Not even rotation...

[Craig_H]

But motivation.

Forgetting the tinkering, today's side was strong and who would've chosen much differently? Not me.

The bigger concern for me, is the fact that the players look half arsed and not remotely fussed. They dont look like they want it. Very little urgency or passion.

In fact, whenever we go behind, heads drop faster than a whore's knickers.

The on-field leader is leading nobody. Carra's not doing much to lift people's heads either. I dont even recall seeing much from Rafa to suggest he's a motivator. Go behind and we're lost. And it's unacceptable too.

I know we 'fought' back to get a point, but we could've come back to win in the 2nd half, after their 2nd goal. It took far too long for any kind of reaction and but for the fact that Spurs' ability to deal with crosses akin to that of a vampire, we wouldnt even have got a point...

Something's seriously wrong with regards to motivation and passion...and when it comes to finding the person who's job it is to rectify it, look no further than Rafa. Some serious work needs to be done because as it is, we have a team capable of winning the title, we have a squad capable of winning the title and even with his annoying tinkering, we have a manager capable of winning the league title.

What we dont have though, is a winning mentality and enough mental strength.

That has to change...and very quickly, or we'll be more focused on ensuring a top four finish, than polishing that ever more elusive number 19...

[Abro100]

Agree with that, theres no Heart.

[The Glove]

Said it wasnt the fault of rotation all along.

[Craig_H]

Said it wasnt the fault of rotation all along.

If only there WAS just ONE problem...

Rotation doesnt help. Today it wasnt really the problem though.

[Dhav]

All those things you describe (passion, mental strength, commitment etc) were certainly missing after we fell behind. Our confidence was shot once they took the lead.

But look also at the first game against Villa and once they equalised how we went looking for the winner and the way we celebrated once Stevie scored. I think the passion, determination etc was evident then.

Something has changed between the start of the season and now. People will speculate what it is (eg Pako's departure etc) but whatever it is it definitely needs to be addressed.

[Craig_H]

Cant help but wonder whether this thing with Pako was bigger than has been let on thus far.

I dont see much unity and there's only one thing that's happened recently that would've been capable of causing such a problem.

[Craig_H]

All those things you describe (passion, mental strength, commitment etc) were certainly missing after we fell behind. Our confidence was shot once they took the lead.

But look also at the first game against Villa and once they equalised how we went looking for the winner and the way we celebrated once Stevie scored. I think the passion, determination etc was evident then.

Something has changed between the start of the season and now. People will speculate what it is (eg Pako's departure etc) but whatever it is it definitely needs to be addressed.

Looking more and more like that IS indeed the main factor. Either that or an almighty coincidence.

Rafa being as stubborn as he is, this will obviously never happen...but he needs to get into contact with Pako and try and undo the damage, because to me, it's not just the players who look lost, the manager doesnt seem very assured either.

If it's NOT Pako's departure, then what the feck else can it be?

[Johnny]

Looking more and more like that IS indeed the main factor. Either that or an almighty coincidence.

Rafa being as stubborn as he is, this will obviously never happen...but he needs to get into contact with Pako and try and undo the damage, because to me, it's not just the players who look lost, the manager doesnt seem very assured either.

If it's NOT Pako's departure, then what the feck else can it be?

Players like crouch and riise having training field spats with rafa and other players.??????

[Craig_H]

I personally think the dressing room may well have become divided.

[Johnny]

I personally think the dressing room may well have become divided.

Yeah,5% V`s 95%.
Nothing more dramatic.

[Marky]

...Maybe we're just ****?
Not as good as we think we are anyway.

[Craig_H]

Yeah,5% V`s 95%.
Nothing more dramatic.

Categorically accurate figures, eh Vorderman?

[Craig_H]

...Maybe we're just ****?
Not as good as we think we are anyway.

No....WE'RE not.

YOU are.

[Marky]

I believe a lack of hunger and desire in the captain steven gerrard's performance has a massive impact on our poor displays.
In fact i put the blame solely on the shoulders of Steven Gerrard for our lacklustre performances this past three or four weeks.
Can't wait to Xabi comes back i tell ye..

[Johnny]

Categorically accurate figures, eh Vorderman?

Sorry,i`ll supply you with a spreadsheet and graph Pedant.