My concerns…

[CoolClaret]

My only concern is that you assume others would be concerned to hear about your concerns..

Seems like a lot are in agreement but probably don’t like to voice their opinions because of the passive aggressive posters such as yourself that add 0 actual content to the discussion.

[BurnleyFC]

I have to agree with the OP, unfortunately.

I thought that last season’s side with the loans signed on as permanents and a couple of additions would survive this year.

Now I’m not so sure.

[arise_sir_charge]

Systematically torn apart.

Just utter, utter bull ****.

[CoolClaret]

Systematically torn apart.

Just utter, utter bull ****.

How is that bullshit?

They destroyed us, re watch the goals. That’s taking a team apart.

They got in behind us multiple times and passed across goal to an on running attacker.

It’s hardly individual brilliance that you have to sometimes stand up and clap (see Haaland’s second goal against us for an example).

[bobinho]

If we were undone by individual brilliance that would be one thing.

When it’s systematically tore apart like we were yesterday then it’s different.

If we lineup like that against Spurs we will get smoked

Do you think we will line up like that, or do you think that VK knows he (as well as the team) still has a lot to learn and will be trying hard to find that balance in the side that he/we/you are looking for by making changes?
He, like us, won’t know his best 11 yet, and he won’t know who’s fully grasped the system and their role within it. Like last season, we need to have patience. We will get there, of that I’m absolutely sure from what I have seen of the players so far.

[arise_sir_charge]

How is that bullshit?

They destroyed us, re watch the goals. That’s taking a team apart.

They got in behind us multiple times and passed across goal to an on running attacker.

It’s hardly individual brilliance that you have to sometimes stand up and clap (see Haaland’s second goal against us for an example).

It’s bull **** because by no means were we “systematically torn apart”. We had some great chances of our own but Villa were the better side and just more clinical.

At 2-0 down yesterday I think we’d faced 6 shots on target so far this season and 5 of them had been scored, it was similar at the start of last season. That will change as it did last years.

I’ve seen us systematically torn apart on many an occasion across multiple divisions, the 5-0 at Ewood, being 5 down after about 20 mins against City under Laws, a few of the visits to the Etihad where we had a load of old heads and experience and set up to not lose, we were torn apart.

Yesterday was nothing like any of them and had we been more clinical we could have grabbed a point at least.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Systematically torn apart.

Just utter, utter bull ****.

I think they did.

They tactically destroyed us from minute one until the end.

That’s not bull **** to say.

We will learn from the mistakes

[Hibsclaret]

Patience
Patience
Patience


and more
Patience

is all that is required

Top half finish

[FCBurnley]

You are the same poster who wrote off the likes of Muric early doors last season. I think the only thing crystal clear here is that we can trust the manager.

You are correct. I thought Muric was awful early in the season and said so. Yesterday Trafford made a basic error that gave Villa the impetus they needed. You simply cannot do that in the PL. if we concede 3 goals in a game we will lose.

[arise_sir_charge]

I think they did.

They tactically destroyed us from minute one until the end.

That’s not bull **** to say.

We will learn from the mistakes

********.

[Elizabeth]

I’ve slept on it and rewatched the extended highlights again from the game yesterday -

I just can’t shake this feeling that we’ve made a colossal f***k up on our entire approach to this season.

I feel like we’ve massively over thought our transfer policy; I strongly believe that Maatsen was available early in the window for 20 ish, Tella was available early on for 12-15 or so and THB is available for 15.

Now, I’d have said that’s a lot of money for three players but given we’ve been happy to spend a similar amount for individuals such as Odobert and Trafford then I have to ask why we wouldn’t get these deals done?

It’s ok claiming that we’re looking to sell on at a profit - but you know what else makes you money? Staying in the Premier league…

We went up as 101 point champions last year with Brownhill who captained the side a lot last year, in the champ TOTY has been dropped for the shiny new thing - same with Muric and for what?

I feel like we’ve lost our identity - yesterday looked everything like a team of mercenaries playing together - like a Watford team of their latter premier league days - who also got relegated with Sarr, Dennis & João Pedro (an extremely talented front three) after they lost the sort of steel they had with Doucoure & Capoue in the middle.

Yesterday was a masterclass in how to lose a game of football in the Premier league.

Tons of floaty wingers coming on and interchanging position whilst Villa happily sat back and tore us to pieces on the counter attack.

This four at the back becoming a three in possession - as soon as we lost the ball we weren’t in on them pressing, they simply bypassed our midfield in one simple pass then got it out to the flanks and in doing so totally caught us out of position all over the place, pulled our centre halves out and then put the ball back across goal multiple times for a few great goals and some more chances.

You look at the images attached - what were we thinking? It’s borderline criminal to set up like that against Villa, who’s bread and butter is counter attacking at pace in the channels - a complete hiding to nothing.

It’s all well and good being a purist and believing in your philosophy - a bit of pragmatism.

Looking like we’re signing Tresor which would have been fantastic earlier in the window - do we really need yet another floaty left winger/10 type now? Where are our fullbacks? What happens if Roberts gets a knock - we gonna keep playing centre halves out of position?

It’s all well and good claiming we need time to gel but 10 games to gel in the PL and you may as well kiss your season goodbye, it’s practically a third of the way in.

We had a proper team last season that simply needed a few additions, not the entire playbook ripping up and starting again.

I was the opposite , slept like a log. We have been competitive against two of the top sides in the Premier League. Kompany does not have explain himself to me for fielding youth over experience , he is not finished in the transfer market and will find the right balance and cohesion as the season progresses.

[FCBurnley]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

[CoolClaret]

Do you think we will line up like that, or do you think that VK knows he (as well as the team) still has a lot to learn and will be trying hard to find that balance in the side that he/we/you are looking for by making changes?
He, like us, won’t know his best 11 yet, and he won’t know who’s fully grasped the system and their role within it. Like last season, we need to have patience. We will get there, of that I’m absolutely sure from what I have seen of the players so far.

The signings that we’ve made points to this hybrid 4 becoming a three at the back being a mainstay in all honesty.

It’s bull **** because by no means were we “systematically torn apart”. We had some great chances of our own but Villa were the better side and just more clinical.

At 2-0 down yesterday I think we’d faced 6 shots on target so far this season and 5 of them had been scored, it was similar at the start of last season. That will change as it did last years.

I’ve seen us systematically torn apart on many an occasion across multiple divisions, the 5-0 at Ewood, being 5 down after about 20 mins against City under Laws, a few of the visits to the Etihad where we had a load of old heads and experience and set up to not lose, we were torn apart.

Yesterday was nothing like any of them and had we been more clinical we could have grabbed a point at least.

Sincerely disagree - they had good quality chances - xG reflects that.. we conceded 2.70 xG to Villa yesterday whilst having 0.73 ourselves.

For reference, when we lost 6-0 away at the Etihad last season (which we could all agree that we got dismantled against) City posted 3.60 xG for example.

My overriding point is that if Vincent thinks we can play with a line that high with players stepping in/out of midfield in the Prem then I think we’re in for a very long season.

It’s one thing if you have a top athlete in defensive mid or a player that has an exceptional reading of the game sniffing out danger and supporting our centre halves but when you’re second to the ball and slow to press opposing midfielders then expect to get routinely countered.

[Newcastleclaret93]

********.

We were at home and they had 22 shots

I thought there were some real positives with the performance but to suggest Villa didn’t destroy us is just naive.

We will improve no end from that game and so will VK

[taio]

We were at home and they had 22 shots

I thought there were some real positives with the performance but to suggest Villa didn’t destroy us is just naive.

We will improve no end from that game and so will VK

They didn't have 22 shots.

[kentonclaret]

Forest took 6 points from the first 11 games last season and stayed up. Wolves were the first team in PL history to be bottom at Christmas and stay up. Both were quite comfortable in the end.

Wolves only managed to turn things around once Bruno Lage was binned and a new manager Lopetegui was appointed on 5 November.
Let’s hope such drastic measures aren’t needed at Turf Moor.

[Newcastleclaret93]

They didn't have 22 shots.

Apologies 16

That is still crazy high for a home game

[CoolClaret]

Apologies 16

That is still crazy high for a home game

It’s not necessary the number that’s the concern, it’s the quality of the chances that they created.

When we beat Liverpool 2-0 at home in our first year back in the big time 16-17 we conceded a ton of shots but they were absolute desperation hits from Liverpool who couldn’t break us down.

(Note I am not once suggesting that I want to go back to a rigid 442)

I am a bit worried about potential morale in the squad though.

You can only think that the likes of Muric, Brownhill, Ekdal, Taylor, Zaroury are a bit cheesed seeing players just walk into the side because they’re the shiny new thing.

[Longsidejono]

Concerning when joey through the ball to al dakhil (to take a throw in) and he said WHAT?! And proceeded to make continuous foul throws

[kentonclaret]

If we have completed all of our transfer business with no more incomings (signings or loans) then, yes, it is slightly concerning.
VK is not a proven PL manager he is learning on the job. He played in the PL at the highest level but managing is a whole new discipline as many ex players have found out. Frank Lampard being just one recent example.

[ksrclaret]

The ease at which they found a pass right through our midfield was very concerning. The set up was really, really bad.

Needs to change for Spurs.

[kentonclaret]

Apologies 16

That is still crazy high for a home game

Tottenham had 17 shots at Bournemouth on Saturday

Good job we aren’t playing them at home for a while.

[KRBFC]

I think the main thing we need is the window to close, Beyer and Zaroury back available. Then hopefully we can start seeing some consistency in the line up and some continuity in the formation/team.

We’ve played two games so far and played four at the back and five at the back with completely different personnel. Al Dakhil changing position every game can’t be helping anyone.

We need a settled side, especially defensively.

[Spijed]

Forest took 6 points from the first 11 games last season and stayed up. Wolves were the first team in PL history to be bottom at Christmas and stay up. Both were quite comfortable in the end.

Didn't Forest have to completely change tactics to stop up?

Here's a quote from their main forum
"I think a lot will assume they’ll do well because of the type of football they played last year.

Personally I think if they play that open they will get absolutely torn to shreds. We learned that the hard way at the start of last year and we weren’t even considered a possession team. Even the mighty Brentcelona had to abandon their footballing principles"

https://www.forestforum.co.uk/index.php ... st-3848142

[CoolClaret]

Didn't Forest have to completely change tactics to stop up?

Here's a quote from their main forum
"I think a lot will assume they’ll do well because of the type of football they played last year.

Personally I think if they play that open they will get absolutely torn to shreds. We learned that the hard way at the start of last year and we weren’t even considered a possession team. Even the mighty Brentcelona had to abandon their footballing principles"

https://www.forestforum.co.uk/index.php ... st-3848142

Worth mentioning that Forest just about got over the line then scraped up through the playoffs.

It’s a stark contrast to a team winning the championship with 101 points.

Forest finished the 21/22 season with 80 points

[Newcastleclaret93]

Tottenham had 17 shots at Bournemouth on Saturday

Good job we aren’t playing them at home for a while.

Yep and they destroyed them.

Tottenham seem to have found a decent formula. I’ve been really impressed with them last two games.

[CoolClaret]

Yep and they destroyed them.

Tottenham seem to have found a decent formula. I’ve been really impressed with them last two games.

Two mega athletes that can play a bit in the middle of the park certainly helps

[kentonclaret]

Yep and they destroyed them.

Tottenham seem to have found a decent formula. I’ve been really impressed with them last two games.

Let’s hope you’re not too impressed with them on Saturday then come 5pm.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Let’s hope you’re not too impressed with them on Saturday then come 5pm.

I might be wrong but after watching there last two games if you can stop Maddison you have a bloody good chance at nullifying them.

Everything goes through him

[RVclaret]

I am a bit worried about potential morale in the squad though.

You can only think that the likes of Muric, Brownhill, Ekdal, Taylor, Zaroury are a bit cheesed seeing players just walk into the side because they’re the shiny new thing.

Zaroury just signed a new 4 year deal and has been suspended... Taylor will probably be leaving. Muric, who knows what’s gone on but prioritising a keeper when he was pretty good last season suggests something. Brownhill had been carrying a knock (according to his brother) so might not have been fully fit.

[boyyanno]

We've played two good sides but there has been enough common ground to see where problems are going to be imo. We stretch ourselves everytime we stretch the other team which is a massive problem and defensively we look very weak. The left back side which is one of the 3 positions everyone knew we needed is yet to be filled and causing us issues. Players like Koleosho look very good but also look very naive in terms of position and discipline in a system.

The positives- We've only played two games and a lot of those can be resolved before we have some better fixtures. This team clearly has a lot more talent than some of the previous ones that have enjoyed success at this level. Foster has been excellent.

I think we've been given an early warning sign, no need for bedwetting and let's just hope we learn our lessons. I know a lot of people thought it would be a breeze this year but it's a tough ask for most teams as the gap in quality is just so big.

[burnleymik]

Watching the game back the 2 jay rod chances at the end are massive, they aren’t half chances they really really good chances, first one comes at 85min and the second at 88min, either one of those goes in and makes the 5min added time have a totally different feel

On the flip side of that Villa missed some really big chances too and took their foot off the gas towards the end.

This really wasn't a game that could have gone either way. it was quite one sided in reality, apart from maybe that spell we had early in the second half.

It's refreshing that OP has come in with plenty of reasoning and thought for why they came to the conclusions they have. It's a shame some people can't see these thiongs are there for us to discuss and question, without it making it bad fans or tactical geniuses.

I quite like seeing how different people view things so differently and it's harmless discussing it.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Zaroury just signed a new 4 year deal and has been suspended... Taylor will probably be leaving. Muric, who knows what’s gone on but prioritising a keeper when he was pretty good last season suggests something. Brownhill had been carrying a knock (according to his brother) so might not have been fully fit.

I also think this is the mentality of the top managers nowadays, there is no loyalty it’s all about winning.

If VK thinks the new signings are better players he will play them

[123EasyasBFC]

On the flip side of that Villa missed some really big chances too and took their foot off the gas towards the end.

This really wasn't a game that could have gone either way. it was quite one sided in reality, apart from maybe that spell we had early in the second half.

It's refreshing that OP has come in with plenty of reasoning and thought for why they came to the conclusions they have. It's a shame some people can't see these thiongs are there for us to discuss and question, without it making it bad fans or tactical geniuses.

I quite like seeing how different people view things so differently and it's harmless discussing it.

Oh god yeah Villa did have a couple of good chances, zaniolo and Watkins (think he might of been offside) but they jay chances where really good, well created chances

[Hipper]

Watched the extended highlights too, and our shape was all over the place. Our back four was playing like they had never played together before and looked short of a leader. I suspect Villa will not have an easier game. Plenty for VK to work on and I suspect he will be all over it like a rash. Lets hope we see some improvements in the way we set up v Spurs, who like Villa are a much improved team and will test us to the limit

They hadn't (Delcroix)!

I understand it's a work in progress and it maybe that our managers think that last season's way of playing won't work at this level so we need some new method.

However it is disappointing that we fell so easily for exactly what is known of Villa's strengths. We did quite well against Man City with a high line but that game was played at a relative snail's pace. Maybe that's a product of Beyer's injury and his replacement's newness. Maybe Vitinho or someone else would have done better. But what do I know.

[CoolClaret]

I also think this is the mentality of the top managers nowadays, there is no loyalty it’s all about winning.

If VK thinks the new signings are better players he will play them

Arteta also thinks he’s onto something playing Partey at right back, leaving Gabriel out of his match day side and having Havertz floating around.

Others look at their side and think Arsenal have lost some of what made them a formidable force earlier on last season.

Sometimes managers get fixated on ideals over pragmatism, the last thing you want especially in English football is to be easy to play against - which that is exactly what we are right now. Sit back a bit, absorb some pressure and have some lads running the channels and midfielders running into the box. Rinse and repeat

[KRBFC]

Said earlier in the window I’d like to see an experienced central defender come in, Eric Dier being allowed to leave Spurs, we could do a lot worse on a loan deal.

[buzzclarets79]

No one likes to watch us lose, but some of the stuff posted over the past 80 odd pages is just baffling to read, a bit of prospective is required. We've essentially brought in a new starting 11 again, full of potential, exciting to watch, a complete change to what we've had over the past decade, its a marathon not a sprint, we are putting a squad together that maybe could take us to who knows where but it'll take time to gel and really become a team.
Results against City & Villa aren't going to make or break our season, and maybe its a good thing we are playing the top teams so early in the season as then when we come up against teams in and around us, the likes of Luton, Sheff Utd etc, the team will be closer together and ready to take them on.
Don't panic, keep the faith, look at how last season turned out.....

No one believed in us last year as VK said........

[BleedingClaret]

No one likes to watch us lose, but some of the stuff posted over the past 80 odd pages is just baffling to read, a bit of prospective is required. We've essentially brought in a new starting 11 again, full of potential, exciting to watch, a complete change to what we've had over the past decade, its a marathon not a sprint, we are putting a squad together that maybe could take us to who knows where but it'll take time to gel and really become a team.
Results against City & Villa aren't going to make or break our season, and maybe its a good thing we are playing the top teams so early in the season as then when we come up against teams in and around us, the likes of Luton, Sheff Utd etc, the team will be closer together and ready to take them on.
Don't panic, keep the faith, look at how last season turned out.....

No one believed in us last year as VK said........

I like your sentiment, but then I also agree with Cool Claret 2 posts above you, we’ve overthought that team selection in a similar way that Arsenal are trying something with Partey so obvious to negate and then leaves them exposed, on the counter.
The phrase ‘Easy to play against’ summed it up
Matty Cash said after the game that Emery just said Burnley will keep the ball today and not sit back, and told him to play further up the pitch than usual and they’d counter attack quickly, exploit the space and create a numerical overload and they did time and time again.

[Turftalker]

I do not think there is anything wrong with posters expressing their opinion or showing their interest in football tactics. That said, I do think some posters throw in a lot of jargon to try and act superior and get upset when others are not wowed by their technical know how.

For what it is worth, I think we were a yard short physically and mentally in all areas versus Villa. However, they are a well oiled machine. My natural disposition is to prioritise slow and steady change and I can see the appeal of the 'sign the loanees, pack the team with experience philosophy', but then I haven't had VK's success in football!

VK notes the jump from Championship to Premier League is huge. Perhaps, despite our success last year, he knows that last year's squad did not have the tools for the EPL challenge and that you need to change to grow. Better to do that now.

I think we will be fine as our manager and players learn fast. Indeed I think that while teams like Sheff Utd may start better than us through their traditional pack the team with experience and try to grind out results, in the medium term we have most opportunity to thrive at this level. Will that require patience and involve an inconsistent first season? Probably. But that is how you build strong teams - look at Arteta and Pep.

Yes posters can critique. But we are two matches in and a few of those same posters I feel like to be a little dramatic as they feed off the attention.

[jojomk1]

Many have said, quite rightly, that making so many changes to the starting eleven at the start of the season would be an impossible ask especially in the Premier league
Pre season would have helped a bit to bed some of them in, but we are hopefully still expecting to get in two or three more players by the end of this week which will just disrupt any planned formations for the next few games
The international break will be a good thing for us
We also have a tough start against quality teams and it would not surprise me if we didn't have a point by the end of October (Notts Forrest being the best realistic chance)
The idea of buying young with the hope of making a profit seems to have taken priority over some older, experienced heads that are maybe needed at this level
And there seems to be no sense of covering all positions equally within the playing field
The thought that we now have seven/eight wingers and no left back is crazy (VK is clearly against playing Taylor)
We have no ball winning centre midfielder
Give them time to gel in - ok
Beat Luton and Sheff Utd - ok
Can we take four points off Everton, Forrest, Bournemouth, Palace or Wolves - because we are going to need those type of results
And we are going to need a physically strong, consistent side over all positions to do so

[superdimitri]

Since we are so attacking and have a high press so much emphasis is placed on our defenders being individually brilliant to deal with the threat.

Sadly they were shown up in the game, hopefully with some lessons learnt. Al-Dakhil can't always lunge forward to try and aggressively win a ball when there's no one behind to cover him. Likewise he, or Delcroix can't let their man pass them so easily. They need to be prepared to track runs and actually mark players.

They need to learn to read the game better.

O'Shea however really showed he has what it takes already but the other two have a lot to learn.

But the midfield also is a problem, no fight or bite to win the ball back and not really any intelligent runs or making space when getting forward either.

But I'm not panicking, it takes time to gel and we won't be alone trying to gel as a team. Some players will form partnerships and they'll get better with experience.

I don't think the tactics were wrong, this is just how he wants us to play. We didn't take the game to Aston Villa and we're also pretty damn poor in possession.

[Uwe Noble]

The number of football "experts" on here is staggering at times.
How do you know the strengths and weaknesses of obscure Belgian second division players?
When did you all become experts in deciding who is a good No 10, 6, 8 or 4 whatever that means.
What is a "pivot"?
What does "inverted" mean?
How do you know when 442 should be 433 or 235 or 42431???
What makes you think you know better than our professional coaches?
The usual suspects were all saying the same rubbish this time last year if I recall.
You are clearly in the wrong jobs!
How about you buy your ticket and then go and watch and enjoy the ride (or not).

I am definately no expert, but a blind man on a galloping horse can work out that it will take until Sep/Oct to finalise our match day squad out of what we will have by then and will then take until November for them to gel into a team.
Then we will see how we get on and that will leave plenty of time to get points on the board.

If in doubt, just remember - they are professionals and you, by comparison, know nothing!

A bit of perspective.

[jlup1980]

The concerns being raised by many are completely valid. Expectations have risen due to the amount of money we're spending and the fact we dominated so much last season. However, there has to be a level of pragmatism. Even the likes of Pep will approach games differently depending who City are playing. We've tried going toe-to-toe against arguably the two best teams in the PL this calendar year and it's equally commendable and naïve. I feel like VK has gone too far too soon.

The likes of Taylor, Roberts, Cork, Brownhill, JBG, Jay Rod and Barnes were crucial to our success last season. To coin a football cliche, these were the experienced heads who earned us the right to play the football we played. Without them breaking up play, holding the ball up and bringing the likes of Zaroury, Tella and Benson into the games we would have struggled. They did the donkey work and there's nothing wrong with that.

We need to strike the right balance and I'm confident VK will find it, but it's absolutely ok to be concerned by the manner of our defeats after Saturday. We started relatively well in both halves but our heads seemed to go as soon as they scored. Where's the belief? If we're going to play this way, the players have to back themselves whether winning or losing. We didn't show that on Saturday and that's the biggest concern and the reason why many are asking where the experienced players are.

[KlyBfc]

I agree with the original post too.

We have improved the overall squad but not the starting eleven. Now over time that may develop but at this moment we looked to have replaced Maatsen, THB, Tella and Brownhill from last years regular starters with inferior players.

Also you can’t not be a little bemused by the amount of wide-men we seem to be stock piling and left wondering how it all fits together.

It’s not anti Pace or anti Kompany to be concerned / reflective they are both fairly inexperienced at this level too and are learning. Hopefully the next few days will see certain areas addressed and time will see the side develop into an effective team.

[Tufty]

Hopefully it will all turn out good and another new exciting team , as great as last season, will emerge.

But, tactics aside, what about the psychological side of things? Immediately dropping a lot of names from last season sends out the message..."I don't think you're good enough for this level. I'm going to throw in a load of new lads instead ".

Only my opinion...but I think VK got this approach wrong.

[Ric_C]

We do seem a bit lopsided in terms of types of player. We have a lot of wingers / ball runners, but not many finishers or hard graft physicality types.

In this league we need full backs with pace, at the moment we have Roberts and that's it.
We currently have ZERO left backs who can play VK's system.

We need a dynamic box to box CDM tackler with physicality. Currently haven't signed that player.

We need a striker (an actual number 9) - Not signed yet

I'm praying we pull a few rabbits out of the hat this week.

[Foshiznik]

I think people are completely overlooking the opposition for the last two games and I am one of them, particularly regarding Aston Villa. Not only did we play the best team in the world in the first game, but in the second game's opponents, we were playing the team that other than Man City have got the most points in the Premier League in 2023.

Anything other than 0 points should have been a bonus, not an expectation.

[KlyBfc]

I think people are completely overlooking the opposition for the last two games and I am one of them, particularly regarding Aston Villa. Not only did we play the best team in the world in the first game, but in the second game's opponents, we were playing the team that other than Man City have got the most points in the Premier League in 2023.

Anything other than 0 points should have been a bonus, not an expectation.

It’s not the defeats for me, I can live with them as you say they were realistically going to occur. However it’s the patchy performances, strange tactical approach and selection which cause a little concern. Not enough to turn up and shout about it at the ground, boo or slag anyone off, just that niggly discomfort that loiters / festers away at you and causes you to ponder and discuss it with others .

[Foshiznik]

It’s not the defeats for me, I can live with them as you say they were realistically going to occur. However it’s the patchy performances, strange tactical approach and selection which cause a little concern. Not enough to turn up and shout about it at the ground, boo or slag anyone off, just that niggly discomfort that loiters / festers away at you and causes you to ponder and discuss it with others .

I'll agree with you on that. However, i then ask myself "what do i know?" and accept pretty easily that the gaffer has a much better grasp of football tactics than me and that i just need to trust the process.