Genuine Optimism

[GordonGecko]

For the first time in a long time I am feeling genuinely optimistic going into a new season.

Rafa & the board should be congratulated for addressing a few key gaps in our squad. The obvious ones being: two wingers in, further back up for CB & LB & of course a couple of new strikers. With these signings comes the clearest difference from this season to last....pace....in abunance...on the wings and upfront....infact throughout the team (perhaps not CB )

We now look like a team which can seriously challenge the big guns, with ample back up in most positions.

The Kuyt signing was the final (realistic) piece in the jigsaw for me. He can finish, is strong with hold up play & in the air and offers another completely different "possibility" upfront. I keep picturing him wheeling away, Shearer style, after ramming / heading a Pennant or Gonzo cross in.....Get used to that image, it gonna be repeated a few times.

We still have a week or so left of the transfer window and I feel calm...which is a first. Maybe we will get in one more player...maybe we won't, I ain't that bothered, cos we have plugged holes with round pegs this time.

If you compare our off the field activity to other top teams (exclude Chelsea :whatever: ) our additions shine out as excellent bits of business. This window has been long and at times frustrating, however, Raf & Parry stuck to their guns, refused to be bent over by other teams & successfully nailed a number of KEY signings. Given our financial position, they should be commended & a heart warming thanks go out to them....

The Rafaulation is steadily gaining pace.....number 19 anyone?

[Scaramanga]

LOL - was about to post exactly the same thing - its been our best summer for a long, long time and I'll be bitterly disappointed at anything less than 2nd this year.

Also, look at what Fergiescum has spent in the last few years on a handful of players - £18m for Carrick?!! - with that we've bought Xabi and Momo; 2 players who are far superior in their own right. Utd are rapidly in decline and I cant see Fergie staying on for too many more seasons, Arsenal, well they're just kids arent they? I'm sure Wenger will work his magic but a few injuries and their squad will be in big trouble.

Chelsea can be beaten and arent the media darlings they were last year - the pressure is all on them now to lose it and keep their overpaid egos happy.

This title should be ours again in no time. Come on!!!

[GordonGecko]

Great minds eh?

[disco]

Good post.

My simplistic way of viewing it :

We've got all the pieces. Now we have to hope we can get more points that the 3 other teams I expect to be challenging...

If we create the ridiculous amount of chances we did last year (top in league), but actually convert them this time, we should be ok

[Shaggy]

I've never been so optimistic about our chances in the last 15 years as I am now.

[disco]

I've never been so optimistic about our chances in the last 15 years as I am now.

I have a slight concern we'll take a few games to get going.

Can't repeat the 7 points from first 6 games we managed last year.

[GordonGecko]

Good post.

My simplistic way of viewing it :

We've got all the pieces. Now we have to hope we can get more points that the 3 other teams I expect to be challenging...

If we create the ridiculous amount of chances we did last year (top in league), but actually convert them this time, we should be ok

Yes...good point + we have Pennant who crossed the most in the PL last year. So, by my conservative calculation, we should have 50 chances a game and now convert at least 15. With that many goals a game, I hope we can AT LEAST challenge for the title.

[Rich]

It'll be tough if we can only score 15 goals a game..... very tough.

[red g]

I have a slight concern we'll take a few games to get going.

Can't repeat the 7 points from first 6 games we managed last year.

think it may take chelsea a bit to get going this year to....

[dww]

The thing with Chelsea is that they have the knack of getting results when they play terribly. Last season they started slowly against Wigan and took several games to get into any sort of rhythm but still took points ruthlessly.

I think the first 3 matches will be key to the season. With all the other top teams missing players (Rooney, Carrick, Scholes at United, Senderos at Arsenal, Cech, Makellele at Chelsea) they might well start less well than usually, we need to capitalise.

[GordonGecko]

I have a slight concern we'll take a few games to get going.

Can't repeat the 7 points from first 6 games we managed last year.

This is true. However, a good start is not enough this time round, the bar has been raised again.

For me the key to our season is clawing back some points from the other 3 big teams. The difference between beating The Scum or losing is a 6 point swing. I know that I am stating the obvious, however, repeat that at home against Arsenal & Chelsea & then liberally season with 3 away draws & the table begins to take a new flavour.

This time round I really can see us threatening the big 3 in EVERY game. With our new additions, we should have less doubts about the ability of the team against anyone.....Remember, however, scary Chelsea's squad is, only 11 can play at once.