So How Do We Know If We Are Doing Better?

[terraloon 5]

I remember some years ago after about 6 games Carlisle stood proudly at the top of the old first division. After 42 games they were rock bottom and relegated.

Last season my sister (whose husband is a Spuds supporter) was crowing around Christmas how they were going to win the league & how they were going to be able to buy just about everyone when the treasures of the champions league were bestowed on them.

My brother in law was rightly quiet on the subject agreeing with my comment that the only league table that matters is the one published after ever club has played everyone both home and away.

Last season we all know that there were a lot of results that quite simply weren't good enough. In truth other than Newcastle away last season I don't think there was any real outstanding away result and at home the only 3 points we achieved at home against the top 6 was against Man City.

Yesterday waiting for the Ryder Cup to start I set down the points we gained against all teams last year replacing the teams relegated with those promoted I am setting down this seasons results.

Everyone knows we were 20 odd points adrift last season so for me the measure of are we doing better this season will be points gained from opposition played this season against last.

So how are we doing?

Well it's quite interesting and hugely encouraging.

2 extra points each against Arsenal and Wigan 3 against Newcastle and 1 against QPR. So comparing game with game we are 8 points better off

Of Couse as the season progresses there will be games where we did well last year and possibly where we don't do as well this season but I have a feeling that that 20 odd point deficit won't be quite as challenging as some within the media would suggest.

Thoughts?

Edited October 1, 2012 by BluesMaster
Edited the post due to the small text size formatting.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

All I know is that City and United haven't gotten that much stronger. United especially look weak and overrated. They are United so I guess you can't count them out but they look nothing like Champion/Contender material. I reckon we can smash them.

[YouNameIt 1,511]

My thoughts are that we look strong, but anything can happen.

[zolayes 14,489]

of course I remember Carlisle on top of div1 and beating Chelsea as I am Cumbrian ,,,it was exciting BUT we all knew it would never last.

T he NEW Chelsea is different this is not transition or evolution it is Revolution... A new model is being created one which many of our fans have been screaming for . Creative ,attractive footballl from a young side. ANY new model will run into teething problems ,,,I dont expect us to

sweep the board this year but I am excited by the changes and delighted with the start to the season..

The larger picture is that we can look forward to the next few seasons with a sense of optimism and anticipation.

Drogba ,,,Essien and Anelka have gone .. Soon it will be Malouda ,,Lampard Cole and Terry. I'm am less worried now about our ability

to cope when they leave

KTBFFH

[Tricky 301]

We have headed in the right direction. We have reduced the average age of the squad, and massively improved in the final third of the pitch.

Can't tell you how excited I am by this squad, City built a team for the now, we have built one with the next decade in mind. In the summer we only really need to look for a striker (depending on performances) and CM and we are good to go, no FFP for us to worry about.

[Porthos 35]

If you asked me at the start of the season - would be happy to finish 3rd, still would be happy with that

Next year no excuses. 1st or bust

[bloody 209]

if you asked me, the text in the first post is too small.

[Jase 43,479]

Have edited the first post due to the small size text. Cleared the formatting and it should be easier to read.

On the subject, well, as you pointed out, the fact that we have already gained 8 more points against Wigan, Arsenal, Newcastle & QPR this season than last is already a positive thing. We need to continue doing that and beat the lesser sides which we failed to do for most parts last season. Moreover, the players that we have bought and the style of play we want to change to makes it all the more promising and exciting. Apart from 1-2 games this season, we haven't played badly at all but yet are still winning games. Just imagine when we start clicking into gear.

[Hutcho 8,443]

My thoughts are that points on the board are better than not having points on the board, and our performances are looking more encouraging so hopefully we can keep up the results. Time will tell though we cant really complain with 16 points out of a possible 18; as i am sure we all would have snapped your hand off for that especially after our poor pre-season. IF we keep going, set out in an attacking way then i am feeling very positive right now. Must not get ahead of ourselves though, and being top now means nothing if we arn't around there come may time.

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

We don't know. We just have to wait and see. We were looking pretty good this time last year as well so I'm not going to go crazy but we're off to a great start even if we definitely have a some work to do.

[Chelsea? 892]

United actually looks really scary to m. Arsenal and Spurs also seem like they will definitely fight for top 4

[Styles 9,790]

One way I like to judge is by comparing last season's results to this one.

So far:

Wigan away last season = 1 point

Wigan away this season = 3 points

Newcastle home last season = 0 points

Newcastle home this season = 3 points

QPR away last season = 0 points

QPR away this season = 1 point

Arsenal away last season = 1 point

Arsenal away this season = 3 points

We''ve got 8 more points from these games than we did last year. That is an improvement.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

United actually looks really scary to me.

Which United have you been watching? They have been poor and their weaknesses have been so exposed. It's not just a one off like with us and Falcao FC. Plus we are far above just being merely 'Top 4 material'. We're Championship material. If not yet, we're not far off at all.