That's very true, but whenever the play involves the strikers they don't seem to do anything.
Big week ahead to get some reinforcements in.
Greenlizard0 Premier League Football Thread ** spoilers ** [25th - 26th January 2025]
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That's very true, but whenever the play involves the strikers they don't seem to do anything.
Big week ahead to get some reinforcements in.
Surely the rest of the players would play differently if RvN was up front? Literally could shape the team around him?
Ruud would be tearing a strip off them all. I don't think it would make a difference our attacking play is awful. We are ponderous, slow and lacking creativity. It's been the same for years regardless of our striker. the last few seasons we've struggled to get positive goal difference. We effectively play 5-2-2 1. We have to bin off Dalot and Mazraoui as first choice wing backs -they can't do it, maybe Maz can in time but not on recent evidence. We actually have looked better with Amad in the deeper role.
Of more concern is our lack of options up front. We have Garnacho, Amad, Hojlund, Zirkzee and that's it. Any injury or god forbid they do sell Garna and we are goosed.
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Overachieving, if anything.
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Man UTD are back.
Back to the future?
If we can see this then surely the "world class" footballing structure can see it also? The trouble is, surely we need a proven attacker up there, and that is going to cost ££££
The problem is, the result and performances are completely disconnected. I thought we played well versus Liverpool and Arsenal although they were not at their best, but the performances from Southampton onwards have been woeful. We created against Rangers, true, but in fairness to Rangers they had a few chances they squandered.
It's concerning in it's own right but there's also the issue of other teams in the Premier League starting to become competitive e.g. Forest, Bournemouth, Newcastle. That's on top of your standard top 3 of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City. Then there's teams like Chelsea and Villa who are usually there or thereabouts.
Given the state of the club that's probably about all we can expect, in fairness. It's been clear for years that the players just aren't that good and recruitment has not been good either. I'm not sure what else people expect. The table doesn't lie.
If we get to the point where Hojlund and Zikzee are missing chances then yes I agree we have reached the point where they need to buy again. I do expect the young lad Chido Obi to get some minutes. He can't really do any worse than what we saw this evening.
I suppose we also have to set realistic expectations as well then, top 6 would be probably over achieving? Given that Onana/defence will make some blunders at the other end also.
Not getting relegated is all that matters. Based on where we are right now we aren’t getting European football next season unless we scab a EL win which I doubt. We need at least a LWB this Jan but I don’t see us getting anyone worthwhile with our budget, clubs knowing we are desperate and so close to the end of the window.
Absolutely this. I read somewhere that Hojlund gets an average of 0.9 chances per game whereas in the better teams their strikers are getting over 3 chances per game. Last year Hojlund was getting in the region of 1.2 chances per game with a 30% odd chance to conversion rate which was similar to most of the decent strikers (conversion rate that is). The strikers are living off scraps
The problem is partly with himself though. His ability to hold the ball and bring the midfield into the game is non existant. Someone in here likened his feet to pinball bumpers pinging the ball away. He also doesn't seem to make the right runs, but then i'd say that's also partly the midfields fault as he never knows whether they'll bother to pass or not.
Hojlund has been awful lately. His issue is that he isn't getting changes but when he isn't getting those chances he is also causing lots of issues with a complete lack of hold up play. Hes outmuscles constantly, the ball bounces off him far too often and his general play is not up to scratch. Hes seemingly not very quick either despite him apparently being absolutely rapid in the 100m.
The wing backs are far more important at the moment because I think if we can get him chances he will put them away but currently hes on the chopping block once a few other positions are filled.
The wing backs are far more important at the moment because I think if we can get him chances he will put them away but currently hes on the chopping block once a few other positions are filled.
Just catching up with the events from the weekend and I'm not sure if I should be surprised or not but a section of Arsenal fans have gone mad this season. I'm not sure if it's just Arteta rubbing off on them or after 2 years of having every thing go there way they're suddenly shocked at decisions going against them but the fuss around their red card is mental. I thought it was a harsh decision but by no means was it the scandal of the century like some are making out. It wasn't just a trip as it's been made out, he's raked his studs down the Wolves players lower leg and then steps on his ankle/instep. There's not the force in the challenge to make it a clear red and there will undoubtedly be instances where a yellow is given instead but it's no where near as bad as decision as it's being made out to be.
I can't agree with this more.
My uncle was a hooligan, loved it. But that was fans having a punch up with other fans.
To threaten someone’s family is just not on. I understand the police are investigating.
It's just not on!