In the 2016/17 season we made a good start, we were ‘there or there abouts’ similar to where we are this season however our title challenge and indeed assault on four trophies ended promptly during the period we are now about to enter in the 2017/18 season. Hence the question; have we improved?
Following the international break in 2016 we went seven games without a win, not picking up maximum points again until the 19th November; beating West Ham 3-2 at the Lane. A result as many will remember, was not “in the bag” by any means.
We drew with West Brom, Bournemouth, Leicester and Arsenal in the league whilst losing to Liverpool in the League Cup. Also during this time we drew and lost to Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Even after our win against West Ham we followed it up with back to back defeats to finish November having won just one game and finishing October and November with two wins out of 11 games played. It was during this time Chelsea got away from us and went on to hold their nerve and win the league.
This therefore is a very important time for us! We face Bournemouth today ahead of a similar set of fixtures ahead, which includes a league cup game – home and away matches in the Champions League.
October.
November.
Our squad is stronger this year, through some good signings and also through injuries granting more minutes to fringe players like Sissoko, Winks and Davies.
Wanyama, Lamela, Rose and Dembele are missing but all should be back during the period. If we can avoid more injuries then we are looking strong.
The key for me is belief. The team needs to perform well and win at Wembley today and then attack each game with the belief they can win, including in Madrid.
The opportunity to advance in the Champions League is there. The opportunity to advance in the League cup. The opportunity to stay in touch with the two Manchester clubs in the title race is there.
Its all in our own hands right now, we just have to believe and keep showing that season on season improvement.
I believe. COYS!
-SJ
