Kalimantan Gull
Well-known member
I'll admit that for the first time I'm wavering on Potter. A month or so back I'd have been happy to keep Potter whatever happened this season, but now, if he is taking us down I would want the change made. So much potential but these last four games was the time to get points on the board and we fluffed it. There is still plenty of time to turn it around and I still want him to be a success, still believe he can be a success, but something has to change. Not Potter yet, but they all need to take a look at themselves and sort it out.
In the most part i think it has to come from the players and his assistants. I have few issues with the selections or tactics, we're creating chances, we're hard to beat, despite lingering set-piece issues, young players are being integrated and some players are clearly improving under his watch, subs usually have a positive impact. The talent is there. But as more and more pundits are pointing out, we lack bite, we lack that edge to get over the line. We cannot hold a lead unless we're two-up or scoring late.
Its time for the players to take more control on the pitch, I don't think its fair to point just at Potter for our lack of 'edge' in critical moments. Ryan has been so disappointing in this regard. Lallana hasn't been the influence we hoped. Gros, Propper and Veltman are experienced but seem quiet. Maupay has fire but is perhaps directing it the wrong way. Dunk needs to take charge more obviously. Potter's two assistants seem quite anonymous, I still couldn't tell you their names or which is which. And then the likes of Bissouma, Burn and Webster have to rise to the challenge of not just playing their game well but dragging everyone else along with them. Only Solly, Welbeck and Connolly seem to be calling people out from my distant vantage point.
Last year our revival seemed to correspond with Duffy, Murray and Stephens getting more time on the pitch, but they weren't good enough any more and it felt right to move them on, but others have to assume their role. White, Alzate and Lamptey have all made defensive mistakes this season, but they're raw and learning and they need more leadership around them.
All teams win games backs to the wall defending a one goal lead, we have to get the fire in us to do that. Should have done that against West Brom and West Ham, and if we don't work out how to do it we will be in trouble. Taking responsibility on the pitch is how these good young players will become great players.
In the most part i think it has to come from the players and his assistants. I have few issues with the selections or tactics, we're creating chances, we're hard to beat, despite lingering set-piece issues, young players are being integrated and some players are clearly improving under his watch, subs usually have a positive impact. The talent is there. But as more and more pundits are pointing out, we lack bite, we lack that edge to get over the line. We cannot hold a lead unless we're two-up or scoring late.
Its time for the players to take more control on the pitch, I don't think its fair to point just at Potter for our lack of 'edge' in critical moments. Ryan has been so disappointing in this regard. Lallana hasn't been the influence we hoped. Gros, Propper and Veltman are experienced but seem quiet. Maupay has fire but is perhaps directing it the wrong way. Dunk needs to take charge more obviously. Potter's two assistants seem quite anonymous, I still couldn't tell you their names or which is which. And then the likes of Bissouma, Burn and Webster have to rise to the challenge of not just playing their game well but dragging everyone else along with them. Only Solly, Welbeck and Connolly seem to be calling people out from my distant vantage point.
Last year our revival seemed to correspond with Duffy, Murray and Stephens getting more time on the pitch, but they weren't good enough any more and it felt right to move them on, but others have to assume their role. White, Alzate and Lamptey have all made defensive mistakes this season, but they're raw and learning and they need more leadership around them.
All teams win games backs to the wall defending a one goal lead, we have to get the fire in us to do that. Should have done that against West Brom and West Ham, and if we don't work out how to do it we will be in trouble. Taking responsibility on the pitch is how these good young players will become great players.
