Stats..............a little concerned

[Blade58]

3 wins this season and 3 defeats out of 7. I can live with that because we have a new manager who is trying to change the way we play.

However, we have managed a measley 4 goals in 7 games and that is a big concern. The fortunate thing of course is that the 3 wins, all being 1 - 0 have come about because we've manged to keep clean sheets. Remarkable really when you consider we have conceded 9 goals in the other 4 games.

Talk about Jekyll and Hyde!

More goals required from the front lads (accepted that more chances are required to create goal scoring opportunities) And more consistancy required at the back. Easy, problem solved

Big loss losing Morgs today btw

 

[Highbury_Blade]

3 wins in 4 games and some people still aren't happy.

 

[Blade58]

Just making some observations about our stats re goals scored and goals conceded.

I wonder, is it possible to be happy and a little concerned at the same time, or can it only be that if you're a little concerned, you can't be happy?

Tick tock tick tock..............................................

Yep, thought about it and I am happy and a little concerned at the same time.

 

[DuncDisorderly]

Yep, thought about it and I am happy and a little concerned at the same time.

I think that is fair comment..,

 

[MunXy]

the point is at the rate we are snatching points, even with such an abysmal goal difference i'd be happy because it would mean in what can only be described as total football revolution not transition, imo would mean relagation avoided.
as for the wierd state of stats well we are working with blackies kick n run team, and we are without williamson and henderson, both of which could make a vast difference.
speed is working with the tools he has left over from a previous regime and although we are far from firing on all cylinders, im pretty content with what appears to be our basic play, i personally think confidence is the key and a few decent results plus a couple of new players in and injured players back and the future could be rosey.
it could always be worse, we could support wendy and be destroying league 1 as they are
count your blessings people, not all silver linings have a cloud

MunXy

 

[Blade58]

the point is at the rate we are snatching points, even with such an abysmal goal difference i'd be happy because it would mean in what can only be described as total football revolution not transition, imo would mean relagation avoided.
as for the wierd state of stats well we are working with blackies kick n run team, and we are without williamson and henderson, both of which could make a vast difference.
speed is working with the tools he has left over from a previous regime and although we are far from firing on all cylinders, im pretty content with what appears to be our basic play, i personally think confidence is the key and a few decent results plus a couple of new players in and injured players back and the future could be rosey.
it could always be worse, we could support wendy and be destroying league 1 as they are
count your blessings people, not all silver linings have a cloud

MunXy

Have to agree with that MunXy.

Speed has my full backing, as do the players (on matchdays). There are a number of deficiencies in the team, but Speed is no mug and given some backing, he will address them. Bannon will hopefully be the next piece of the jigsaw.

Before the season started I had them down to finish around 10th. Nothing as changed in that respect for me, but things could improve if Speed is allowed to continue his rebuild and make the changes he has in mind.

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

We can't score but we're good at not conceding. It must be something to do with Leon Britton, just look at Swansea's bizarre season last season.

 

[Ollessendro]

3 wins this season and 3 defeats out of 7. I can live with that because we have a new manager who is trying to change the way we play.

However, we have managed a measley 4 goals in 7 games and that is a big concern. The fortunate thing of course is that the 3 wins, all being 1 - 0 have come about because we've manged to keep clean sheets. Remarkable really when you consider we have conceded 9 goals in the other 4 games.

Talk about Jekyll and Hyde!

More goals required from the front lads (accepted that more chances are required to create goal scoring opportunities) And more consistancy required at the back. Easy, problem solved

Big loss losing Morgs today btw

you're right 58. Our goal difference suggest that we should be in the bottom 3. Instead we are in the inflated position of 14th. We have run our luck and picked up 3 1 nil wins when we shouldn't have (with the exception of Derby).

The problems lie everywhere. Midfield can't create chances. On the rare occassions the midfielders create a chance, then the strikers can't score. Defenders seem to be having a one match on one match off policy.

 

[Nick Jansky]

picked up 3 1 nil wins when we shouldn't have

If that's the case, then we also lost a game 4-0 when we shouldn't have. We have won 3 games out of the last 4 with what is still very much a work in progress. I think there are grounds for cautious optimism, but the biggest thing we need at the moment is patience.

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

If that's the case, then we also lost a game 4-0 when we shouldn't have.

He didn't see that one, he said he was at Meadowhall. He still managed to be aware of everything little thing that happened and criticise us for it though.

He must be omnipresent or something.

 

[Ollessendro]

If that's the case, then we also lost a game 4-0 when we shouldn't have. We have won 3 games out of the last 4 with what is still very much a work in progress. I think there are grounds for cautious optimism, but the biggest thing we need at the moment is patience.

funny that you are ignoring the -5 goal difference (4th or 5th worst in the league). I agree that Speed is making positive steps, but purely stating we've won 3 out of 7 (hardly a good stat on any day of the week) without acknowledging our lack of goals and woeful defending is naive.

 

[shorehamview]

We can't be in an "inflated" position. Goal difference can't "suggest otherwise". Points tell us where we are. When we share the same number of points as someone else then, and only then, will goal difference and other witchcraft be taken into account. It doesn't matter if you score ten goals in a game or get one goal from the ball spozzily bouncing around the penalty area like a kangaroo shagging a space-hopper, if you win then you get three points. Goals inflate nothing. Unwanted hot air can inflate some things, but it too doesn't matter at the end of the season. If you win every single game one - nil you'll top the table. If the next team has a goal difference better than yours it means nothing if they are below you, whether their goal difference is one better or one thousand better.

 

[Nick Jansky]

funny that you are ignoring the -5 goal difference (4th or 5th worst in the league). I agree that Speed is making positive steps, but purely stating we've won 3 out of 7 (hardly a good stat on any day of the week) without acknowledging our lack of goals and woeful defending is naive.

4 of the goals against came in one freak match, so I'm not overly concerned about the goal difference this early in the season. You are wrong about our "woeful defending" - our defence has kept 3 clean sheets in the last 4 games. Our lack of goals is a concern, but that isn't just down to not creating chances. In the 2 games before yesterday we created plenty, but the finishing has been poor.

I agree with the need for a wide player & a striker. I think the quality attacking midfielder is already at the club, and hopefully he will soon be fit. The most naive thing I see on here at the moment is people being dismissive of Speed after only 4 games in charge when it is clearly evident to everybody that he faces a massive challenge. He needs to be cut loads of slack for at least the rest of this season, and the realists amongst us will accept that we are currently a work in progress, and there will be some bad results along the way.

 

[Ollessendro]

We can't be in an "inflated" position. Goal difference can't "suggest otherwise". Points tell us where we are. When we share the same number of points as someone else then, and only then, will goal difference and other witchcraft be taken into account. It doesn't matter if you score ten goals in a game or get one goal from the ball spozzily bouncing around the penalty area like a kangaroo shagging a space-hopper, if you win then you get three points. Goals inflate nothing. Unwanted hot air can inflate some things, but it too doesn't matter at the end of the season. If you win every single game one - nil you'll top the table. If the next team has a goal difference better than yours it means nothing if they are below you, whether their goal difference is one better or one thousand better.

Yes it can. We are lucky to be in the league position we are because we didn't deserve to win 2 of those 3 games that we did win. Are you telling me that a team winning 4-0 every week is not playing better than a team winning 1-0 every week. I used the word 'suggest' because goal difference is a good indication of how well a team is playing. Of course, points defines the league position. That is ultimate. But are you suggesting we should ignore goal difference?

I stated somewhere else that the problems where everywhere. Not creating chances, not finishing and school boy defending. Speed does face a massive challenge for sure. As far as I'm aware, nobody has wrote him off. In fact most seem behind him. SV, there's a difference between criticising Speed if he makes some mistakes and not being behind Speed. I accept that this season is transitional, but it doesn't mean I'll be happy (or quiet) if fail to beat poor teams, get beat at home, paly poorly etc.

4 of the goals against came in one freak match, so I'm not overly concerned about the goal difference this early in the season. You are wrong about our "woeful defending" - our defence has kept 3 clean sheets in the last 4 games. Our lack of goals is a concern, but that isn't just down to not creating chances. In the 2 games before yesterday we created plenty, but the finishing has been poor.

The defending against Derby was ok (although they offered nothing), a similar story with Preston (missed an absolute sitter served up by Nos) and yesterday we got saved by SS and could have conceded 2 or 3. This is all on top of us conceding 4 against the worst team in the league. I think it is time to get back to basics.

 

[shorehamview]

The only reason we are where we are is because of the points we have from games we have won. I know what you mean about luck having something to do with it - we were lucky that Chedwyn's goal went in*, just as we were unlucky that Scunny banged four past us. If we'd been totally shit against Scunny then fair enough, but we weren't. If we'd drawn against Boro we'd be on the same goal difference but with two more points.

As it stands after seven games it's a little too early to draw any conclusions based on our position, and as far as it painting a false picture, well, we can only play the teams the fixture list tells us, be they great or cacky. The table only really paints a true overall picture at the end of the season. Sure, there will be a few exceptions, like when a team loses every match, like Pompey, or doesn't lose, like QPR, but will they both be in the same places at the end?








*It was flipping great too - one of the finest free kicks you'll ever see. Unless you're shopping or otherwise under the thumb, in which case it was one of the greatest free kicks you'll miss. Just not the same on the iplayer. Or it was a lucky boinger - either way, I saw it.

 

[MunXy]

ok lets put it another way shall we, speed has been in charge for 4 games, we've won 3 and lost 1, how can that be naive olle, ffs IF that continued for the rest season that would give us 100pts and probably the league title. and i for one will take 30 x 1-0 wins and 10 x 4-0 defeats for the rest of the season, infact i go as far as to say 10 x 10-0 defeats especially if those defeats are played like against scunny where it was a good game (result not withstanding) and any blade that wouldnt take THOSE stats and league title plus 100 pts approx is no true blade, style of play is nice but when compared to winning a game and getting into premiership ill take scrappy 1-0 win every time.
as stated above goal difference is only important if POINTS are the same and i cant see any other team hitting 100pts + can you?
the positives here are plain to see, in 4 games speed has a 75% win record, thats good enough for me.

MunXy

 

[Ollessendro]

The only reason we are where we are is because of the points we have from games we have won. I know what you mean about luck having something to do with it - we were lucky that Chedwyn's goal went in*, just as we were unlucky that Scunny banged four past us. If we'd been totally shit against Scunny then fair enough, but we weren't. If we'd drawn against Boro we'd be on the same goal difference but with two more points.

As it stands after seven games it's a little too early to draw any conclusions based on our position, and as far as it painting a false picture, well, we can only play the teams the fixture list tells us, be they great or cacky. The table only really paints a true overall picture at the end of the season. Sure, there will be a few exceptions, like when a team loses every match, like Pompey, or doesn't lose, like QPR, but will they both be in the same places at the end?

we are never going to agree and could argue about trivial facts all day (i.e. we didn't beat Boro, to say we were unlucky to lose 4 nil at home doesn't quite sound right, etc) but my point is that goal difference is a good indication of how well as team is playing. You could argue there's been an improvement under Speed (see below - also addressing MunXy's innacuraccies) but it is exactly the same team, so to discount these all together would not be representative.

P W D L GS GA GD Pts
GS 5 3 0 2 3 5 -2 9
Overall 7 3 1 3 4 9 -5 10

How long do you want to wait before you start getting worried about our lack of goals and goals conceded SV? The end of the season? After xmas? After we lose to Leeds and Forrest? I'm willing to give Speed time and be patient, but it won't stop me being concerned about our goal difference (on top of lack of quality, thin squad, lack of signings, poor performances etc).

ok lets put it another way shall we, speed has been in charge for 4 games, we've won 3 and lost 1, how can that be naive olle, ffs IF that continued for the rest season that would give us 100pts and probably the league title. and i for one will take 30 x 1-0 wins and 10 x 4-0 defeats for the rest of the season, infact i go as far as to say 10 x 10-0 defeats especially if those defeats are played like against scunny where it was a good game (result not withstanding) and any blade that wouldnt take THOSE stats and league title plus 100 pts approx is no true blade, style of play is nice but when compared to winning a game and getting into premiership ill take scrappy 1-0 win every time.
as stated above goal difference is only important if POINTS are the same and i cant see any other team hitting 100pts + can you?
the positives here are plain to see, in 4 games speed has a 75% win record, thats good enough for me.

Can you get your facts right before you start agressively challenging an ffs-ing please. See above for correct stats.

So you are a results man. Well done. Did you like Blackwell? After all he ground out results. Did you know he has one of the highest win records as an SUFC manager? Speed's is currenlty higher though (at 60% not 75% mind). That could fall to 40% if we don't pick up points in our next 2 away fixtures (which is highly likely).

Do you not think I'd take 30 1-0 wins's and 10m 10 nil thrashings to get promoted? (if offered by a genie). But what are the chances? Your example is so extreme that it falls down straight away. Goal difference is a very accurate reflection of how well teams are playing and the table will more often than not reflect this.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Just making some observations about our stats re goals scored and goals conceded.

I wonder, is it possible to be happy and a little concerned at the same time, or can it only be that if you're a little concerned, you can't be happy?

Tick tock tick tock..............................................

Yep, thought about it and I am happy and a little concerned at the same time.

How long do you expect it to take a new manager to turn a team of cloggers into a cultured team playing wonderful touch football?
He still has the same players who can't control a ball, the worst of which yesterday was Ward who's 2nd touch was always another attempt to control it.

 

[MunXy]

how on earth can played 4, won 3, lost 1 become 60% win record?
im pretty sure when i went to school all those years ago 3 out of 4 = 75%
or three quarters.
olle old boy, i have to hand it too you, we win 3, not well and indeed lucky and lose 1 badly, 4-0 at home is bad no matter how you look at it, but saying that i really dont think you would have a good thing to say if we had just beat arsenal, manure and chelsea then lost to west sham.
the record does speak for itself you are showing all 7 games of which speed was only in charge for the last 4 of which he has won 3.
likely we will lose next 2 huh olle, well maybe so and that might justify your complete and utter lack of optimism BUT i ask you if after next 2 games which i think two more 1-0 WINS are in order, will you at least concede that the slightest inkling of the idea that you might just be mistaken and the blades are improving?
like you olle, i used to think i was always right, but one time i thought i was wrong but later found i was mistaken

MunXy

 

[CopenhagenBlade]

we are never going to agree and could argue about trivial facts all day (i.e. we didn't beat Boro, to say we were unlucky to lose 4 nil at home doesn't quite sound right, etc) but my point is that goal difference is a good indication of how well as team is playing. You could argue there's been an improvement under Speed (see below - also addressing MunXy's innacuraccies) but it is exactly the same team, so to discount these all together would not be representative.

P W D L GS GA GD Pts
GS 5 3 0 2 3 5 -2 9
Overall 7 3 1 3 4 9 -5 10

How long do you want to wait before you start getting worried about our lack of goals and goals conceded SV? The end of the season? After xmas? After we lose to Leeds and Forrest? I'm willing to give Speed time and be patient, but it won't stop me being concerned about our goal difference (on top of lack of quality, thin squad, lack of signings, poor performances etc).



Can you get your facts right before you start agressively challenging an ffs-ing please. See above for correct stats.

So you are a results man. Well done. Did you like Blackwell? After all he ground out results. Did you know he has one of the highest win records as an SUFC manager? Speed's is currenlty higher though (at 60% not 75% mind). That could fall to 40% if we don't pick up points in our next 2 away fixtures (which is highly likely).

Do you not think I'd take 30 1-0 wins's and 10m 10 nil thrashings to get promoted? (if offered by a genie). But what are the chances? Your example is so extreme that it falls down straight away. Goal difference is a very accurate reflection of how well teams are playing and the table will more often than not reflect this.

Arsenal won championships winning 1-0.
I know that you are trying to make a name for yourself and get attention but your mails are so boring. At least Len has the common decency to keep his short

 

[Ollessendro]

Arsenal won championships winning 1-0.
I know that you are trying to make a name for yourself and get attention but your mails are so boring. At least Len has the common decency to keep his short

Are you talking about the invincibles? (who won the title with a +47 goal difference). Or when they scored 73 goals in the 88/89 season under Graham??

If you find my posts boring then don't read them. Simple! Still you obviously found this one interesting enough to reply.

 

[alcoblade]

Are you talking about the invincibles? (who won the title with a +47 goal difference). Or when they scored 73 goals in the 88/89 season under Graham??

If you find my posts boring then don't read them. Simple! Still you obviously found this one interesting enough to reply.

I don't find your posts boring Olle, and you have a right to your opinion. But in your quest to find negatives in every aspect of life at Sheffield United, you don't half talk some shite.

League position is determined by points, not goal difference. Write to the league and complain if it doesn't leave the club low enough for your liking, but that's the fact is it stands.

Maybe turn up and watch a few games - you might like a little of what you see. We're clearly a long way off, but the journey doesn't have to be remotely as painful as you want to make it for yourself, unless you enjoy hating your club.

UTB

 

[CopenhagenBlade]

Are you talking about the invincibles? (who won the title with a +47 goal difference). Or when they scored 73 goals in the 88/89 season under Graham??

If you find my posts boring then don't read them. Simple! Still you obviously found this one interesting enough to reply.

I generally don't but seeing as you have to throw a post into almost every thread where you can criticize the club and team, trying to be funny they are sometimes hard to avoid.
It is a shame because as an exile it is nice to keep in touch and chat about the club but sadly this site like BU is being overtaken by Trolls, trying to fill their own agenda. What you get out of it, when you are posting under an alias is beyond me but it obviously gives you some satisfaction in your 'life' And before you go into \Clapper or Sunshine Band or whatever they are called then don't as I think that the club should be criticised as well as praised. Fans have a lot of power at their clubs and we shouldn't abuse or dis-respect that.

There are unfortunately few posters left who want to have a constructive debate without someone or other screaming clapper or knocker. If you want to criticize come up with a solution, that is at least realistic in it's proposal.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Olle, alco is right. Just try to enjoy being a Blade. It doesn't have to be torture....its only football

Your posts are far from boring though. Even though you're a negative nelly you wear your heart on your sleeve which is not a bad thing. I think what actually bores your critics is the fact that they bite at everything you say constantly.....in which case they shouldn't do it.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Why not leave Ollie to be the miserable every silver lining has a cloud type of fan. Hes my ying to Dunc's yang as he says himself if his posts wind you up don't read them and don't reply.
I don't agree with most of them but I enjoy an opposite opinion even if I think its Pony at least there is some reasoning behind it.
I'd rather have 100 posters like Ollie rather than the other knockers who just post negative comments without any reasoning time after time. You almost get the impression that they actively want the Blades to lose or for a player to fail just to prove them right.

Let's discuss the aspects of the thread and the worrying stats rather than Ollie half empty cup.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

I'd rather have 100 posters like Ollie rather than the other knockers who just post negative comments without any reasoning time after time.

Totally agree. He's alright by me....and at least some of his posts are funny.

You almost get the impression that they actively want the Blades to lose or for a player to fail just to prove them right.

I dont mind that as much. If they want the team they supposedly support to fail then fine....the club doesnt need supporters like that anyway. The bit that I find unacceptable is their aggressive approach to ridiculing posters who want to be positive and enjoy being a Blade.

It is an attempt to ruin the experience for others which shouldn't be tolerated.....in fact it should have a zero tolerance policy attached to it but I dont run the forum so its easy for me to say.

I block this form of negativity out myself, as I take the view that there are far more interesting and articulate people to debate with on here. As you said, Olle backs up his arguments and inserts a little light-heartedness so its bearable.

 

[JohnDenver]

If they want the team they supposedly support to fail then fine....the club doesnt need supporters like that anyway.

One thing I've never understood is this...

It's a statistical fact [which I just made up] that there are far more posts after we lose than win. I'm much more inclined to log-in after a victory or a good performance, and would rather take my mind of football altogether if we've been stuffed. Seems some people have the polar opposite approach.

I find that really confusing - wallowing in negativity.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

One thing I've never understood is this...

It's a statistical fact [which I just made up] that there are far more posts after we lose than win. I'm much more inclined to log-in after a victory or a good performance, and would rather take my mind of football altogether if we've been stuffed. Seems some people have the polar opposite approach.

I find that really confusing - wallowing in negativity.

Its that age old saying.....some people aren't happy unless they're unhappy. Its a common Sheffield mentality.

I'm happy to talk about the club win or lose, as I have the ability (like most Blades on here) to see positives and negatives. Its just a matter of being balanced and realistic in things you say/type. We need some negativity to form debate, otherwise the place would be boring.....but that is no excuse to hammer the same point over and over whilst belittling someone else's in an attempt to drag everyone else into the gutter.....

As ive said repeatedly (I'm labouring this point a little), the best thing to do is ignore it. If you find another poster unpleasant or overly negative just ignore their posts. Even if they are directed at you just blank them. Positive people have nothing to prove by biting back because 90% of the forum probably thinks they're a nob anyway so you dont have to prove anything.....

Blanking people like that irritates the f**k out of them. Ive done it in real life and it drives them insane. They'll soon get bored if everyone switches off to them. Sadly some folk cant resist retaliation.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

When Speed took over he tried to deflect away the questions about change of style emphasising that results were the main thing at this stage. 5 games in, we've won 3 lost 2. We were probably worth a point at Boro, we're unlucky to lose to Scunny but arguably got a lucky win against Pompey so overall, we've probably about deserved the points we have achieved under him.

Everyone will agree that we're attempting to change our style but given the fact that it's the same set of players, we have a new coach and only 5 games in, the negativity is beyond me. People were talking about a revolution after the Derby win and it seems Tuesday's freak result has knocked some people sideways. Complaining that we're winning games 1-0, complaining that we're missing chances when there's been countless games in the last 18 months where we haven't created any. There's always room for improvement and I've no problem with debating where we need to improve but the negativity, the cheap as chips II nonsense is just ridiculous at this stage. I for one am happy that things are moving in the right direction and with 3 wins, 3 clean sheets, surely that's enough after only 5 games ?

 

[SteelCity Blade]

When Speed took over he tried to deflect away the questions about change of style emphasising that results were the main thing at this stage. 5 games in, we've won 3 lost 2. We were probably worth a point at Boro, we're unlucky to lose to Scunny but arguably got a lucky win against Pompey so overall, we've probably about deserved the points we have achieved under him.

Everyone will agree that we're attempting to change our style but given the fact that it's the same set of players, we have a new coach and only 5 games in, the negativity is beyond me. People were talking about a revolution after the Derby win and it seems Tuesday's freak result has knocked some people sideways. Complaining that we're winning games 1-0, complaining that we're missing chances when there's been countless games in the last 18 months where we haven't created any. There's always room for improvement and I've no problem with debating where we need to improve but the negativity, the cheap as chips II nonsense is just ridiculous at this stage. I for one am happy that things are moving in the right direction and with 3 wins, 3 clean sheets, surely that's enough after only 5 games ?

Sadly football fans want revolution overnight Jim. The negative ones want it quicker. That's the nature of the beast. But I'm with you.....all in all, its good enough at the moment and I'm seeing some positive things. A lot of work to do though.