Re: ***The Official AVB Discussion Thread***
But we're not going backwards, we're doing better than last season results wise. This round last season we lost 1-2 at Everton before going on a 12-game unbeaten run in the league. We're doing better in the cups. We've had three shockers in the league compared to two last season, but that's about it. Performances, style or whatever you want to call it is about the same.
Look at our opponents for fourth spot, though. IN fact, look at the competitors for the CL spots overall, and how they're doing this season.
Arsenal - roaring along, recent hiccups notwithstanding. Look dangerous and have developed a fine playing style based on teamwork and movement.
City - have adapted to Pellegrini's new style now (something AVB apparently needs one and a half seasons (And counting) to achieve) and are smashing teams left, right and centre.
Chelsea - are probably the most wobbly of all the top sides, but are picking up results and have a far better squad than we do (even after our trumped up 100 million pound splurge).
Everton - Again, have adapted quickly to their new manager's style of play and look slick, settled and cohesive.
victims - After scoring five goals against us, little more needs to be said.
Now, one out of those five will miss out on the CL spots as it is, even after playing great football and looking cohesive and competitive. What about us? Well, we look bereft of ideas, confidence, motivation, heart and desire, playing timid, slow sideways football with players failing to spot each others' runs and a manager that persists in picking bizarre teams and making baffling substitutions. This, after a year and a half under the new man.
Do you really think we'll end up in a CL spot based on the way we're playing now? And please don't give me that 'we will improve' bullsh*t, we've gone backwards since the start of the season performance wise and results wise, with the results at the start only coming because of a series of somewhat dodgy penalties.
We won't make the CL this season, if only because five teams are playing better than we are and one of them won't even make it into the CL despite their best efforts. Therefore, my only hope is that AVB does something in the cups to salvage what is turning into a disastrous season. I'm still inclined to give him the whole season, but just barely. And that situation cannot be described as anything other than 'going backwards'.