05-11-2014, 21:39
Personally, I think the major difference between this season and last is on the pitch rather than in the dugout; with a reliable Lescott commanding the back in place of the increasingly complacent Olsson, and a maturing Berahino able to supply goals, the team seems to have more backbone.
There are still a few question marks around the ability of our midfield to keep possession and lack of pace on the wings (the old complaint!), but the hoof-and-hope stuff is gone, and crucially, the chaos of equally ineffective options up front which did for Clarke (Anichebe = possession but no goals, Anelka = creativity but no goals, Long = goals but no possession, Berahino = goals but needed wrapping in cotton wool, Vydra = last throw of the dice!) has been sorted out.
Still, I don't want to tempt fate. Two or three bad results is all it ever takes to put the pressure on, so I'd just like to see us keep things ticking over and aim for 20-23 points by Christmas.
There are still a few question marks around the ability of our midfield to keep possession and lack of pace on the wings (the old complaint!), but the hoof-and-hope stuff is gone, and crucially, the chaos of equally ineffective options up front which did for Clarke (Anichebe = possession but no goals, Anelka = creativity but no goals, Long = goals but no possession, Berahino = goals but needed wrapping in cotton wool, Vydra = last throw of the dice!) has been sorted out.
Still, I don't want to tempt fate. Two or three bad results is all it ever takes to put the pressure on, so I'd just like to see us keep things ticking over and aim for 20-23 points by Christmas.
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley