I have moved into the out camp as I just cannot get passed the absence of a structure to our play to prevent all of our opponents from getting excellent chances. One can only conclude that Ange believes that we can outscore our opponents because we almost always concede. As I noted elsewhere, if you almost always have to score 2 goals to win, the chances of sustained success at this level is remote. Today's game was a good example of even though Chelsea more or less gave us a 2 goal start, there was no sign that we are capable of presenting a solid defense and then picking the opponent off on the counter. I cannot accept that an elite coach should refuse to assess his options before and during a game and be prepared to modify them when warranted. "It's who we are" was great bravado after we had been unbeaten in 10 games last season. Now it just appears foolhardy.
Yes, I fully accept that we are currently in an unfortunate situation with injuries. But I do not think that changes the trend over the 43 games since we lost to Chelsea last year. If this is the way forward, we should be seeing progress. But what I see is a team that is as likely to be flat, uninspiring and easily beaten as it is to be dominant. And that is the case whoever we are playing and whoever Ange puts out. If it is the players, then it must be the whole squad because we have been both good and bad whatever the personnel. It just appears that the fundamental problem is how Ange has us playing. I wish it was not the case, but I do not think he is the "one" and that giving him time is all that is needed.
Happy to be proved wrong, and I will be delighted if he and the players can respond in the next few games. I just can't see it given the pressure that is now on all and the players we have available.