No excuses this year

[Scaramanga]

With the additions to the squad this Summer, we have pace, width, a mean defence, one of the best keepers in the league and, of course, Stevie. Although we've lost Didi, our backup players know the EPL and know how to play the Rafa way so, whilst maybe not being as high profile as some of Chelsea's, at least they should be less frustrated and better motivated.

I'm expecting big things this year, particularly as the press seem to have picked up on the Chelsea bashing that was inevitable given their recent success. At least 2nd in the league and at least 1 cup should be easily within reach.

Now imagine if Kuyt/Klosse/Ayala are added to the squad - BRING IT ON!!!!

Anyone disagree? Does anybody really feel that there is a weakness in our TEAM any more? OK we might not have world beaters, but we do have EPL beaters and we know we can beat any/every team on our day.

Right, that's my first post out of the way, I'm off to the bookies to get me some easy money

[Shanks65]

If Kuyt fits straight into the Prem style (if/when he arrives), and of course, injuries permitting, I think we'll take it to the wire with the scum and the chavs in the Premiership. It'll all come down to how we get on against eachother. Those battles will be key.

We have strength in depth all over the field (once Kuyt signs up).

[Resu]

The sguad is stronger this year, but I`m not sure the first eleven is. Bellamy and Pennant knows the PL and will probably start, but that probably leaves Momo on the bench. I think to many people take for granted that Gonzales and Aurelio will fit straight into PL. A good player like Morientes didn`t.
The left side is very dependent on Gonzales and Aurelio, if thet don`t fit in we only have Kewell and Riise as quality players there, with Zenden and Warnock as back-up.

[univofchicago]

Anyone disagree? Does anybody really feel that there is a weakness in our TEAM any more? OK we might not have world beaters, but we do have EPL beaters and we know we can beat any/every team on our day.

Hi! That's a great first post.

I agree with you in general. Although I won't be that excited if Kuyt comes to town because I'm not a big fan of his.

But I agree with you. I believe the squad we have at the moment is pretty good and Rafa has done a splendid job of assembling a team (under the current financial restraints) that may not necessarily be "world beaters" but definately a team that can bring us that league title.

Welcome to est1892!

[Ryan]

With the additions to the squad this Summer, we have pace, width, a mean defence, one of the best keepers in the league and, of course, Stevie. Although we've lost Didi, our backup players know the EPL and know how to play the Rafa way so, whilst maybe not being as high profile as some of Chelsea's, at least they should be less frustrated and better motivated.

I'm expecting big things this year, particularly as the press seem to have picked up on the Chelsea bashing that was inevitable given their recent success. At least 2nd in the league and at least 1 cup should be easily within reach.

Now imagine if Kuyt/Klosse/Ayala are added to the squad - BRING IT ON!!!!

Anyone disagree? Does anybody really feel that there is a weakness in our TEAM any more? OK we might not have world beaters, but we do have EPL beaters and we know we can beat any/every team on our day.

Right, that's my first post out of the way, I'm off to the bookies to get me some easy money

Aside from Stevie G, we have nobody capable of scoring 20 goals. Until we eradicate that problem, we will not challenge Chelsea.

[Scaramanga]

Aside from Stevie G, we have nobody capable of scoring 20 goals. Until we eradicate that problem, we will not challenge Chelsea.

I dont know the facts but did Chelsea have any players who scored > 20 goals last year? Ultimately if we have 6 or 7 players who can scored 15 or more and players like Riise and Hyppia who will chip in with a few too it shouldnt really matter. That said, a 20 goal a season player would of course be more than welcome

The frustrating thing for me has to be with ManU - on paper they dont look all the special - with Rooney and Ronaldo their only major threats, yet they are always there at the end. Hats off to Fergie I guess for instilling the mentality and getting the best out of the likes of Fletcher, O'Shea and Saha.

[Scaramanga]

Hi! That's a great first post.

I agree with you in general. Although I won't be that excited if Kuyt comes to town because I'm not a big fan of his.

But I agree with you. I believe the squad we have at the moment is pretty good and Rafa has done a splendid job of assembling a team (under the current financial restraints) that may not necessarily be "world beaters" but definately a team that can bring us that league title.

Welcome to est1892!

Thanks - glad to be here - so far I like what I see

[RedJersey]

Aside from Stevie G, we have nobody capable of scoring 20 goals. Until we eradicate that problem, we will not challenge Chelsea.

I don't agree that we need an out and out goalscorer, though it would obviously be a boon. Chelsea didn't have one - Lampard was their top scorer with 16 and Drogba scored just 12. We do have a few in the squad who could and should get well into double figures though. What we need above all is to improve our performances against the other top teams.

[Red_Polo]

Aside from Stevie G, we have nobody capable of scoring 20 goals. Until we eradicate that problem, we will not challenge Chelsea.

Absolute bolleaux

We need to get the right results to win the league not a golden boot award ffs

Which striker scored 20 league goals a season for Chelsea the last two seasons? Which striker scored 20 league goals for Rafa's title winning Valencia in his first season in charge? If you meant all competitions rather than just league then going by your rationale you must be devastated to see we have lost the man to bring us number 19 in the shape of Djibril Cisse? Looks for smirk smiley

[El Jefecito]

Deleted

[univofchicago]

Deleted

Huh?

[El Jefecito]

Huh?

I said what Polo said. Only he said it an hour before me. Couldn't work out how to delete my plagiarized post

[El Jefecito]

I said what Polo said. Only he said it an hour before me. Couldn't work out how to delete my plagiarized post

On reflection though I think I am somewhere between Ryan and Polo on this. We definitely need another striker, whether or not hes a 20+ striker or not is less important than how well he links up with the team (ala Crouch).

[Ryan]

Absolute bolleaux

We need to get the right results to win the league not a golden boot award ffs

Which striker scored 20 league goals a season for Chelsea the last two seasons? Which striker scored 20 league goals for Rafa's title winning Valencia in his first season in charge? If you meant all competitions rather than just league then going by your rationale you must be devastated to see we have lost the man to bring us number 19 in the shape of Djibril Cisse? Looks for smirk smiley

You can keep searching for your fcuking smirk smiley then.

Chelsea are the only side in the history of the Premier League to have been fortunate enough to have not needed goalscoring strikers, due to the quality of their midfield and defence in hitting the net.

Check the stats yourself; United, Arsenal, Blackburn all relied heavily on proper goalscorers.

Now unless you're foolish enough to think that we have 5 lads from our midfield and defence capable of knocking in 60 goals between them, then we need a goalscorer up front.

[El Jefecito]

You can keep searching for your fcuking smirk smiley then.

Chelsea are the only side in the history of the Premier League to have been fortunate enough to have not needed goalscoring strikers, due to the quality of their midfield and defence in hitting the net.

Check the stats yourself; United, Arsenal, Blackburn all relied heavily on proper goalscorers.

Now unless you're foolish enough to think that we have 5 lads from our midfield and defence capable of knocking in 60 goals between them, then we need a goalscorer up front.

Stick yourself out on a limb why don't you. I did a detailed statistical analysis of the EPL last year and 7 goals would have won us the league.