Uh_huh_him
Well-known member
- Sep 28, 2011
- 12,138
I've said it several times, but it's the lack of fans that has made the difference this season.
It's been a leveller for away games but it has taken a significant advantage away from us at home.
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[Albion] Marks out of 10 for this season
- Thread starter Steve Foster
- Start date
I've said it several times, but it's the lack of fans that has made the difference this season.
It's been a leveller for away games but it has taken a significant advantage away from us at home.
rogersix
Well-known member
- Jan 18, 2014
- 8,202
Big if, if we started the season with big Bob, where would we have finished?
A couple of very good points, even if one is made in inverted commas.
Same for me with being in the ground. TV football is all about ball watching and ball following and it's easy to either be swayed/influenced by a commentator or analyst or, actually, to pick on one thing they've said you perceive as a slight and to then treat them as hostile throughout the game. On Tuesday we were right in the middle of the ESU, the best view tickets I could get when my number came up, and could therefore watch the whole pitch all of the time, as well as being surrounded by people shouting and singing encouragement for 90 minutes (yes in the ESU
and yes, Swanny, I am a noisy and positive person in the ground). It made a huge amount of difference and you could really see what a good side we not only are now but can be in the future. This point was also well made yesterday by [MENTION=4934]One Teddy Maybank[/MENTION]However, the table does not lie - it really doesn't. Over 38 games your weaknesses and strengths are forensically examined at this level. The things people have talked about on this thread; pre-Sanchez the set piece defending, the finishing, the inability to put away poor teams (sub issue, too many draws) and, for me, too many games where we looked like Barcelona in the first half and Blackburn in the second as teams sussed us at half time, have contributed to a net equal season.
severnside gull
Well-known member
Couldn’t put it better
That is now 4 seasons of few wins and in a relegation fight every season. A mighty tough division but facts are we have not improved and desperation for points after Christmas each year does take some of enjoyment away. Oh for a season like Leeds or Villa where question of relegation doesnt crop up every game. Seem to have huge number of players on books many loaned out. Need to be looking at quality rather then quantity
Weststander
Well-known member
Impossible to argue with this.
All the clubs that finished above us, deserved it after 38 games. More street wise, counter attacking football to nick a win, or wide open end to end play (Leeds) ... they’re all tried n tested, legitimate mindsets or approaches to gain wins.
Change at Barnham
Well-known member
I'd like to see a table of budget against final position. I would imagine that once again most clubs finished close to their 'wages paid' position.
Mo Gosfield
Well-known member
- Aug 11, 2010
- 6,362
No....quite the opposite.....I really enjoy it. I want us to be competitive and win as much as possible. I get frustrated at not finishing teams off and overplaying too much.
Mo Gosfield
Well-known member
- Aug 11, 2010
- 6,362
We are all different. You seem to indicate that style of play is more important to you than results. I have seen Brighton teams over the years playing lovely stuff but losing lots of games. That doesn't float my boat. It spoils my weekend. I am not a good loser, although as I have got older it gets better again quicker. I am sorry but I just like winning.
Seasidesage
New member
Solid 7 for me.
Progression in the side and introducing new players most of whom have appeared to be a step up on their replacements. Introduction of Sanchez was both brave and effective and defensively we have been excellent ever since. Traditionally sides are built on defensive cohesion and we have that now plus cover in most positions. Midfield has mostly also been a success with them providing a good screen while Gross and Lallana provide the quality. However, the lack of goals from this area is a problem and one that doesn't look solvable within the current squad despite their otherwise decent efforts. (Moder may get a few)
Strikers are a problem. Firstly, I can't say I'm convinced by any of them. You cannot be disappointed with Maupay's goals return its tough in this league, but he doesn't convince as a CF wants too many touches in the box and is a walking red card. 8 league goals is OK but the chances created for him it should've been double that. Welbeck on his day still has it, quick, incisive and a good link man he also offers a touch of class. Flip side though is his fitness, ok he played well in spurts but 24 starts is not enough for the no.1 striker at the club. The fact that is better than most of the recent seasons as he moves into his 30's is a concern. I certainly would offer him another year but we need to find another viable starter. Connolly, going backwards for me, not enough starts very little positive when he did. He has ability tons of it but he needs to play and may need to drop a league to kickstart his career. Zeqiri it seems clear to me that Potter doesn't think he is ready or possibly good enough. To start yesterday with two midfielders upfront, not to bring him on for Welbeck vs City and most of his appearances have either been out of position or fleeting. He desperately needs a loan down a division to find his feet and develop.
Overall I think we have done slightly worse than I expected at the start of the season but on the flip side have developed some really promising players. Assuming that we lose Bissouma and Propper plus maybe 2/3 more for money/wage saving. We should hopefully have some scope to bring in ideally 2 strikers and a LWB option. Find the right players and this is a top 10 squad. Don't and it'll be more of the same next season.
My gut feeling is that this was a transition season introducing new exciting young players while maintaining our league status but the challenge now is to use the platform created to kick on. I think that we will and that this year could be the start of a new era for us.
Progression in the side and introducing new players most of whom have appeared to be a step up on their replacements. Introduction of Sanchez was both brave and effective and defensively we have been excellent ever since. Traditionally sides are built on defensive cohesion and we have that now plus cover in most positions. Midfield has mostly also been a success with them providing a good screen while Gross and Lallana provide the quality. However, the lack of goals from this area is a problem and one that doesn't look solvable within the current squad despite their otherwise decent efforts. (Moder may get a few)
Strikers are a problem. Firstly, I can't say I'm convinced by any of them. You cannot be disappointed with Maupay's goals return its tough in this league, but he doesn't convince as a CF wants too many touches in the box and is a walking red card. 8 league goals is OK but the chances created for him it should've been double that. Welbeck on his day still has it, quick, incisive and a good link man he also offers a touch of class. Flip side though is his fitness, ok he played well in spurts but 24 starts is not enough for the no.1 striker at the club. The fact that is better than most of the recent seasons as he moves into his 30's is a concern. I certainly would offer him another year but we need to find another viable starter. Connolly, going backwards for me, not enough starts very little positive when he did. He has ability tons of it but he needs to play and may need to drop a league to kickstart his career. Zeqiri it seems clear to me that Potter doesn't think he is ready or possibly good enough. To start yesterday with two midfielders upfront, not to bring him on for Welbeck vs City and most of his appearances have either been out of position or fleeting. He desperately needs a loan down a division to find his feet and develop.
Overall I think we have done slightly worse than I expected at the start of the season but on the flip side have developed some really promising players. Assuming that we lose Bissouma and Propper plus maybe 2/3 more for money/wage saving. We should hopefully have some scope to bring in ideally 2 strikers and a LWB option. Find the right players and this is a top 10 squad. Don't and it'll be more of the same next season.
My gut feeling is that this was a transition season introducing new exciting young players while maintaining our league status but the challenge now is to use the platform created to kick on. I think that we will and that this year could be the start of a new era for us.
- Jun 27, 2012
- 14,626
Yes. They did. All too often missing from the conversations about progression, and where we *should* be in the table and judging our performance.
https://twitter.com/kieranmaguire/status/1396535296691421185?s=21
ManOfSussex
We wunt be druv
There was this article in The Times a couple of weeks back - https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/...ity-overachieved-based-on-wage-bill-326mmnz0p
8/10 for me.
Despite wetting the bed numerous times, Potter's performance since Solly March's injury has got me thinking and then there have been times where he has done something tactically that's just pure genius. Like against Newcastle at home and seeing their data analyst run up and down the stairs as Bruceyboi was trying to fathom what on earth we were doing.
The defence has been outstanding and dropping Ryan for a keeper who's only played really at league one level was a masterstroke. Sanchez began to dip in form a little towards the final 3 games, with some mistakes - he's a young keeper and he's been superb until then. Lamptey and March at the beginning of the season were unstoppable, fantastic wing backs that when they were gone, we really noticed. However, Veltman really stepped up and showed us why he played at Ajax.
Midfield has been a real workhorse, I absolutely love watching Bissouma play and I'm going to be gutted if/when he goes - but knowing he's likely to be bought by a considerably bigger club is something that I feel almost a sense of pride in. Lallana brings that touch of class and elegance to the team, i think he can teach MacAllister a few things - who has also impressed me a few times this season, I genuinely think the lad will grow into his own next season.
Upfront is where the points are dragged down, it has been disappointing but they cannot be solely blamed for the lack of goals when elsewhere have not contributed their fair share.
Horrible season, no fans and plenty of heart in mouth weeks - like Fulham's resurgence, which was horrific and unhealthy when ever I looked at the table and form guide.
Thank god it's over, but i can't wait for next season.
Despite wetting the bed numerous times, Potter's performance since Solly March's injury has got me thinking and then there have been times where he has done something tactically that's just pure genius. Like against Newcastle at home and seeing their data analyst run up and down the stairs as Bruceyboi was trying to fathom what on earth we were doing.
The defence has been outstanding and dropping Ryan for a keeper who's only played really at league one level was a masterstroke. Sanchez began to dip in form a little towards the final 3 games, with some mistakes - he's a young keeper and he's been superb until then. Lamptey and March at the beginning of the season were unstoppable, fantastic wing backs that when they were gone, we really noticed. However, Veltman really stepped up and showed us why he played at Ajax.
Midfield has been a real workhorse, I absolutely love watching Bissouma play and I'm going to be gutted if/when he goes - but knowing he's likely to be bought by a considerably bigger club is something that I feel almost a sense of pride in. Lallana brings that touch of class and elegance to the team, i think he can teach MacAllister a few things - who has also impressed me a few times this season, I genuinely think the lad will grow into his own next season.
Upfront is where the points are dragged down, it has been disappointing but they cannot be solely blamed for the lack of goals when elsewhere have not contributed their fair share.
Horrible season, no fans and plenty of heart in mouth weeks - like Fulham's resurgence, which was horrific and unhealthy when ever I looked at the table and form guide.
Thank god it's over, but i can't wait for next season.
Weststander
Well-known member
There's no greater feeling for a football supporter than seeing your team score a winner and walking away from the stadium after a win with a 'Ready Brek glow' (not caused by alcholol
). It literally sets up your weekend/week.That takes primacy.
I genuinely had never heard in my life, until NSC over the last 21 months, football supporters not minding a loss because our passing game had been exquisite.
[NOT meant as an anti-Potter barbed comment. I rate him}.
Weststander
Well-known member
- Jun 27, 2012
- 14,626
Leeds - the money crunchers on here won't know about their Premier League budget for certain until next years accounts. That said their 19/20 Championship wage bill was eye popping - £78m but it did include promotion bonuses. Easily highest in Champ that season and almost double Albion's wage bill when they were promoted in 16/17.
https://twitter.com/KieranMaguire/status/1378619226072682497/photo/1
kevo
Well-known member
- Mar 8, 2008
- 9,805
It's been a truly bizarre season, hasn't it? (and I don't mean because of Covid). Some of the football has been absolutely sublime but so many hugely frustrating matches/results. I love this team, I love the way they play - and had Lamptey and March stayed fit I think we would have finished mid-table. That said, we all know where the problem lies - we finished 5th in the xG points table!
*Gullsworth*
My Hair is like his hair
7 for me. Some may think this is a tad high but i think the seeds have been sown and replacements are already in the matchday squad for the players destined to leave. The new players have yet to prove themselves but Potter has us playing a style of football that is pleasing to the eye and we are that rare commodity, a 15 goal a season striker.......look at Bamford & Leeds, away from being a comfortable mid table team. Slowly slowly catchy monkey.
Billy the Fish
Technocrat
This is very true. In the first 10 games I'm sure every single shot on target went in.
Badger Boy
Mr Badger
- Jan 28, 2016
- 3,658
The marks being given out seem incredibly generous to me and if you think that was a 7 or 8 out of 10 season, you're not expecting things to get any better at any point. It's like you've accepted this is probably as good as it can be but I don't agree. I don't think we should be content with 16th in the league. Everyone spent the season laughing at Newcastle and Steve Bruce, and they've gone and achieved a higher finish than we've managed in the 4 years we've been in this league and with more points and wins than we've managed. For all the talk of how good we are and the selfcongratulation, we have improved but not in a measurable way.
The positives are that we've got a much better goalkeeper than we started the season with. The squad has another year of Premier League experience under their belts. We've had a very encouraging second half of the season and hopefully we can maintain this type of form over a full season so we don't spend all of next season in the bottom 6 (again).
Let's see what the summer transfer window brings, whether we can ship out a few who aren't in favour here and go into next season with a slightly less flabby squads in certain areas. It does nobody any favours to have a surplus of central midfielders with a real shortage of quality, readily available options in the wingback positions.
The positives are that we've got a much better goalkeeper than we started the season with. The squad has another year of Premier League experience under their belts. We've had a very encouraging second half of the season and hopefully we can maintain this type of form over a full season so we don't spend all of next season in the bottom 6 (again).
Let's see what the summer transfer window brings, whether we can ship out a few who aren't in favour here and go into next season with a slightly less flabby squads in certain areas. It does nobody any favours to have a surplus of central midfielders with a real shortage of quality, readily available options in the wingback positions.