pace to cover the ground behind.

It's like us playing Gana as a box-to-box. It takes away the best asset of his game, which is being able to cover the ground and screen in front of the defence.

 

[scotchbutterpin]

I said we would challenge for top 4 this season after people were having a panic attack during the pre-season games/results.
I see nothing to change that and my boy Richarlson will be the key.

 

[BlueToff]

I think the squad we have now is capable of 5/6 place. We have improved and a couple of the top six have stood still or gone backwards. We need another two good transfer windows to bring in four more big players to get us European Cup Football.

We'd need a blinding season.

I think Arsenal can be caught, but we're two games in, and it's far too early to tell.

Our squad is the seventh best in the league on paper. Ultimately the aim this season has to be to achieve that position or thereabouts, while seeing tangible improvement in the playing style. I think if we manage that first and foremost, then we can see where we are come the final few weeks of the season.

As it stands - a year-ago-today we drew 1-1 with City and based on that display all looked pretty good, then it all collapsed around us when we failed to bring the striker in.

So let's all just learn to walk before we can run.

 

[COYBL25]

The reality us there is no “top four”.

There is a top one and it is light yesrs ahead of whatever three teams fill the three positions behind it.

As for us........there is no reason why we cannot be among the clutch of clubs fighting for positions 2 thru 4 IMO.

The early signs are positive and I for one am very confident and excited by the coming nine months


COYBB

This.

No one can compete with Man City, as long as they continue to be owned by a country.

So it`s them, then the best of the rest.

Even with the right management, we`re at least 2/3 transfer windows away from being anyway near the best of the rest.

 

[BlueToff]

I said we would challenge for top 4 this season after people were having a panic attack during the pre-season games/results.
I see nothing to change that and my boy Richarlson will be the key.

We're still far off challenging for top four.

An abysmal S'ton side could have scored three in the first half the other day, our defending - particularly from set-pieces - leaves a lot to be desired, still.

We also have to start taking our chances at the other end. That will come.

Look, I'm a very positive fan on the whole, but we have to be realistic. We've put in two decent performances and arguably we deserved the points at Wolves, but next up it's Bournemouth and they will be our biggest test so far. A ground we never do well at and playing against a team in form.

 

[BlueToff]

This.

No one can compete with Man City, as long as they continue to be owned by a country.

So it`s them, then the best of the rest.

Even with the right management, we`re at least 2/3 transfer windows away from being anyway near the best of the rest.

It's not just the money.

Pep has them playing on another level.

Liverpool, as much as it pains me to say it, look the closest at this stage.

 

[havrey0123]

Need a striker with pace who can get 25 goals a season, if we had someone this season we would get 4th.

Spurs and united, wont be as dominant this year