So of the 4 linked... who would be your choice

[kevtherev]

Doesn't answer the question, but still I'll plough on.

If IF the pacy targets, Jose & Raphael, had been bought before the start of the season, I think both games would have been different.
I think the opposition defense would have been warily, their midfield wouldn't have been on the front foot for 90 minutes, and that would have made for slightly more even contests, probably still resulting no points, but more optimism.

CH had no choice to play as he has because he knew we weren't going to hurt the opposition from open play.

That wouldn't have been any different with Crouch and/or Ulloa up front.

Hughton is a defence safety first manager. Always has been, always will be. That is not a criticism, that's fine if you have the better players. He has never been and never will be an offensive manager. That attitude will be our downfall. Because at this level, you will always concide when you sit back. That's just the quality your up against. Which means more often than not, you will need to score 2 or more goals to win a game. Jesus we can't even muster 2 efforts on target, let alone 2 goals.