14 Sep 2025 23:35:28
I have been contemplating another post for a while and have decided to bite the bullet.
Let's start with a qualification.
These are my personal opinions, not facts, and I am no expert (not even a gifted amateur) .
I believe that the inital focus on upgrading defense/ midfield during the window was correct because this area will be more important when it comes to survival in the Premier League.
I think the defensive aspect of our game has shown enough so far, for me to be comfortable about this part of the puzzle.
I agree that a signing or two more in attack would have been nice, but I can live with what we have for now.
I know that goals have been virtually non-existent but, to me, I think they are still forming combinations/ understanding and, based on what I have seen so far, I think there are a few goals in our attack and midfield.
It will not be a lot of goals, but I believe it will be enough to get us the odd win.
The final piece of the puzzle is the coach. I acknowledge and accept others comments that it has been more of the same in terms of selections, like for like replacements, etc.
But, to me, I have had the feeling that there have been subtle changes to the approach/ set-up within a largely unchanged formation.
I cannot say why, something has just felt different. I think Farke is smart enough to change and this gut feeling leads me to believe that he will.
Becasue of the combination of the above, I believe it will be enough to keep us up.
Now for my post-window prediction of how we will finish.
This year, I do not think that the automatic relegation of the promoted teams is locked in. There are at least 3 or 4 other teams that I think will come into the mix (the current bottom 3 and Forest) .
My prediction is 15/ 16.
I would be interested to hear other people predicted finishing places.
15 Sep 2025 01:53:55
It could be anywhere below 14 tbh. Very had to predict. There are lots of relegation contenders this season. Unlike the greedy 3 of last two seasons who wouldn’t let anybody else join in.
15 Sep 2025 06:27:48
Thats a decent point of view in my opinion jungle.
The 15/ 16 finish is a little exotic in my belief but certainly achievable in our very best scenario.
15 Sep 2025 09:31:09
16th is what the board are aiming for this year.
15 Sep 2025 09:56:15
Thanks for your insights, Daniel.
15 Sep 2025 10:00:10
Great post and I think very insightful
We can all have our opinions on farke. For me he is the most tactically adaptable and intelligent coach we have had for decades and his success shows
He had a record breaking season where’s subs were pretty much perfect, now I agree his is showing adabtabktiy and realised the football you play to get up has to be different to the football you play to stay up.
15 Sep 2025 12:34:30
Let’s see if he keeps us in prem bermo. That’s the true judge of a man and manager. Or even sees November. October. Xmas.
15 Sep 2025 12:39:09
Good post Jungle.
I think the previous 2 EPL seasons and the terrible performances of the promoted teams has had a real impact on this seasons three.
Clearly, it has determined a lot of what has been recruited with teams bolstering defence and midfield.
I do think, aside from that mad 30 minutes either side of halftime against Arsenal, we have played a controlled game and it evidence to me that Farke has changed the approach, almost as if he wants to survive the early part of the season as best as he can, i. e. not have the season over and done for before the season has got underway. He's obviously recognises that we have new players to bring in whilst some of the promoted incumbents have got to learn and adapt to a whole new level.
This is manifesting on the pitch in a way that can be seen as "slow build up, " lack of creativity etc, but it's really big step up these days. You see more of the "championship Leeds" style at home where he appears to allow a little more freedom.
I think [hope] that as the season progresses, we start to see a more positive style of play. I am also convinced that once the goals start to come, they'll come at a decent rate.
Farke's on a hiding to nothing; I genuinely believe he his trying to adapt to this league and not to ruin the season before it's started.
for 330 minutes of the 360 minutes so far we have done alright and arguably better than our opponents. Everton [see how they're going now] and Newcastle are decent teams and we matched them both. We shouldn't have lost at the weekend.
Keep the faith; the end of October will be a far better indication of where we are going to be.
15 Sep 2025 13:20:24
Mo (or should that be Baz? )
Thank you for your very meaningful contribution to the discussion.