Top 4 race 2016/17

Pisses me off that we should really be on 25 points now.
 
Pathetic posts every where. Get ahold of yourselves. We still in November ffs! Weren't we like 6 points ahead of Tottenham at this stage last year?

Tottenham has been drawing too many games

Arsenal (after this display) are overrated

Didn't Man city just draw with a shite team recently?

Apart from chelsea and Liverpool, I honestly honestly don't think the rest are consistent enough to write off our top 4 chance.

Have some faith. Its f*cking november

Exactly this.
I honestly thought i'd stumbled onto a "pathetic loser" convention. :lol:

There should be some sort of cooling off period for a day or so after a non win. That way you don't get all the downer emotional sh!t pouring out.

My thoughts are that it's an exceptionally odd situation right now, in that we're playing some pretty tasty stuff, but just not putting it away.
Mourinho has taken a bit of time to get his best X1 together, not helped by Martial and Miki's very different situation. Not helped by the pressure that he knows Rashford needs games, and not helped by the defensive lack of consistency.
Carrick coming in massively helps Herrera and Pogba.

I do believe we're going places. We just might have to accept this year as a real bedding in time.
 
Pathetic posts every where. Get ahold of yourselves. We still in November ffs! Weren't we like 6 points ahead of Tottenham at this stage last year?

Tottenham has been drawing too many games

Arsenal (after this display) are overrated

Didn't Man city just draw with a shite team recently?

Apart from chelsea and Liverpool, I honestly honestly don't think the rest are consistent enough to write off our top 4 chance.

Have some faith. Its f*cking november

Exactly this.
I honestly thought i'd stumbled onto a "pathetic loser" convention. :lol:

There should be some sort of cooling off period for a day or so after a non win. That way you don't get all the downer emotional sh!t pouring out.

My thoughts are that it's an exceptionally odd situation right now, in that we're playing some pretty tasty stuff, but just not putting it away.
Mourinho has taken a bit of time to get his best X1 together, not helped by Martial and Miki's very different situation. Not helped by the pressure that he knows Rashford needs games, and not helped by the defensive lack of consistency.
Carrick coming in massively helps Herrera and Pogba.

I do believe we're going places. We just might have to accept this year as a real bedding in time.

You're exactly right, but my interpretation of why people are complaining, if I'm not wrong, is because they're struggling to see HOW you will get top four, not IF.

It's all well and good saying it's November. But there has to be some indication as to how you will achieve top four, which currently requires a significant increase in performance levels.

You can scrutinise Arsenal and City as much as your heart desires, but they're sitting pretty in the CL spots right now.

The question isn't about time and mathematical probabilities, it's can you see yourselves playing well enough with the current assets to string 4/5 wins together consistently to get top four?

If yes. Then yeah sure, what the hell, it's only November all is fine. It's just a matter of time.

If no. Then it doesn't matter if it's only November, the season could be double the duration and you still wouldn't achieve top four because you simply aren't good enough.

(Think I've said this before in another thread somewhere. But just thought I'd reiterate my thoughts)
 
You're exactly right, but my interpretation of why people are complaining, if I'm not wrong, is because they're struggling to see HOW you will get top four, not IF.

It's all well and good saying it's November. But there has to be some indication as to how you will achieve top four, which currently requires a significant increase in performance levels.

You can scrutinise Arsenal and City as much as your heart desires, but they're sitting pretty in the CL spots right now.

The question isn't about time and mathematical probabilities, it's can you see yourselves playing well enough with the current assets to string 4/5 wins together consistently to get top four?

If yes. Then yeah sure, what the hell, it's only November all is fine. It's just a matter of time.

If no. Then it doesn't matter if it's only November, the season could be double the duration and you still wouldn't achieve top four because you simply aren't good enough.

(Think I've said this before in another thread somewhere. But just thought I'd reiterate my thoughts)

The scenario in which we get top 4 is basically where Ibrahimovic gains better form, Pogba is more settled in, and Mikhitaryan is gradually integrated into the team. If that happens and we are able to turn the draws into wins, I can see us being able to get a string of wins. Plus, hopefully in January, Mourinho would bring 1-2 players that can plug some gaps in the defence.
 
You're exactly right, but my interpretation of why people are complaining, if I'm not wrong, is because they're struggling to see HOW you will get top four, not IF.

It's all well and good saying it's November. But there has to be some indication as to how you will achieve top four, which currently requires a significant increase in performance levels.

You can scrutinise Arsenal and City as much as your heart desires, but they're sitting pretty in the CL spots right now.

The question isn't about time and mathematical probabilities, it's can you see yourselves playing well enough with the current assets to string 4/5 wins together consistently to get top four?

If yes. Then yeah sure, what the hell, it's only November all is fine. It's just a matter of time.

If no. Then it doesn't matter if it's only November, the season could be double the duration and you still wouldn't achieve top four because you simply aren't good enough.

(Think I've said this before in another thread somewhere. But just thought I'd reiterate my thoughts)

Right in a way, but it depends how you're defining "performance" levels.
Even as a massive rival, I'd defy you to argue that we shouldn't have comfortably won our last 3 home games. The performances are there, it's the results that are missing.
The Stoke and Burnley games were incredible to end as draws, while the Arsenal game was a 1-0, or 2-0 win any other time.
 
In the next few games City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs have fixtures against one or the other; we absolutely need to go on a 6/7 match winning streak. I know we keep saying this, but top 4 is definitely still possible get our act together now. The gap could be much smaller (even to the top) come the New Year if results go our way.
 
In the next few games City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs have fixtures against one or the other; we absolutely need to go on a 6/7 match winning streak. I know we keep saying this, but top 4 is definitely still possible get our act together now. The gap could be much smaller (even to the top) come the New Year if results go our way.
Our next game against one of the current top six is 31st December when we play City at Anfield. Apart from that we're away to Everton in December but the rest of them are against sides lower down in the table.

I think it's Spurs, City and Chelsea playing each other.
 
Right in a way, but it depends how you're defining "performance" levels.
Even as a massive rival, I'd defy you to argue that we shouldn't have comfortably won our last 3 home games. The performances are there, it's the results that are missing.
The Stoke and Burnley games were incredible to end as draws, while the Arsenal game was a 1-0, or 2-0 win any other time.

I haven't seen all your games, but if what you're saying is in fact true, then you have nothing to worry about. You have the personnel, it's just a matter of gel time.

It may mean you have to write this season off as a gel season. Or maybe you can pull it back.

At least you know your problems aren't some deep running infrastructure related problems.
 
In the next few games City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs have fixtures against one or the other; we absolutely need to go on a 6/7 match winning streak. I know we keep saying this, but top 4 is definitely still possible get our act together now. The gap could be much smaller (even to the top) come the New Year if results go our way.

How about we see if we can do a 2 game league winning run first? As we haven't done that since games 1 and 2....
 
Pathetic posts every where. Get ahold of yourselves. We still in November ffs! Weren't we like 6 points ahead of Tottenham at this stage last year?

Tottenham has been drawing too many games

Arsenal (after this display) are overrated

Didn't Man city just draw with a shite team recently?

Apart from chelsea and Liverpool, I honestly honestly don't think the rest are consistent enough to write off our top 4 chance.

Have some faith. Its f*cking november
Well said. We could win the next 3-4 games and be top 4 and everyone would be saying we can win this! A different thing I know but we were 12points behind Newcastle once at xmas and won the league by 4 points. We were 12 points in front of arsenal and lost it. Thers still loads of games left yet.
 
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I haven't seen all your games, but if what you're saying is in fact true, then you have nothing to worry about. You have the personnel, it's just a matter of gel time.

It may mean you have to write this season off as a gel season. Or maybe you can pull it back.

At least you know your problems aren't some deep running infrastructure related problems.

As long as it doesn't get to Feb with us still scratching our heads at how you can be so much improved in displays yet not getting the points.

However, Klopp had some great displays last year, but still only left you 8th with almost the whole season. And now look at what's going on, with what no one would call a terrific squad.

Who knows. I'm enjoying the games just as they are though. More enjoyable this season for certain.
 
Well said. We could win the next 3-4 games and be top 4 and everyone would be saying we can win this! A different thing I know but we were 12points behind Newcastle once at xmas and won the league by 4 points. We were 12 points in front of arsenal and lost it. Thers still loads of games left yet.

I agree with no panic.

But then you have to put balance to those two 12 point scenarios too.
We had an incredible side, and were against a ridiculous Keegan implosion!

And the other one was never quite the 12 points, as there were games in hand.

However, roll on us getting the goals the play deserves!
 
We arguably have the hardest run of games coming up compared to our 'rivals' for top 4, and are in the worst form. Anyone hoping for a miraculous turn around by Christmas will be disappointed.
 
Well said. We could win the next 3-4 games and be top 4 and everyone would be saying we can win this! A different thing I know but we were 12points behind Newcastle once at xmas and won the league by 4 points. We were 12 points in front of arsenal and lost it. Thers still loads of games left yet.
Except that Utd team was full of previous title winners and we had SAF in charge.

The way top 4 has been shaping up over the years,a 12 point lead looks very hard to catch now.
 
I agree with no panic.

But then you have to put balance to those two 12 point scenarios too.
We had an incredible side, and were against a ridiculous Keegan implosion!

And the other one was never quite the 12 points, as there were games in hand.

However, roll on us getting the goals the play deserves!
I was pointing out the 2 extremes, that anything can happen. I could also mention City comeback but thats still raw.
 
Except that Utd team was full of previous title winners and we had SAF in charge.

The way top 4 has been shaping up over the years,a 12 point lead looks very hard to catch now.
See point above
 
I was pointing out the 2 extremes, that anything can happen. I could also mention City comeback but thats still raw.

Oh yes. They should have had it wrapped up, bottled it, we ridiculously got into such a great position, Evra hitting that post at 4-2 up v Everton.

and then the rest...

that adrenaline/sick feeling watchin City v QPR, my word, I haven't ever felt anything like that and hope not to again

QPR punting the ball up field having conceded the equaliser, with about 2mins left still makes me annoyed even now.
 
Except that Utd team was full of previous title winners and we had SAF in charge.

The way top 4 has been shaping up over the years,a 12 point lead looks very hard to catch now.

Although we "Only" have to make top 4 now, not catch some superstar team 12 points ahead.

It's incredible to even think about writing off the chances in mid Nov.

I'm sure one year Arsenal were a fair way off everything, won a few in a row, and were right back amongst it.

Then bottled it again..obviously.
 
Oh yes. They should have had it wrapped up, bottled it, we ridiculously got into such a great position, Evra hitting that post at 4-2 up v Everton.

and then the rest...

that adrenaline/sick feeling watchin City v QPR, my word, I haven't ever felt anything like that and hope not to again

QPR punting the ball up field having conceded the equaliser, with about 2mins left still makes me annoyed even now.
Yes before the game I thought it had gone anyhow, but those last few minutes...it was a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
 
Yes before the game I thought it had gone anyhow, but those last few minutes...it was a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

With injury time left, my Pool mate texted saying "it's all over", and I was annoyed, thinking piss off, and ignored him. City equalised instantly.

Then my goon United mate was gloating on fb, something along the lines of "Can't believe City have handed us this", and instantly I knew he'd lost it for us :lol:
 
With injury time left, my Pool mate texted saying "it's all over", and I was annoyed, thinking piss off, and ignored him. City equalised instantly.

Then my goon United mate was gloating on fb, something along the lines of "Can't believe City have handed us this", and instantly I knew he'd lost it for us :lol:
Lol I had Agweroooooo down my ears a bit at work over the next couple of days
 
Although we "Only" have to make top 4 now, not catch some superstar team 12 points ahead.

It's incredible to even think about writing off the chances in mid Nov.

I'm sure one year Arsenal were a fair way off everything, won a few in a row, and were right back amongst it.

Then bottled it again..obviously.
True but they have a great manager that has been there for years that knows how to motivate and get them to go on a run.Our team is different in that it is our 3rd manager post SAF,we dont have gelled team like Arsenal have built. We've had a lot players coming in and out and maybe we are not giving enough time for some of the "good" players we've signed to gel.We've also had alot of injuries which havent helped and doesnt look like fixing anytime soon.
 
Longest winning streaks in the league this season by the top 7:
Arsenal - 6
Chelsea - 6
Manchester City - 6
Everton - 4
Liverpool - 4
Tottenham Hotspur - 4
Manchester United - 3

Fixtures over the next month (including games from other competitions to get an idea of who plays most):

RH2clOZ.png
 
The next couple of weeks will give us a great opportunity of getting into the mix for top four.

With Spurs losing yesterday, a win today is absolutely vital.

Add this to the fact that next week's fixtures include Man City Vs Chelsea and West Ham Vs Arsenal and this give us hope if we can beat Everton at Goodison. We play Spurs after that so if we can conjure up a 3-4 game winning run then we are right back in it.
 
We arguably have the hardest run of games coming up compared to our 'rivals' for top 4, and are in the worst form. Anyone hoping for a miraculous turn around by Christmas will be disappointed.
We play the likes of West Ham, West Brom, Palace, Sunderland and Boro (according to the graphic Damien just posted.) I'd expect us to win every one of those game.

Edit: Must be colour blind - missed the Everton and Spurs fixtures. Still, I fancy our chances in those games, and flat out expect us to win the rest. I also think we are rounding into very good form, results notwithstanding.
 
We play the likes of West Ham, West Brom, Palace, Sunderland and Boro (according to the graphic Damien just posted.) I'd expect us to win every one of those game.

Edit: Must be colour blind - missed the Everton and Spurs fixtures. Still, I fancy our chances in those games, and flat out expect us to win the rest. I also think we are rounding into very good form, results notwithstanding.
You would expect it based on resources but we wont win all of those games. I fully expect us to lose at least one of the away games as we have been poor away from home for a long time.
 
Eight points behind fourth now - same points gap from us to West Ham in 16th. Everton and Spurs next up in the league.

Four home league draws in a row. First time that has happened since 1980.
 
Done. Completely done.

Other clubs for the top four can play bad and win. We can't even win if we play better than the opposition.
 
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Eight points behind fourth now - same points gap from us to West Ham in 16th. Everton and Spurs next up in the league.

Four home league draws in a row. First time that has happened since 1980.

Top 10 finish :drool:
 
Its game over now. cant f..g win against a bottom 3 team and then we expect to battle for top 4 :lol::wenger::(
 
Deluded if you believe there's a chance on top 4

Europa League is the only hope for Champions League next season, but we can barely get past fecking Feyenoord and Fenerbahce
 
Eight points behind fourth now - same points gap from us to West Ham in 16th. Everton and Spurs next up in the league.

Four home league draws in a row. First time that has happened since 1980.

I'm not one to get all knee jerk like many, but i'd say that is definitely top 4 gone now.

Can't beat anyone at home in the league, we're on track for our worst home record in 25 years!

Tottenham next too, which could easily see it to 5 without a win.
 
Deluded if you believe there's a chance on top 4

Europa League is the only hope for Champions League next season, but we can barely get past fecking Feyenoord and Fenerbahce

There were plenty in the Mkhitaryan thread
 
We are not top 4 quality , only pipe dream stuff to think this squad could make it into the top 4.
 
We're done.

I won't have any of this "sort yourself out you softie we're only 12/13/14/15/16/17 games in" bollocks either. There are no signs that we have any sort of capability or consistency to get into those spots ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal or City.
 
It's time to win the Europa League because the sad facts are we are simply just not good enough to finish in the top four this season