Excuses, Excuses – The Verdict

Yet another match we should’ve won. So many since O’Neill took charge eh, well if you listen to him.

Speaking on the official tonight O’Neill was again delighted with our second half performance. Still have that problem where we only play 45 minutes but shall we ignore that?

‘We could and should have won it in the end,’ cries the manager.

Yeah heard it all before and it hasn’t happened since when, February?

As said in the other article tonight, bored now. I still love Monny as a manager and I love listening to him but I’m not sure I can take another 12 months of the same tactics.

We all know we are a one trick pony as a club, no plan B. Players out of position, seemingly favourites within the squad who could end up anywhere as long as they are on the pitch.

The end of Ellis was meant to be our chance to compete and compete properly. We had that chance.

I didn’t want us to spend £100’s of millions of pounds and buy anything. I wanted us to respect who we are and build slowly with key signings, growth of youngsters and a steady improvement.

In many ways we have that….in many ways this season we’d have more if it wasn’t for….well legally….decisions I hold a different opinion over.

Like Milly at right back. Luke Young at left back. The signing of Heskey. Despite it’s success the change from 451/433 etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc.

Anyway, the natural successor to SirAlex said:

‘In the second half this week, we were much, much better than we were in the first half – and created a lot of chances.

‘I was delighted with the second half display. We put a big effort in where it looked like it might have been missing in the first half. I’m not too sure that it was – I just feel we were tentative.

‘It was a concern at half-time but after the break we rolled our sleeves up and went at it. It was the Villa of the early part of the season.’

The only admission about our proiritised Top 4 placing that suddenly became a battle for 5th place was:

‘Unfortunately, we came in and found out Everton had won. But we still have plenty to play for.

‘We have to try and win now on the final day of the season at home and obviously hope Fulham can beat Everton. We will be fighting for it and everything is still to play for.’

Just like we have all season since we were 8 points clear of Arsenal eh.

Can we please remember what got us 8 points clear of Arsenal to begin with. Maybe if we could work that out and get it back we’d still be there.

Again when the manager gets it right, he does get it right. Our problem is when things go wrong, nothing changes.