Coffee_Johnny

Me too. Man Utd we’re humped 7-0 by a poor, season wise, version of Liverpool and are still having a good season in the league (better than I thought they would), have won a cup (boo!), have reached a European QF and the FA Cup semi. Plus, the ‘bygone blip’ of getting beaten 5-0 (us) and 6-1 (I think… Southampton) in consecutive games and still winning the league. We didn’t play well (great result though) against Brentford, we were mauled by Villa, and I can see us (head) continuing to be a bit off for next couple of games. But couldn’t bring myself (heart) to predict a loss or draw against Spurs. Here’s hoping for a revival of form and the start of a great run in.

Is Newcastle United Supporters Club an evolution of this, or something new?

Black and British by David Olusoga (Geordie!) is a good read, as is Northerners, by Brian Groom. Both cover this. I think the latter in more detail. If you want to find out more, IW. From, memory Greater Manchester has a lot to be proud of re the abolition of slavery and reaction to the consequences of the American civil war. Liverpool less so.

I’ve had similar thoughts, about making the most of Liverpool and Chelsea having a bad season (plus Man U had a bad start). But the thing is we’ve been so consistent, for such a long period, e.g. our points per game, particularly over the whole of 2022 (46 games from memory) was good enough for 4th place in the vast majority of seasons, that I don’t think we need to angst about other teams returning to their ‘norm-form’. We’ll have an even better squad next season and they need to worry about us.

Gameweek 32 Arsenal 3-0 Southampton Fulham 2-1 Leeds Brentford 2-1 Villa Palace 1-1 Everton Leicester 2-2 Wolves Liverpool 4-0 Forest Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham Newcastle 2-1 Spurs

Dummett reminded me of Haaland (a sentence I never thought would be written).

Yep, 2013 (to date) is decent; pretty close to the average for 5th place and the 1.69 points per game (ppg) would have good enough for 6th in all bar 5 seasons of the 30 PL seasons. The 2022 performance, of EH’s team over the full calendar year (1.96ppg), would have been good enough for 2nd 5 times, 3rd 17 times, and 4th 26 times. Hoping we can better that for 2023 as a whole. With the extent of additional investment, which is likely, and the current maturing support structures in the club, I reckon we have a good chance.

We were amazing home to Man U, whilst the score line probably flattered, also excellent away to West Ham. I think we got the run of the green (and about time too) away to Brentford. We’ll be better at home to Spurs than the mullering we got away to Villa. I think the first goal will be crucial but I’m sure we won’t be as off form as the last two away games. Defensively we look tired and perhaps a little worked-out. But yes, I choose to think it is a blip. Keep the crowd up for it and Spurs will see their arse.

I think they will. Arteta has always seemed too tightly wound, to me. Not sure he’ll manage the stress of the run-in in a helpful way. Can see him having more of a negative than a positive influence on performance with the hot breath of his mentor on his neck (… ‘kin’ hell, the imagery!!).

Trophies.

Here’s hoping we have a rebound-run similar to West Ham. Battered at home against us, beat Fulham away, good draw away in an European QF, played well against Arsenal.

Thought I’d look at Eddie’s record over four time periods. All games since officially in charge (Norwich City); all games since January 2022 (allowing a six game settling in period); 2022 as a whole; and 2023 to date. Third option is the most impressive. Over 55% win percentage, 1.96 points per game, and a goal difference of +40. Hoping remaining 2023 games (should be about 36 to go) show an even better return. They don’t to date, but only 13 games in.

Modelling himself on Morten Harket. Stylish!

If the toon army marches on its stomach, we’re doomed!

Love hearing of these situations. Beware of one-legged news vendors flaunting placards…

But are you going and if you do will it be 5? And if you don’t will it not? And if I keep typing will any sense come out of my fingers? And if it does, will it be a first? (Time for bed, me thinks…).

We almost certainly will, if we do. But if we don’t, then we probably won’t.

It could be our new Rob Lee. He’s better than what we have. Tall, strong, midfield all rounder. Still only 23, 6 full England caps. 8 Prem goals for Palace last season. He’s a Howe type player and if he’s up for it could be an amazing asset for years to come.

Gallagher would be my top pick (possibly available in PL). So would be delighted. However, I expect at least four incoming. Though maybe only three who will be clear first team picks/options for now.

Gameweek 31 Villa 1-2 Newcastle Chelsea 1-2 Brighton Everton 2-0 Fulham Southampton 1-1 Palace Spurs 2-1 Bournemouth Wolves 1-1 Brentford Man City 4-1 Leicester West Ham 1-2 Arsenal Forest 2-2 Man United Leeds 1-2 Liverpool

Just seen his lass after post match ‘celebrations’…

Aye, still haunted by my “Gary Speed, he scores ‘em with his heed” falling flat (despite my best attempts at Wembley).

Message to away fans with loud voices, an absence of self-consciousness, and (perhaps…) poor taste in football chants (a description which once fitted me as snugly as a pair of Victorian gent’s goat skin gloves ?). Just had a blinding flash of inspiration/brain fart (you choose…) for an Isak (eeezak remember) song. To the tune of Whey Aye Man (Mark Knopfler): “Whey aye man, Whey aye Isak man. Whey aye man, Whey aye Isak CAN!” on repeat to encourage and celebrate goals.

Maximum points and +7 GD from Man U at H, West Ham and Brentford away. Coming straight after two wins (Wolves H and Forest Away). So 15 points in four weeks, 13 points above 7th place with only 27 points to play for. What a time to hit form. Four more games in April. I know the above reads like random factoids but it is just remarkable really. Guess I am just saying it to remind ourselves how well we’re positioned and what a great season it has been for us; well a great season and half to be fair, given the similar run of form form January 2022. We are definitely in Europe nest season and, most likely, in the pick of the bunch competitions wise.