From this point on, we probably need to modify our expectations. Having Nwaneri and Trossard as our only competent attacking options one having 3 league goals the other having 4 means that our ability to score goals is fatally compromised.
Even if Saka and Martinelli come back in March, they are unlikely to be match fit. We can therefore expect probably from now until the end of the season to be averaging a goal a game at most as opposed to the 2 goals a game we were averaging before. There may be games where we score 2 or 3 goals but that will be balanced out by games where we fail to score at all.
Away from home is where I anticipate the struggle for goals to be at its height. I think ultimately to secure top four, we have to accept that the title is over, not in thought but in deed. In that I think we need to prioritise not losing over winning, because going all out to win will guarantee defeat with most teams…given a) the fact that we don’t have an available recognised striker nor our first choice wingers b) our vulnerability to the counter attack even when that’s not the case.
I think even with Leicester this would be the best posture to adopt given how non existent our attack is that if Leicester or indeed any team scores first it is practically game over. So better we play for a 0-0 draw be cagey and see if they make a mistake that will allow us to scuff one in.
I hope I’m wrong, but the best I think we can hope for (and this is absolute best) is six wins from 14.
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Originally Posted by Mac76
