22 Jan 2021 17:27:25
So here we are at the halfway point of a very unusual season. I want to just give a few of my thoughts on what I think of everything so far.

This season feels weird, I'm not sure if its the lack of fans in stadiums, the fixtures every few days or the general insanity of daily life. You have players missing games due to C.V., the media out for blood trying to get evidence and write stories of footballers going shopping or to a party. To be honest everything feels a little surreal right now.

I don't know which factors have had the biggest impact or whether its a bit of all of them. Either way every side is struggle and somehow without really playing well we are top of the pile at the halfway stage. No one, not even the most ardent Ole supporter expected this. While the way we've done it is strange. We have snatched glory from the brink of failure several time this season, coming back from going behind to win games.

When we look around our squad who can we really say is playing well? Martial has gone back into his shell as he always does the moment someone challenges him for his starting spot. Rashford has battled and played through the pain barrier over the past year for us, and it looks like he is in need of a rest right now. Greenwood has had a tough second season both on and off the pitch. Pogba has in recent weeks picked up his form, but is by no means at his absolute best, Maguire and Lindelof have continued to regress, as has McTominay. DDG's form has stabilised somewhat, but is still way below his best. AWB still sticks out as an odd sort of purchase, great defensively, but hasn't progressed offensively. Shaw is the only player who I can confidently say has stepped up and improved this season. Even Bruno has at times struggled to be at his best, although still our best player by some margin.

Yet we are still top of the league. I think this will go down as the weirdest year ever and I wouldn't be surprised by anything happening this season. Even Spurs winning a trophy.


1.) 22 Jan 2021
22 Jan 2021 17:55:13
Id like to see half season table in past 10 years, so we could see if this is the odd season, or was the last (two) seasons out of ordinary with Lpool and City having fenomenal seasons.

People here sometimes say that we are top just because Lpool and City are below expectations. But perhaps they were above earlier? Perhaps every other team got a bit stronger and every game is harder than last season? Aston Villa isn't a push over anymore, Spurs got better, Leicester keep improving, or at least staying strong, Everton got a lot better with Anceloti, Southampthon keep surprising. there are very few teams that you could say are easily beatable.

About players Shappy, it will always be individual opinion. i'd say DDG is getting better and better. After that start of the season, i'd say our CB pair is getting better. i'd say AWB is a very good option for us, not every player needs to be offensive. Fred got better, and you haven't mention him. Cavani is performing. McT is fine, I don't see him doing better or worse tbh. I see Rashford and Martial playing awful and not even trying sometimes. Bruno seems tired, he can't play every game.

Perhaps the biggest hit is changing mentality and being able to turn games around. Perhaps we shouldn't be looking at individuals, but their teamplay. How did Sheffild do so well last season? I didn't see anyone outstanding, but they had great teamwork and team spirit. They had winning flow. Perhaps we got some of that too now.

We haven't won anything yet, and there is a lot of "what if", but I am enjoying this for sure!


2.) 22 Jan 2021
22 Jan 2021 18:18:20
I think Maguire is looking much better recently. I feel bailey was at fault for the Fulham goal, and should have covered across as McGuire went across. Also PP didn't exactly put in maximum effort to recover.

I remember one of the utd greats saying how he would bust a gut to chase a lost cause even though he knew he wouldn't get there, because he wanted to show the crowd and fergy his effort - probably scared of keano too. That must be so alien to PP and Martial.

It is a strange year. But we deserve to be where we are. The spirit has been good. How exciting to be here and not clicking up front. It will come back soon and when it does we will give someone a pasting.


3.) 22 Jan 2021
22 Jan 2021 18:20:52
I've said this before but last season from January onwards our points total was very similar to Liverpool and City. So has that much changed this season?
Although it was s difficult situation last year as well.

It was a really strange start to the season with teams having different pre seasons etc but teams are up and running now .
Leicester are 1 point worse off than this point last season, city on exactly the same points and both them teams where second and third at this point last season.
Chelsea are 3 points worse off spurs 4 better off.
There are some big changes but you do get that, villa and Sheffield have swapped

Thr big difference at the top is liverpool who had 52 points after 18 games last season but i'm not sure any one was going to hit the season running like that .


4.) 22 Jan 2021
22 Jan 2021 18:59:07
Some of that feels harsh Shappy.

Shaw is playing very well as is Pogba. Bailly was looking great although not a great last game. I think Maguire has got better and better. Bruno is currently a bit quiet, doesn’t turn up in the big games, but has generally been brilliant. Fred seems to improve every game and Scott has had a good season overall.

The concerns are the front three from last year who for varying reasons are out of sorts.

Think what we might achieve if Greenwood and Rashford hit form.


5.) 22 Jan 2021
22 Jan 2021 20:22:44
Regarding players, Cavani has been top class.
Bruno has set the bar so high that we expect a lot from him.
Lindelof and Maguire have become much better for the last month and a half. Bailly has contributed well.
Rashy looks out of sorts but still has 14 goals this season.
Shaw, Fred and DDG are in good form.

The only 2 players I would complain about is Martial and Greenwood. Maybe they are having one of those rough patches.