The Title Race - 2023/24

[Axel Freed]

They are all must wins.

No they’re not.

I wish I had a quid for every time someone has erroneously posted on here that a game is a must win.

 

[domalino]

I’m glad the media crowned us champions last week, otherwise I’d be concerned that we’re third.

 

[domalino]

The constant reference to tiredness and fatigue is a growing concern as it seems to be self perpetuating and yesterday we did actually look fucked

However we've now got a few days to focus on Brighton

As Pep would say, “You are tired? Fuck you!”

 

[Axel Freed]

I wonder if any team has had to deal with a more dramatic and deflating CL exit than ours in 2019, but it didn’t stop us subsequently going on (the continuation of) an incredible record to win the domestic Treble.

Trust in Pep.

It’s in April and May that his genius and the excellence of our medical / sports science depts bear fruit.

I’m one of the idiotic loudmouths screaming at Pep to “get some fucking fresh legs on” when we’re labouring to a narrow victory in autumn and the players on the pitch look dead on their feet and he’s still made no changes but it’s his ability to stick to his guns and to look at the bigger picture earlier in the season that makes us able to come down the home straight like a house on fire

 

[chris85mcfc]

I wonder if any team has had to deal with a more dramatic and deflating CL exit than ours in 2019, but it didn’t stop us subsequently going on (the continuation of) an incredible record to win the domestic Treble.

Trust in Pep.

Said the exact thing to my mate the other day, nothing will beat the sickening feeling of losing over those two legs.

 

[bluenova]

Not disagreeing mate, but last year we won the League with three games remaining and never really looked tired.
This year we've had both Rodri and Pep complaining whilst De Bruyne looked out on his feet towards the end.

Did Rodri complain? I thought he was asked if he needed a rest, and said they had one planned, which was true, as he didn't play the next game (Luton). He may have said something else, but I thought it was more just media spin.

The problem with yesterday is that there is plenty of evidence to suggest that many players can't recover from a 90 minute match within 72 hours. And of course, a 120 minute intense match, followed by another very difficult one is going to push them to the limits.

Five days should be enough for them to mostly recover, and our schedule doesn't look too bad now we're out of the Champions League. Hopefully the tiredness we saw yesterday, and at the end of the match on Wednesday was all about those matches, rather than overall fitness levels.

 

[Kippax77]

I've been worried for weeks about getting stitched up by the officials during our run-in to help Arsenal or the dippers to the title.
But with all the noise Forest are making today against the Premier league I'm sure they won't want anymore shit being aimed at them.

 

[Coatigan]

No they’re not.

I wish I had a quid for every time someone has erroneously posted on here that a game is a must win.

They are.

That may not always be the case, but at this moment they are.

 

[lasereyes]

They are.

That may not always be the case, but at this moment they are.

Unless you think scousers and arsenal are going perfect (which I doubt given they have to go to Villa and Spurs respectively + some other tricky ones), we can prob afford a draw. But we definitely dont want that to be on Thu given we also have to go to Spurs. I actually think we should win comfortably - we will be fairly rested, Brighton are a level below last year, and they really have nothing to play for at this stage.

 

[Coatigan]

Unless you think scousers and arsenal are going perfect (which I doubt given they have to go to Villa and Spurs respectively + some other tricky ones), we can prob afford a draw. But we definitely dont want that to be on Thu given we also have to go to Spurs. I actually think we should win comfortably - we will be fairly rested, Brighton are a level below last year, and they really have nothing to play for at this stage.

How is this even a debate? Just look at the table. And count on your fingers if you must. Nobody needs to try predict the future here, just saying what the situation is at this point in time, as things stand.

 

[IrishBlueSince92]

6 Finals left. Brighton will be massive
Just have to assume that the other two are going to keep winning and take it game by game.
Lets be honest, Everton aren't going to do much on Wednesday night, they're pish.

 

[chesterbells]

A bit of talk on this thread last week that the other two teams would crumble this weekend under the added pressure. Sadly not happened. As ever, got to be prepared to do it the hard way haven’t we?

 

[Invisible Man's Bandage]

Six wins and it's four in a row. Anything less opens the door to both of our rivals. It's simple then. We win every game until we don't need to.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

A bit of talk on this thread last week that the other two teams would crumble this weekend under the added pressure. Sadly not happened. As ever, got to be prepared to do it the hard way haven’t we?

Why should they give it to us? We must go and take it.

 

[Len Rum]

6 Finals left. Brighton will be massive
Just have to assume that the other two are going to keep winning and take it game by game.
Lets be honest, Everton aren't going to do much on Wednesday night, they're pish.

Likewise can't imagine Chelsea doing much against Arsenal.
However football is definitely a funny game.
Last Sundays Dippers and Arsenal both at home, both fancied to win, both get beat.
This weekend both away, both potential tricky games, both win.
You never can tell.
But you are right Brighton is massive because psychologically we need to keep the title destiny in our own hands.

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Likewise can't imagine Chelsea doing much against Arsenal.
However football is definitely a funny game.
Last Sundays Dippers and Arsenal both at home, both fancied to win, both get beat.
This weekend both away, both potential tricky games, both win.
You never can tell.
But you are right Brighton is massive because psychologically we need to keep the title destiny in our own hands.

Chelsea more of a chance than Everton I’d say. They weren’t completely shit yesterday. Everton are dross. One of the worst sides we have played at home this season.

 

[Axel Freed]

They are.

That may not always be the case, but at this moment they are.

Maybe we’re just interpreting the phrase in different ways ?

To me “must win” means that if we don’t win the game we can no longer win the title and as such I think it’s not a must win game

 

[lasereyes]

6 Finals left. Brighton will be massive
Just have to assume that the other two are going to keep winning and take it game by game.
Lets be honest, Everton aren't going to do much on Wednesday night, they're pish.

Did you think Palace would get even a point at Anfield? Liverpool dont have a great record at Goodison so at least a draw is very possible.

 

[IrishBlueSince92]

Did you think Palace would get even a point at Anfield? Liverpool dont have a great record at Goodison so at least a draw is very possible.

Ashley Young though…..

 

[fitzy blue]

They'll be many more twists and turns in these last six games.
It's going to be close and could end up being decided by a terrible decision by the ref or VAR.
No matter where we finish, there's no doubt in my mind that we're still the best team in this country.