We need consistency

[Brightside 0]

The thing that''s missing for us this season is any kind of consistency both in terms of performances and run of results. Our best has been a win followed by two draws. Whilst this remains there''s always going to be that element of win or bust games for Hughton. Strangely enough this seems to do the trick. We get the win and then have a couple of poor results. Another win another two or three poor results. This has placed us 12th in the table.

It''s this lack of consistency that has divided opinion and caused at times some very heated debated on these boards.

Whilst we are all arguing amongst ourselves we are sitting 12th in the table.

Although we sit 12th this lack of consistency can''t be good for team morale or giving the team anything to build on. We don''t seem to be able to identify what is working and not working from game to game and apply this to build any kind of consistent performance. If we can get this right then I think we will be ok. Whilst we are still so wildly inconsistent we will just have to end up arguing amongst ourselves.

[drurys testamonials V 15 0]

Agreed but the number of players out injured is a factor that doesn''t help with consistency either.

[Rogue Baboon 0]

[quote user="Brightside"]The thing that''s missing for us this season is any kind of consistency both in terms of performances and run of results. Our best has been a win followed by two draws. Whilst this remains there''s always going to be that element of win or bust games for Hughton. Strangely enough this seems to do the trick. We get the win and then have a couple of poor results. Another win another two or three poor results. This has placed us 12th in the table.

It''s this lack of consistency that has divided opinion and caused at times some very heated debated on these boards.

Whilst we are all arguing amongst ourselves we are sitting 12th in the table.

Although we sit 12th this lack of consistency can''t be good for team morale or giving the team anything to build on. We don''t seem to be able to identify what is working and not working from game to game and apply this to build any kind of consistent performance. If we can get this right then I think we will be ok. Whilst we are still so wildly inconsistent we will just have to end up arguing amongst ourselves.[/quote] exactly this. Todays win means nothing if we don''t carry it into Newcastle and Cardiff - we need to target 6 points and 4 would be a decent result. That would give us breathing space for the Man City game

[Brightside 0]

We are in a good position to build a bit of consistency now. Maybe not wins but certainly better performances and points. Newcastle at home and then away at bottom table Cardiff hopefully will build confidence for Man City at home.

To reach 40 points we need the equivalent of 4 more wins and 5 draws. I think this is achievable.

[Yellow and Green 352]

Completely agree.

In hindsight, the squad hasn''t really gelled this season - it seems like a vicious circle. And of course, the injurys haven''t helped at all.

Looking at our fixtures, Newcastle, Cardiff and West Ham aside, we have a really good chance to find some form in this run of games - Villa (a), Stoke (h), Southampton (a), Sunderland (h), Swansea (a), West Brom (h), Fulham (a)....... I''m not saying that we are going to go on a 7 game winning streak, but win the home games and get a cheeky away draw here or there and we might gain some confidence.

Having said that - if we don''t, then we''re screwed

[ZLF 335]

there has been a lack of team cohesion, covering positions, supporting players in difficult positions, wanting the ball.

A win will hopefully boost confidence and provide some team spirit