Coming into this season, new signings were what we wanted and new signings were what we got. We can’t complain that this isn’t a fairly rearranged squad, without being unrecognisable.
Many have already had their chance to shine and as individuals they have given pretty positive displays. But with one league win under our belt so far as I write, this group needs to gel and get results sharpish.
We’ve had so many opportunities in games and just a couple more of those chances taken could have meant points. In the first three games, statistically speaking, we’ve hit the woodwork twice, had eight shots on target and scored four goals.
With a shooting accuracy of 19% so far, that’s got to improve quickly to avoid confidence dropping and fans getting impatient. For some perspective on that, last season, which fans classed as ‘poor’, shooting accuracy was 34% overall.
I know, I know, we’re only three games in, but those percentages and these margins can make a big difference come May next year. Having so many new signings is always a risk – but now they’ve had their time to become more of a team and it’s down to business from now.
Having said that, we’ve got Man City out the way, as we like to say, and I don’t think anyone was embarrassed by the result or the performance. Haaland was the difference and there aren’t many teams who have an equivalent.
On paper, August could have ended in no points though, so three is alright. Onwards and upwards to the rest of the month where we simply have to be getting points against Fulham and Brentford.
Chelsea is a tricky one, who knows how that will go. As for Liverpool away in the cup is, well it was fun while it lasted. Talking of silverware and getting a team to gel, this is a big season for Bowen – being the captain, if he can have a really positive influence on the pitch and in the dressing room, a nice run in the FA Cup could give him a dream trophy lift.
It’s obviously not solely up to him to keep this team on track, but if he keeps being his brilliant self, as he was against Palace, his teammates will follow. Let’s hope for some momentum for the next few games – momentum builds confidence, confidence reaps results, results keep everyone happy.
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