20 Sep 2026 23:56:57
Makes me wonder if we had Cesar in last season instead of Edwards would we have gone down.
Just pondering that's all.
21 Sep 2026 03:07:18
Also wondering why Djiga, Munetsi, Bouba, Tommy and Hugo were all sent out on loan last season !!! 3 points off top with game in hand FWAW ?.
21 Sep 2026 07:29:10
Simple answer Preston is because none of those actually sent on loan were anywhere near good enough for the premier league. Need to remember we're now in a division below where most opponents are much inferior. Hugo was on loan the season before by the way.
21 Sep 2026 09:59:47
Angel Gomes came off the bench yesterday and scored a wonder goal against PSG. Just saying.
21 Sep 2026 10:12:50
Gomes was shocking bad for us although might have been ok in the champ.
21 Sep 2026 10:55:33
Rated interesting question.
1 As pointed out by "Old" the team are playing at a much much lower level.
2 Several of the players as Preston pointed out - Fer Lopez as well by the way - were not with the side last year, (nor of course was Trippier, James or Raul - whilst only Gomes J who would strengthen the side has been lost).
But 3 Cesar does seem to have got them playing faster and with more verve.
Overall I suspect this side, playing as it is, would still have been relegated, (and badly), but I agree nothing like as abjectly as the side was last year.
However onwards and upwards.
I think there is still improvement to be made - chance conversion especially is low - but should improve once Raul is fully firing.
Plus surely in January if the side is looking likely to be promoted the club will be active in the market ahead of the summer window.
Signing the rough diamonds like Lankshear, Vitek, Ballard etc etc foolishly missed this summer that hopefully can be polished into Prem league players and one or two more experienced gems - Neves - although DM is not an obvious position to be strengthening - anyone?
21 Sep 2026 11:19:48
Rated, I think the real damage was done in the summer 2025 transfer window. If Cesar had been appointed when VP was sacked, I think he would have given us a better chance of survival then under Rob. Who knows now, but if we had picked up points by Xmas 2025 maybe intelligent signings in the January transfer window might have made a difference? It would have been a poisoned chalice for Cesar, instead of the real opportunity he has now in the champ.
Can't change the past but Cesar has the ability to take us up as Nuno did in 2017/8.
21 Sep 2026 11:35:15
I think every position will need strengthening Future if we go up. Some more obvious than others of course. Most evident improvers so far this season are Djiga who is showing real promise after his disastrous early season start at Rangers and Lopez. If they continue on an upwards trajectory both could be real assets next season.
21 Sep 2026 12:41:20
Vitinha plays centre midfield at PSG, Goncalo Guedes came off the bench fir Real sociedad in the Europa league and transformed their play in the week. Fabio still not setting the world on fire in Germany. Makes me wonder if something at our club needs addressing or some of these players just didn't want to be there/attitude issues.
21 Sep 2026 13:22:51
Old at the moment Andre, Krejci and Lopez are, for me at least, def Prem class.
Djiga, Gomes, James and Mane might get there.
So I don't think every position needs upgrading but I agree.
Sa, Bueno and maybe one or two others might be squad players.
But 5 or 6 first team players are needed and maybe another 3 or 4 options.
Arddunby I strongly suspect you have a point.