Must say I’m gutted – we’ve been in the position in both matches this week to get points.
I thought we started the second half brighter than Bolton, and at 1-1 I really thought we would go on to win the game. That’s the most frustrating thing. The crucial goal was such a howler from an experienced player – it’s such a kick in the teeth.
This season, from quite early on, was always going to be about the club holding its nerve until the easy fixtures come along. But the confidence looks so fragile – I don’t know why we should be so nervous, after all there’s no shame losing to Man Utd and our form was pretty decent before then.
I have to say I just don’t agree with the teams that Zola is putting out. I don’t think we’ll get away with Diamanti on the wing – he’ll get found out and he scored playing more centrally in the second half today. He is desperately static though. Franco looks so isolated on his own up front – the team don’t know how to support him. Zola’s 4-5-1 or 4-3-3, although it seems more solid defensively, is really stifling to our forward play – I don’t think I’ve seen it really work for us ever over the last 15 months.
I want to support Zola, and its not his fault he is inexperienced – we all knew that before he came in the first place. But the longer this goes on the more the pressure will build – we will be desperate for some points by the new year, and what worries me is that the team already looks under pressure.
Plus points for me were Kovac, who I think is improving the more he plays. Diamanti’s goal, which was just wonderful play – it shows that if we can get possession in the right areas of the pitch we can create things.
Thanks Alex, I did not watch the whole game but from what little I saw / heard I would pretty much agree with your synopsis.
I have also supported Zola, so much so that I have had heated arguments with friends and really want him to be success, but my support now is wavering to the point where I think a change would be beneficial.
I think Zola is fumbling about in the dark currently and gives t he impression of a man who is out of his depth currently.
Other teams have arguably weaker squads than us and / or similar injury problems but they still keep on picking results but critically they are showing more desire and belief. I think this is what is frustrating the majority of fans.
I really cannot see us improving enough to move up the table unless there is a change of manager, owner or both. We are just too reliant on a small group of players some of which are under performing.
Anyway, thanks for your views, I always enjoy reading them as they provide balance.