No excuses this year

[Ryan]

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.

As simplistic as that eh?

[Red_Polo]

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.

Did you ever stop to think that football changes over time? The fact that the Chelsea and Valencia examples are so recent, added to the fact Valencia did it under the same manager we now have goes to show there's no reason we can't win the league next season. Nobody's saying having a prolific striker in the team wouldn't improve our chances, but to say we can forget about the title this season is abdolutely ridiculous. Go tell Rafa and the lads we can't win the league if you're so sure.

[El Jefecito]

As simplistic as that eh?

Was quite complicated actually.

Anyways, was there a point? Eh, No, I see.

[Ryan]

Did you ever stop to think that football changes over time? The fact that the Chelsea and Valencia examples are so recent, added to the fact Valencia did it under the same manager we now have goes to show there's no reason we can't win the league next season. Nobody's saying having a prolific striker in the team wouldn't improve our chances, but to say we can forget about the title this season is abdolutely ridiculous. Go tell Rafa and the lads we can't win the league if you're so sure.

How many times have Valencia won the Premier League then?

[Red_Polo]

As many times as you've made sensible and/or insightful posts.

[dww]

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

I think we have certainly improved our squad, however I find it hard to be as optimistic as some. We have certainly potentially addressed at least in part every weakness in our squad from last year. The trouble is I think that both Pennant and Gonzales are best thought of potential solutions with plenty to prove and Bellamy is a fitness worry.

I would like to see another attacking player added to the squad, I think we lack alternatives for hold up play without Crouch and also it would be comforting to know we had the sort of player who was a constant threat of goals. Part of the advantage of the 20 goal a season striker is the fear put into the opposition and the consequent gaps left for other players, I think this is an area we lacked in last year.

[Ryan]

As many times as you've made sensible and/or insightful posts.

I bet you're DYING to be firends with me.

[Harv]

I bet you're DYING to be firends with me.

is that some kinky sex act involving a fire hose h:

[Red_Polo]

I bet you're DYING to be firends with me.

I'd advise you to lay that particular bet

I'm not out to make enemies, I'm just winding you up because you are a wind-up yourself, relax a little mate...