February: Make or Break Month?

We've been saying this every moment since November, f**k all is going to change Rafa is going to continue with his negative football we will give all the bigger sides good matches while struggling to break down the poorer sides.

Agreed. I've had it with the false hope. Unless rafa puts a team and tactic out that actually wants to win I will assume every match that rafa is going out to get a draw. This season has been horrific.

Agreed. I've had it with the false hope. Unless rafa puts a team and tactic out that actually wants to win I will assume every match that rafa is going out to get a draw.

I'd say that was more a tactic for away games.

I think feb will decide the prem pretty much

Top 8 play each other a lot

It will define our season for sure

Id settle for 7 points from our next 3..6 from the everton and city games!! 10 points from the 12 available would be great plus injury free progression in Europe!

Don't think its make or break as such but it is the month at the end of which we will have a clearer picture of our ambitions.
Top two or top four

Can't wait for it!

We seem to play better in big games, so hopfuly this is the mounth where we make our charge up the table.

6 Feb 2010            Everton   H   12:45   
    
10 Feb 2010      Arsenal   A   19:45   
 
18 Feb 2010      Unirea   H   20:05      
 
21 Feb 2010      Man City   A   15:00      
 
25 Feb 2010      Unirea   A   18:00      
 
28 Feb 2010      Blackburn   H   15:00      
 

Tottenham the other night was a big step toward turning this season around, but there's still a lot of work to do over the next few months. After looking at our fixture list, I realize that we have a daunting task ahead of us this month. The good news is, that if we fight hard through February - March, April and May look managable, at least for now. We've had a lot of injuries lately, and I think next month is when that might really start to take affect. To top it all off, our matches against Arsenal, and Man City are away. I think that if we do well this month, there's a serious chance that we can turn this season on its head, and surprise a lot of people. I mean, we know what we're capable of, we know what we can achieve. This is the time of the season where teams out in front start to get fatigued and have a few struggles, it seems to happen every year. If we can capitalize on this month, I think we have a good chance of being forth, or even third, and finding ourselves in a favorable position in Europe. With key players out, if we can make it through February without a disaster, then most of those players should return at the beginning of March, and we'll be in much better shape to end the season.

What are your views?

I got a feeling weavd turned the corner but im not to sure yet i think maximum points from prem is needed and any way we get through europa is gd enough

Coming down to it. Huge couple of days coming up, the derby tomorrow and Arsenal in the week.

Maximum points would do us the world of good and we'd be looking far stronger for that fourth spot. We certainly can't afford to drop many points with Man City's games in hand.

I'd say an absolute minimum of 4 points is required to keep in touch, as another defeat would give City the opportunity on paper to have a 9 point lead on us once their extra games have been played, and overturning that would be one hell of an ask.

Push on Reds, two wins would have us within at least 6 points of third place, and we could start looking forward instead of over our shoulders.

Big games coming up for sure, come on reds

Massive month starting today!

Come On the RED MEN!

Just as these big fixtures are coming up we have looked more resiliant in recent weeks and Soto and Mash have played their part to ensure this. The derby today will suit the Greek down to a Tee, however Arsenal are a different prospect and I wonder what Rafa has planned for that.

If all goes well today against the bitters (hypothetically speaking) will he opt to shuffle the back four around knowing a more mobile CB would be the ideal solution to deal with a 'footballing team'?

First things first though, the bitters. Our style of play recently is suited to the derby and this should stand us in good stead for the bitters. Hopefully we'll play a bit of football to go with it, but I'm fairly confident of getting a result over the BS today. Arsenal though...

Good start so far, bring on Arsenal

Step One: Accomplished

It's always difficult on derby day, teams seem to just raise their game. I thought we coped well, even after the red card. I honestly think it the same situation had happened four weeks ago, we would have bottled it. But I feel like the squad is really coming into itself now. I saw a lot of very good team play today.

Have to say though, Soto will be missed for Arsenal.

We 'could' be two points behind Arsenal by Wednesday.

Indeed sir!

F**k Arsenal we owe them a thrashing anyway!

The Man City game is the most crucial to stay in 4th spot. I think if we beat them then we are the real favourites.

The Man City game is the most crucial to stay in 4th spot. I think if we beat them then we are the real favourites.

Beat arsenal and city and were on for 3rd place never mind 4th.

A point at City wouldn't be the worst result in the world given they won't make any ground on us. I think if we beat Arsenal and are only two points behind then we can start thinking a bit higher than 4th. I fancy them to crumble if the pressure's on. Although we do struggle to beat them at the Emirates.

Although we do struggle to beat them at the Emirates.

As in 'struggle' you mean we never have.

First time for everything.

As in 'struggle' you mean we never have.

First time for everything.

Spot on...it's about time we go there and come away with the 3 points. Let's do this.

i think we will beat arsenal but draw at city.