considering that 6 out of 10 are home draws :cry::sweat:
Out of 11 home games:
Win 4
Draw 6
Lost 1
Yes. We drew 6 and is in such trouble despite our excellent away form this year. Of the 6 draws, i would say we were unlucky for the Chelsea and maybe the Arsenal game. The other 4 are all winable and we should have done better. What really surprise me is Rafa's defensive tactics at home. We seems to play more adventurous football away from home. Despite the KOP's unwavering and intimidating support, we have been really poor at home. Anfield used to be an unpenetratable castle, now, it's like a leaking dam.
Sure i think Agger's injury is a key but Hyypia is not a bad substitute and the rest of the defenders and GK are the same. I think alot has to do with 2 factors, Rafa's tactics and Pennant's injury. Why is pennant's injury crucial? Well, i think Rafa start losing his marbles when Pennant is injured. He starts to experiment, one game with benayoun, one game with Babel, sometimes with Gerrard and occasionally with Kuyt playing on right wing. As a result, we become very suspect on our right midfield as most of the replacements are either central midfielder or strikers. Hence, u start seeing Arbeloa pushing too far up and we concede goals on counter attacks.
The biggest problem with Rafa's tactics is his defensive mind set as well as his penchant of using players out of position, not to mention resting them as and when he feels like. It's ok with change ur lineup due to suspension, injuries and real fatigues (3games a week, international matches etc) and occasionally tactical reasons. The way he changes the lineup like taking Crouch off the next few matches after he regain scoring touch, benching Torres for a couple of matches when he's not injured etc. is crazy.
I think the main reason why AF is so successful is he knows how to use his subs. Look at the impact of his subs and timing (as early as 15mins if he feels is wrong). Jose also. Wenger is more unwilling to change but he can afford to becos his players are the fittest in the league. Say what you want the African players are just physically stronger.
Until Rafa sort out his absurb rotation policy, we will never be consistent and will never win the league. Unless he change, i strongly believe he should go. Gimme Kenny Dalglish any day.