- Aug 31, 2005
- 1,254
- 494
At this point we have to accept that City nicked the CL spot from us, but more because we gave it away (drawing too many games that should have been won) than because they improved.
Failing to strengthen our strikeforce in two transfer windows is our obvious downfall it seems, but other problems have impeeded our progress as well:
- accomodating VdV (maybe another reason for our strikers' impotence)
- losing King and Woody
- Arry's inability to use his squad and the subsequent dip in form of key players
- competing in the CL until April
- the Olympic Stadium distraction
- losing both Dawson, Defoe and Huddlestone to long-term injuries
At no point during the season have we looked completely convincing and truly worthy of a top four finish. We have simply conceeded too many soft goals and have often struggled to score in the Premiership as well. One look at our goal difference says it all really - we have struggled all season to keep up with the top teams, and finally caved in completely in the run-in. Very disappointing and frustrating because we seem perfectly capable of doing better, but the problems have been evident throughout the season.
All is not lost, however, and it is incredibly important that we finish the season in style and retain som respect. Yes, Liverpool are resurgent and yes they signed Suarez that I really wanted at the Lane. But the truth is that if we beat Blackpool and Birmingham at home the scousers must also beat either Fulham or Villa away from home even if we lose at both Manchester and Anfield. In other words Liverpool have not leapfrogged us into Europe yet, and it is very much in our own hands to keep them from doing so.
The remaining question to me is, do we really want to be in the Europa League with Stoke and Birmingham, and risk losing focus in the PL next season when it might be the last real shot at glory we'll get with our current group of players? With Arry at the helm it is questionable indeed.
I've been contemplating a season with only the league to focus on, but have come to the conclusion that we cannot afford not the be in Europe next season. First of all the financial gain is important, but more importantly I believe it is crucial that we keep learning to fight on two fronts (this goes for Arry in particular), and that we keep Liverpool behind us in the pecking order that has been established this season.
So, here's to a positive end to the season that focuses not on what might have been and the blunders and mistakes by boards, players and officials that have kept our season from being magnificent, but on the fact that we have gained respect throughout Europe from our CL campaign and that we still have a squad that with a few adjustments, and a bit of luck, can push for another top finish next season.
Failing to strengthen our strikeforce in two transfer windows is our obvious downfall it seems, but other problems have impeeded our progress as well:
- accomodating VdV (maybe another reason for our strikers' impotence)
- losing King and Woody
- Arry's inability to use his squad and the subsequent dip in form of key players
- competing in the CL until April
- the Olympic Stadium distraction
- losing both Dawson, Defoe and Huddlestone to long-term injuries
At no point during the season have we looked completely convincing and truly worthy of a top four finish. We have simply conceeded too many soft goals and have often struggled to score in the Premiership as well. One look at our goal difference says it all really - we have struggled all season to keep up with the top teams, and finally caved in completely in the run-in. Very disappointing and frustrating because we seem perfectly capable of doing better, but the problems have been evident throughout the season.
All is not lost, however, and it is incredibly important that we finish the season in style and retain som respect. Yes, Liverpool are resurgent and yes they signed Suarez that I really wanted at the Lane. But the truth is that if we beat Blackpool and Birmingham at home the scousers must also beat either Fulham or Villa away from home even if we lose at both Manchester and Anfield. In other words Liverpool have not leapfrogged us into Europe yet, and it is very much in our own hands to keep them from doing so.
The remaining question to me is, do we really want to be in the Europa League with Stoke and Birmingham, and risk losing focus in the PL next season when it might be the last real shot at glory we'll get with our current group of players? With Arry at the helm it is questionable indeed.
I've been contemplating a season with only the league to focus on, but have come to the conclusion that we cannot afford not the be in Europe next season. First of all the financial gain is important, but more importantly I believe it is crucial that we keep learning to fight on two fronts (this goes for Arry in particular), and that we keep Liverpool behind us in the pecking order that has been established this season.
So, here's to a positive end to the season that focuses not on what might have been and the blunders and mistakes by boards, players and officials that have kept our season from being magnificent, but on the fact that we have gained respect throughout Europe from our CL campaign and that we still have a squad that with a few adjustments, and a bit of luck, can push for another top finish next season.