Missions accomplished this season

[David Hodgson]

I think with 4 games to go and and an FA Cup semi-final we have easily accomplished the minimum of all our reasonable expectations for this season.

 

None of us realistically expected another Champions League win but would have taken our strong showing in the group stage (with a tough draw). You can't count on winning cups, but a strong run to the FA Cup semi-final (including beating the Mancs) represents a creditable showing in the domestic knock-outs.

 

The icing on the cake has been a 70+ point season. A massive improvement on last year's dismal showing. If we get to the 76 point mark, and the 2 point a game average, I'll be delighted. It shows that whilst there are no guarantees, that we are ready to mount a title challenge next season.

 

In detail, the pluses have been the phenomenal amount of clean sheets, the ability to sustain long winning runs, the best home record we've had in living memory, and goals from midfield.

 

The only downer, for me, has been the paucity of the overall 'goals for' column. A poor total, despite all the other successes.

[Guest Les Howard]

Don't forget to add our vasytly improved away form. Last year it was abysmal - going belly up far too often without much of a fight. This year this has turned right around.

[David Hodgson]

Don't forget to add our vasytly improved away form. Last year it was abysmal - going belly up far too often without much of a fight. This year this has turned right around.

 

It has been turned around, although we've still been beaten a tad too often for my liking.

[Dublinred4ever]

One thing that should temper our optimism for next season should be that this season has been gruelling, and when its over most of our lads are off to the world cup.

 

I think how we manage our pre season will have a major bearing on how we do next year.

 

But there's no better boys than Rafa and Pako to figure it out

[Armin_Tamzarian]

I agree with David's assessment. The only part of the team which has failed to at least meet expectations have been the forwards. If Morientes, Cisse and to a much lesser extent Crouch had managed to take a better percentage of the chances created I'm certain we'd be World Champions and possibly still in the Champions League and in second spot.

 

One thing which shines through from the performance on the pitch is the hard work which is clearly going on in training. This is an increasingly well drilled and prepared group of players. Well done Rafa and his backroom team.

[kop205]

Objectively speaking you are probably right, though if we lose in the semi to Chelsea it won't seem that way for a bit.

 

The manner of the Champions League exit still rankles as well, but overall I don't think anyone (a) can complain about the progress that has been made in the League or (b) is unhappy with the work Rafa is doing.

[sutty]

I've got some semi final tickets.

 

Oh, you meant the club?

[G Richards]

At the start of the season I was hoping to split Man Utd/Arsenal and finish top three, and we should comfortably do that. I agree with the points made so far.

 

And though he still awaits news of a contract, bringing Robbie back home in January has also been a great story and given fans a boost. The hard work he's been doing on his fitness seems to be coming together, and I expect to see him here next season.

 

Winning the FA Cup would be the icing on the cake for me. Finishing third with no trophy (OK, the Super Cup!) would be a season of solid progress but little glory.

[Ombudsam]

We won the European Cup last season. I wanted to win it at least twice this season.

 

Not. Good. Enough.