Parker

[GetIntoEm]

Was that not what I said?

You were trying to be negative in your original post. Not the ones youve quoted

[Rick_Muller]

You were trying to be negative in your original post. Not the ones youve quoted

There was me thinking I had a right to an opinion based on what I see, thanks for reminding me that I can’t have one on here

[NL Claret]

Brownhill’s goal was class, watching on the TV I didn’t realise that he’d scored given the angle and the speed of the ball going into net.

Some want to point out the negatives, poor defending header etc, decent ball in from Hannibal which put their defence under pressure and Anthony was in the position to do enough to force the error.

Really don’t get the negativity about Parker and certain players, it’s dull.

[GetIntoEm]

There was me thinking I had a right to an opinion based on what I see, thanks for reminding me that I can’t have one on here

People are entitled to opinions, being deliberately negative and making stuff up isn't allowed. Hope things are clear now

[Rick_Muller]

I genuinely despair with this forum sometimes. Not so long back there was a post about respecting other poster’s opinions and I’m sure many of you taking part in “let’s pile on Rick” tonight liked the OP of that post.

I really can’t be ar5ed now. Looks like debating the game with opinions is dead now.

[GetIntoEm]

I genuinely despair with this forum sometimes. Not so long back there was a post about respecting other poster’s opinions and I’m sure many of you taking part in “let’s pile on Rick” tonight liked the OP of that post.

I really can’t be ar5ed now. Looks like debating the game with opinions is dead now.

It's quite simple, if you want to make the back handed compliments just own them, rather than trying to convince others that we've misunderstood.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, just don't sulk when people don't like yours

[dvalley69]

I genuinely despair with this forum sometimes. Not so long back there was a post about respecting other poster’s opinions and I’m sure many of you taking part in “let’s pile on Rick” tonight liked the OP of that post.

I really can’t be ar5ed now. Looks like debating the game with opinions is dead now.

So, no comments on Brownhill's finish? On Anthony's positioning getting in to the box and bringing the ball down? NO! You choose to say that the goal was a fluke! And you wonder why people react.

[Mattster]

I genuinely despair with this forum sometimes. Not so long back there was a post about respecting other poster’s opinions and I’m sure many of you taking part in “let’s pile on Rick” tonight liked the OP of that post.

I really can’t be ar5ed now. Looks like debating the game with opinions is dead now.

Yeah, unfortunately if you don't express entirely positive views about the manager*, even if that goes against what you've witnessed, you'll get shouted down on here. They tend to be a bit more hysterical about it when they can't actually disagree with what you've posted because it's facts, that's when the "agenda" accusations get thrown about.

*Strangely the same doesn't seem apply to the squad, people who will cry foul at your for making negative observations about the manager will happily, repeatedly do down the squad - all positive results are down to Parker and all the negative performances down to the players, apparently. It's bizarre.

[dandeclaret]

Yeah, unfortunately if you don't express entirely positive views about the manager*, even if that goes against what you've witnessed, you'll get shouted down on here. They tend to be a bit more hysterical about it when they can't actually disagree with what you've posted because it's facts, that's when the "agenda" accusations get thrown about.

*Strangely the same doesn't seem apply to the squad, people who will cry foul at your for making negative observations about the manager will happily, repeatedly do down the squad - all positive results are down to Parker and all the negative performances down to the players, apparently. It's bizarre.

Any evidence of this? Or is it just hysteria?

[claretonthecoast1882]

Yeah, unfortunately if you don't express entirely positive views about the manager*, even if that goes against what you've witnessed, you'll get shouted down on here. They tend to be a bit more hysterical about it when they can't actually disagree with what you've posted because it's facts, that's when the "agenda" accusations get thrown about.

*Strangely the same doesn't seem apply to the squad, people who will cry foul at your for making negative observations about the manager will happily, repeatedly do down the squad - all positive results are down to Parker and all the negative performances down to the players, apparently. It's bizarre.

That is just nonsense, maybe people just get bored with attention seekers with a weird agenda. If you don't want people to criticise stupid posts there is a really easy way to stop that happening.

Most realise how much you must have worked yourself up while trailing 1-0 and the posts you intended to post that clearly you haven't taken the win very well and it has led you to make a stupid comment. The good thing about this time of year is the games come thick and fast so a defeat won't be too far away and you will have your moment.

[Anonymous Claret]

I have come to the conclusion that some 'Burnley fans' would rather be proved right about their preconceived opinions of the manager than see the team succeed. It's quite sad really. I suppose we all see things differently but due to the mitigating circumstances I think SP is slightly over performing currently. I don't believe that I am a happy clapper, just an average fan with realistic expectations around the situation Parker is currently dealing with.

[Clovius Boofus]

I have come to the conclusion that some 'Burnley fans' would rather be proved right about their preconceived opinions of the manager than see the team succeed.

You should have seen the Match Day thread when Norwich scored. The handful of Doomers were enjoying it, one or two even laughing their heads off. When we fought back in the second half and won the game, they simply upped their scorn, rather than ruin their Sunday evening by being positive.

There's a massive difference between people posting constructive criticism and those who can't even give a smidgin of credit, where credit is due, because it goes against their modus operandi to say anything positive.

[hoosier-daddy]

You should have seen the Match Day thread when Norwich scored. The handful of Doomers were enjoying it, one or two even laughing their heads off. When we fought back in the second half and won the game, they simply upped their scorn, rather than ruin their Sunday evening by being positive.

There's a massive difference between people posting constructive criticism and those who can't even give a smidgin of credit, where credit is due, because it goes against their modus operandi to say anything positive.

Closing the messageboard for 90 minutes while the match is being played would get my vote. It's that bad.

I pointed out yesterday that not a single poster mentioned how good it was to see CJ back when the lineup was announced (I was away, on my phone, so not logged in). Unbelievable. That was a positive thing and so it was ignored.

[Mattster]

Any evidence of this? Or is it just hysteria?

Plenty, for a start viewtopic.php?f=2&t=78296&start=100#p2465016

Nigh on every thread about Parker has people saying the squad isn't good enough to finish top 2 / create more chances. That "negativity" is totally fine with people who won't have a bad word said against Parker. Like I say, bizarre

[Mattster]

That is just nonsense, maybe people just get bored with attention seekers with a weird agenda. If you don't want people to criticise stupid posts there is a really easy way to stop that happening.

Most realise how much you must have worked yourself up while trailing 1-0 and the posts you intended to post that clearly you haven't taken the win very well and it has led you to make a stupid comment. The good thing about this time of year is the games come thick and fast so a defeat won't be too far away and you will have your moment.

I'm happy with the win, I celebrated the goals.

What's stupid about observing we were lucky? We had 2 shots on goal after the subs on the 64th minute, one from 30 yards out from a set piece and the other from a loose ball following a miscued defensive clearance. Both went in and then that was it. Not a single chance actually created from the 68th minute onwards.

Norwich created more chances (mostly from corners), and of higher quality, than we did in the second half. They missed a sitter at the death. We had that luck and Trafford/Flemming brilliance to thank for the win.

[ClaretPete001]

I'm happy with the win, I celebrated the goals.

What's stupid about observing we were lucky? We had 2 shots on goal after the subs on the 64th minute, one from 30 yards out from a set piece and the other from a loose ball following a miscued defensive clearance. Both went in and then that was it. Not a single chance actually created from the 68th minute onwards.

Norwich created more chances (mostly from corners), and of higher quality, than we did in the second half. They missed a sitter at the death. We had that luck and Trafford/Flemming brilliance to thank for the win.

We've got 19 points in the last 8 games. I think the issues are self-evident but when a team has only lost 2 games all season, are third in the table and have managed 19 points in 8 games the level of negativity does get a bit silly.

[houseboy]

One poster called for Parker to be sacked after the final whistle. No surprises who though.

I think the doubters are becoming increasingly marginalised and they are probably just the ones who can’t admit they were wrong in the first place. As for wanting him sacked it is either a very weird sense of humour or sheer stupidity. One defeat in 18 games and only two all season (one of those away to a top side only 1-0 when we had no team). The best defence in professional football in this country. Third in the league. Currently with an identical record to our season with VK when we strolled away with the whole thing.
Of course we are going to sack the manager, what else would we do given the above stats.

[Dyched]

I'm happy with the win, I celebrated the goals.

What's stupid about observing we were lucky? We had 2 shots on goal after the subs on the 64th minute, one from 30 yards out from a set piece and the other from a loose ball following a miscued defensive clearance. Both went in and then that was it. Not a single chance actually created from the 68th minute onwards.

Norwich created more chances (mostly from corners), and of higher quality, than we did in the second half. They missed a sitter at the death. We had that luck and Trafford/Flemming brilliance to thank for the win.

I’d agree to some extent with that as regards the goals. It’s something overlooked in the VK season the amount of wonder strikes what won the 3 points.

[Jakubclaret]

I think the doubters are becoming increasingly marginalised and they are probably just the ones who can’t admit they were wrong in the first place. As for wanting him sacked it is either a very weird sense of humour or sheer stupidity. One defeat in 18 games and only two all season (one of those away to a top side only 1-0 when we had no team). The best defence in professional football in this country. Third in the league. Currently with an identical record to our season with VK when we strolled away with the whole thing.
Of course we are going to sack the manager, what else would we do given the above stats.

You can't say for definite that people are in the wrong not yet anyway. The objective is promotion & that hasn't happened yet & failure to get promoted would probably turn it on it's head & support the argument that sacking him earlier on would have brought about a different outcome. I'm not saying you are right or wrong because the season hasn't finished & only until then it can be established if people were in the wrong or right.

[sjb]

I’d agree to some extent with that as regards the goals. It’s something overlooked in the VK season the amount of wonder strikes what won the 3 points.

Yeah, probably a case of the more we practised the luckier we got.

[Culmclaret]

It is always best not to comment publicly while games are in play! Matches last 90 plus minutes and there will be times when you under the cosh in almost any game away from home. We got off to a bad start yesterday which can happen and then lost a key player whilst also missing another very influential player form the start in Roberts. Norwich had the wind in their sails and we were all over the place in first fifteen minutes. After that, we established ourselves without ever looking threatening. In the second half we wore Norwich down and our subs made a real difference, which should be celebrated. I wasn’t delighted to see Laurent replace Sarmiento but he was superb. After scoring two cracking goals we controlled the game until the 95th minute… but then there was a last minute panic which there almost always is if you are winning by one goal against a team with a strong home record. Over the 97 minutes we were the stronger side at a very tough place to visit. My one disappointment was the number of miskicks in dangerous areas: Cullen, Humphreys and Anthony at the death being the worst examples. These contributed to Norwich’s goal and their two best chances.

[ChorltonCharlie]

I don't think there's any evidence we were the stronger side yesterday. The only thing in our favour is the scoreline, which of course is the main thing. But it's getting really silly if the only way we judge a performance is the final result. We may as well not offer any opinions on the game if that's the case.

The longer the season goes on, the more I wonder if we just have a lucky manager. He deserves a lot of credit for the way we're nullifying teams. That also goes for yesterday when we could have easily have folded. To some degree he is earning that bit luck, but from an attacking point of view it is a bit mystifying how often we do just enough from very little.

The really tough run starts now. It would be nice to see a decent return of points without needing the luck, but I won't be complaining as long as we get the points. I still struggle to see how we go through December and January and keep in touch with the automatic spots playing as we are considering the opposition.

[warksclaret]

It is always best not to comment publicly while games are in play! Matches last 90 plus minutes and there will be times when you under the cosh in almost any game away from home. We got off to a bad start yesterday which can happen and then lost a key player whilst also missing another very influential player form the start in Roberts. Norwich had the wind in their sails and we were all over the place in first fifteen minutes. After that, we established ourselves without ever looking threatening. In the second half we wore Norwich down and our subs made a real difference, which should be celebrated. I wasn’t delighted to see Laurent replace Sarmiento but he was superb. After scoring two cracking goals we controlled the game until the 95th minute… but then there was a last minute panic which there almost always is if you are winning by one goal against a team with a strong home record. Over the 97 minutes we were the stronger side at a very tough place to visit. My one disappointment was the number of miskicks in dangerous areas: Cullen, Humphreys and Anthony at the death being the worst examples. These contributed to Norwich’s goal and their two best chances.

Culm as Burnley fans we expect a lot-like you I was really frustrated in that first half and someone posted to ask if it had been the club's Christmas party the night before. Numerous mistakes were being made by some good players. Scotty made some good decisions and actions-obviously a stiff half time talk, and some very sensible subs. I got the impression he took over a number of tasks during that second half, and apart from subs changed things round without weakening the team. I like the way he brings players over to him and give instructions. Its a reminder that football is a 90 minute game, at times stretching up to 100, and football is very much becoming a squad game as proved weekly by the likes of Liverpool. In Scotty we trust

[Shaggy]

He’s getting results but it’s painful to watch. It’s playing out exactly like we were told from his previous clubs fans.

The worries I have are if we manage to scrape promotion then we already know Parker has failed massively before in the premier league. If we don’t get promoted then it’s another huge failure.

[Bosscat]

He’s getting results but it’s painful to watch. It’s playing out exactly like we were told from his previous clubs fans.

The worries I have are if we manage to scrape promotion then we already know Parker has failed massively before in the premier league. If we don’t get promoted then it’s another huge failure.

As positive as ever about a Burnley FC Manager Shaggy

[dandeclaret]

I don't think there's any evidence we were the stronger side yesterday. The only thing in our favour is the scoreline, which of course is the main thing. But it's getting really silly if the only way we judge a performance is the final result. We may as well not offer any opinions on the game if that's the case.

The longer the season goes on, the more I wonder if we just have a lucky manager. He deserves a lot of credit for the way we're nullifying teams. That also goes for yesterday when we could have easily have folded. To some degree he is earning that bit luck, but from an attacking point of view it is a bit mystifying how often we do just enough from very little.

The really tough run starts now. It would be nice to see a decent return of points without needing the luck, but I won't be complaining as long as we get the points. I still struggle to see how we go through December and January and keep in touch with the automatic spots playing as we are considering the opposition.

This bit in bold works both ways though surely? Derby stats weren't bad at all, but the whinging and whining on here was beyond belief.

This "Lucky" manager has

* The best away team in the division
* Remained unbeaten at home
* Broken records for defensive solidity
* Cleared out numerous bad charachters that the previous regime brought in
* Handled a fan base that has been largely negative about him and his football since before he was appointed

How long can you really be lucky for?

[bumba]

This bit in bold works both ways though surely? Derby stats weren't bad at all, but the whinging and whining on here was beyond belief.

This "Lucky" manager has

* The best away team in the division
* Remained unbeaten at home
* Broken records for defensive solidity
* Cleared out numerous bad charachters that the previous regime brought in
* Handled a fan base that has been largely negative about him and his football since before he was appointed

How long can you really be lucky for?

And two previous promotions from the division with two different clubs.
The negativity comes from a couple of Bournemouth/Fulham fans labelling it Parker ball, they were delighted when they was flying in the championship but some Burnley fans can't think for themselves so jump all over it.

[warksclaret]

He’s getting results but it’s painful to watch. It’s playing out exactly like we were told from his previous clubs fans.

The worries I have are if we manage to scrape promotion then we already know Parker has failed massively before in the premier league. If we don’t get promoted then it’s another huge failure.

And the alternative is a season like the PL under VK-now that was a very painful watch. Almost losing every home game. Another example is Southampton who pulled the trigger last night on a gunho manager. Give me boring 0-0 or dirty 1-0 win/s all day over the humiliation of my team

[ClaretLoup]

Anyone who thinks Flemming's goal was lucky plainly have agendas. It was a magnificent strike from 30 yards that hit the top corner of the net.
Lucky would have been if it was heading for the corner flag, hit a Norwich player on the way and found the only place in the net not covered by the goalie. Think Germany's goal in 1990 WC Semi final. For the second goal, no matter how the ball got to Brownhill, it was a fine finish by a player who happened to find space and time in a densely populated box.

We finished our moves off, they weren't good enough, ergo we win the game. Three more points in the pot, who cares about the "performance". It's not Strictly.

[warksclaret]

One of the hallmarks of promotion is winning dirty, grinding out a result, and conceding the minimum goals. This is why Sheff Utd and ourselves find themselves in the top 3

[boyyanno]

It is getting a bit silly for some now.

Apparently it's Parkers fault if we lose but not if we win.

We're lucky if we score and we're lucky if we don't concede.

When we win games we haven't done enough statistically but when we draw games and the statistics show we've done okay they don't matter.

[Guller Bull]

And the alternative is a season like the PL under VK-now that was a very painful watch. Almost losing every home game. Another example is Southampton who pulled the trigger last night on a gunho manager. Give me boring 0-0 or dirty 1-0 win/s all day over the humiliation of my team

You cant really compare VK's season in the Prem to SP's in the Champ.

You can compare VK's season in the Champ to SP's so far in the Champ.

Hopefully next season we should be able to conclude the comparison.

[agreenwood]

I think there are two different discussions being unnecessarily conflated here.

Discussion point one - Do I think Scott Parker is doing a good job? Yes, I do. I think he came in at a very turbulent time and to be 1 point off the automatic promotion spots as we approach the halfway mark, is as much as we could have expected. I’d also probably take this over more exciting, but less successful football.

Discussion point two – Have I enjoyed watching this team this season? No, I haven’t. Whilst I appreciate defensive solidity and I’m in favour of a possession based approach, I find football games where my team creates very little a hard watch. It’s personal to me and the stage I’m at in my life where I’ve got lots of other things competing for my time, that I weigh up whether making the effort to watch Burnley has been “worthwhile”. Too often this season (and in fairness last season too), I’ve come away from a game wishing I hadn’t bothered. I’m not really interested in whether it’s part and parcel of being a football fan or if someone thinks that makes me entitled. Someone pointing that out to me won’t change the fact that I was bored watching the team and wished I’d done something else instead.

I think it’s possible to appreciate the job Parker has done, but genuinely wish that this early success could be replicated without sacrificing the entertainment side of football quite so much.

[claretspice]

This bit in bold works both ways though surely? Derby stats weren't bad at all, but the whinging and whining on here was beyond belief.

This "Lucky" manager has

* The best away team in the division
* Remained unbeaten at home
* Broken records for defensive solidity
* Cleared out numerous bad charachters that the previous regime brought in
* Handled a fan base that has been largely negative about him and his football since before he was appointed

How long can you really be lucky for?

These things are always nuanced, aren't they. The Derby game was plain awful, and I think it is fair to say that the team still looks less than the sum of its parts in possession. I did think the team selection for the Derby game was curious and I find the comparison with the team we picked yesterday really odd - to play a more defensive team at home to Derby and a more attack minded team away at Norwich seems completely counter-intuitive to me. Three nil-nils at home to mid-table or lowly opposition in the first half of the season, with 2 other games where a penalty has come to our aid in 1-0 wins, speaks for itself.

But we are 3rd in the league and we're only one point shy of 2 points a game. If you strip out one game at the height of the August turmoil, the only game we've lost is away Millwall. Our defensive record is indeed outstanding. As you say, that can't be down to luck alone.

I stand by my assessment on the player ratings thread - we don't look an especially coherent or well coached team in possession (and I'm not always completely convinced by our aggressive press, such as yesterday in the first half when Norwich played through at ease). But we do look well drilled when forced to defend our box, and what Parker has done which he deserves real credit for is to instil a real team ethic and a disciplined, focused mentality. It is that mentality and commitment that got us over the line yesterday more than our tactics or creativity. Is that enough to get a team promoted? Not in itself, even when you have individuals as good as many of ours are. It is a good foundation.

More needed, and in particular a bit more bravery at home, to become the sum our parts with the ball. I think you can think that and be really critical of performances such Derby, and indeed the first half yesterday - and reasonably demand and expect more - whilst also recognising that Parker has done a good job of stabilising things and instilling the basics.

[claretspice]

I think there are two different discussions being unnecessarily conflated here.

Discussion point one - Do I think Scott Parker is doing a good job? Yes, I do. I think he came in at a very turbulent time and to be 1 point off the automatic promotion spots as we approach the halfway mark, is as much as we could have expected. I’d also probably take this over more exciting, but less successful football.

Discussion point two – Have I enjoyed watching this team this season? No, I haven’t. Whilst I appreciate defensive solidity and I’m in favour of a possession based approach, I find football games where my team creates very little a hard watch. It’s personal to me and the stage I’m at in my life where I’ve got lots of other things competing for my time, that I weigh up whether making the effort to watch Burnley has been “worthwhile”. Too often this season (and in fairness last season too), I’ve come away from a game wishing I hadn’t bothered. I’m not really interested in whether it’s part and parcel of being a football fan or if someone thinks that makes me entitled. Someone pointing that out to me won’t change the fact that I was bored watching the team and wished I’d done something else instead.

I think it’s possible to appreciate the job Parker has done, but genuinely wish that this early success could be replicated without sacrificing the entertainment side of football quite so much.

And indeed to think that more attacking vim, and more coherence to our shape in attack, is going to be required to convert this early success into promotion at the end of the season. And Parker has never hidden (to his credit) from the fact that is the expectation come May. To put it another way, thus far he seems to have done an excellent job as an organiser and man-manager. The thing where there is more doubt is his credentials as a coach.

[Neil]

I'm sure most fans appreciate the job he's done under the circumstances but get frustrated watching his football.

I don't mind a pragmatic approach in the Premier League or when playing Leeds, Sheff Utd, Sunderland etc but for the main, it's other teams that should be worried about playing us and our set up should reflect this.

He's had long enough to set a solid foundation (which no one can argue he hasn't) now maybe it's time to loosen the reigns a little.

[houseboy]

You can't say for definite that people are in the wrong not yet anyway. The objective is promotion & that hasn't happened yet & failure to get promoted would probably turn it on it's head & support the argument that sacking him earlier on would have brought about a different outcome. I'm not saying you are right or wrong because the season hasn't finished & only until then it can be established if people were in the wrong or right.

I’m talking about the current up to date stats, which is all you can ever go off. You don’t sack a manager who is doing well on the basis that he may, at some undisclosed future point, turn out to be otherwise. The people I’m aiming my argument at are those who want him sacked now, which given his current stats would be a total nonsense. Of course it may go pear shaped but you can’t sack someone on the basis that it might. And a change of manager might bring relegation, who knows.
All you ever have in life is right now and right now Parker is doing more than enough to suggest he was the right decision and continues to be so.

[dandeclaret]

And indeed to think that more attacking vim, and more coherence to our shape in attack, is going to be required to convert this early success into promotion at the end of the season. And Parker has never hidden (to his credit) from the fact that is the expectation come May. To put it another way, thus far he seems to have done an excellent job as an organiser and man-manager. The thing where there is more doubt is his credentials as a coach.

It’s oft said that what somebody truly wants to say is at the end of their paragraph

You keep damning him with faint praise. Got the basics right, he’s an organiser. I doubt his credentials as a coach.

He’s done miles better than that. Burnley control most games. Territorially and in possession. That’s the game plan, and they’re doing it pretty well. Hence being the best away team in the division, and unbeaten at home.

[ChorltonCharlie]

It’s funny how people have taken the ‘lucky’ comment out of context. It was meant positively; I’d rather have a lucky manager than an unlucky one. The Derby game has been mentioned as if we were unlucky. Quite clearly that was not the case. Less than 1xG after having two thirds of possession against a team with an awful defensive record. A draw was a fair result.

Over the season I doubt anyone would claim we were unlucky in the 2 defeats. It’s a similar story with the draws. In fact only against QPR and Oxford did we even manage to get over an xG of 1. You could claim in both those games on another day we would have won, but then you’d have to say some of the others could easily have been losses. Then you look at the wins, and there’s several where on another day we could have drawn or even lost. Yesterday being a case in point. A sensational goal and one from our only half decent chance. Now if that’s by design, then Parker is a genius. Or more likely he’s got the rub of the green.

Like I said above, there’s nothing wrong with looking back at a game we’ve won and thinking we’re a bit fortunate. Just like sometimes we’ll drop points and wonder how. Football is never as simplistic as who made the best chances or had the most possession. Sometimes you’re fortunate, sometimes you’re not. Parker’s defence is giving us a cracking chance of success, but the difference maker between automatic promotion and play offs is likely going to be winning the majority of our home games in the second half of the season and for that we need to do better in attack. Which is something Parker keeps saying himself.

[ChorltonCharlie]

I’m talking about the current up to date stats, which is all you can ever go off. You don’t sack a manager who is doing well on the basis that he may, at some undisclosed future point, turn out to be otherwise. The people I’m aiming my argument at are those who want him sacked now, which given his current stats would be a total nonsense. Of course it may go pear shaped but you can’t sack someone on the basis that it might. And a change of manager might bring relegation, who knows.
All you ever have in life is right now and right now Parker is doing more than enough to suggest he was the right decision and continues to be so.

To be fair, I think there's hardly anyone that wants him sacked. I wouldn't worry about a vocal minority on social media.

[dandeclaret]

It’s funny how people have taken the ‘lucky’ comment out of context. It was meant positively; I’d rather have a lucky manager than an unlucky one. The Derby game has been mentioned as if we were unlucky. Quite clearly that was not the case. Less than 1xG after having two thirds of possession against a team with an awful defensive record. A draw was a fair result.

Over the season I doubt anyone would claim we were unlucky in the 2 defeats. It’s a similar story with the draws. In fact only against QPR and Oxford did we even manage to get over an xG of 1. You could claim in both those games on another day we would have won, but then you’d have to say some of the others could easily have been losses. Then you look at the wins, and there’s several where on another day we could have drawn or even lost. Yesterday being a case in point. A sensational goal and one from our only half decent chance. Now if that’s by design, then Parker is a genius. Or more likely he’s got the rub of the green.

Like I said above, there’s nothing wrong with looking back at a game we’ve won and thinking we’re a bit fortunate. Just like sometimes we’ll drop points and wonder how. Football is never as simplistic as who made the best chances or had the most possession. Sometimes you’re fortunate, sometimes you’re not. Parker’s defence is giving us a cracking chance of success, but the difference maker between automatic promotion and play offs is likely going to be winning the majority of our home games in the second half of the season and for that we need to do better in attack. Which is something Parker keeps saying himself.

like most stats, XG in isolation is useless. Add it to the number of plays that broke down at the penultimate pass, and the one definite and 1 should be penalty, and the Derby game looks a lot different.

The players seem to execute finishes well, way above Xg, but they don’t seem to execute the penultimate pass / cross as accurately.

[Culmclaret]

I think I am right in saying that we haven’t conceded a league goal in any game later than the 55th minute, which is bonkers, especially with such a young defence and keeper. We’ve all been frustrated by games like Preston, QPR and Derby but you have to hand it to Parker that to be one point off the automatic promotion places after the Summer window we had is a real feat. The Derby match was a step backwards but other than that there has been a definite improvement in the past few weeks. We were knocked off our stride in the first half yesterday, but showed real guts to get back into it.

[Jakubclaret]

I’m talking about the current up to date stats, which is all you can ever go off. You don’t sack a manager who is doing well on the basis that he may, at some undisclosed future point, turn out to be otherwise. The people I’m aiming my argument at are those who want him sacked now, which given his current stats would be a total nonsense. Of course it may go pear shaped but you can’t sack someone on the basis that it might. And a change of manager might bring relegation, who knows.
All you ever have in life is right now and right now Parker is doing more than enough to suggest he was the right decision and continues to be so.

At the end of the day that's what it'll come down to. When the season finishes people will assess things overall & if we fail to get promoted whatever happened beforehand will probably mean very little. People are well within their rights if the season finishes successful to say to the doubters that they was wrong & by the same token failure should give rise to the doubters to be in the right. Nothing is decided now in terms of the season being a success. Judgement should be reserved for now.

[She]

Didn't Parker take Bournemouth & Fulham to the Premier league? And both clubs are still there and thriving he obviously laid the foundations at both clubs ill take him taking us back and having the same outcome as Bournemouth & Fulham have faith in the guy I can see it going the same way for us Parker getting us back in the Premier league and someone else continuing his good work and establishing us as a solid Premier league club again , well that's my hope anyway.

[CrosspoolClarets]

It’s oft said that what somebody truly wants to say is at the end of their paragraph

You keep damning him with faint praise. Got the basics right, he’s an organiser. I doubt his credentials as a coach.

He’s done miles better than that. Burnley control most games. Territorially and in possession. That’s the game plan, and they’re doing it pretty well. Hence being the best away team in the division, and unbeaten at home.

This is right I think.

Other posters have referenced the final ball being so poor, which it is, but that is (mainly) a quality issue not a tactical one. Many times we can all see the pass but the player doesn’t or doesn’t do it right. I suspect we aim to do more strengthening in January than the club are implying, particularly full back and striker but maybe right wing too.

Also, looking at fbRef if I sort the division by “shot creating actions” we are 6th, miles ahead of Sheffield United, the only two well clear of us are Boro and DL but they concede far more. So we are doing the actions that lead to shots, but maybe just not well enough as I say above.

So the key is to improve that while continuing to do the things said in the post I quoted, i.e. controlling games and camping in the opposition half of the pitch.

So in summary, I am a bit wary of the overly defensive framework but I think he is doing a good job and it has a great chance to get us up and then keep us up.

[agreenwood]

This is right I think.

Other posters have referenced the final ball being so poor, which it is, but that is (mainly) a quality issue not a tactical one. Many times we can all see the pass but the player doesn’t or doesn’t do it right. I suspect we aim to do more strengthening in January than the club are implying, particularly full back and striker but maybe right wing too.

Also, looking at fbRef if I sort the division by “shot creating actions” we are 6th, miles ahead of Sheffield United, the only two well clear of us are Boro and DL but they concede far more. So we are doing the actions that lead to shots, but maybe just not well enough as I say above.

So the key is to improve that while continuing to do the things said in the post I quoted, i.e. controlling games and camping in the opposition half of the pitch.

So in summary, I am a bit wary of the overly defensive framework but I think he is doing a good job and it has a great chance to get us up and then keep us up.

There’s a few schools of thought on this.

I think it’s obvious that coaching defensive stability is easier than coaching attacking efficiency and variety. Some coaches believe in coaching shape and build up and allowing individual talent to take precedence in the final third. I believe Pep is firmly in that camp, but you could argue that he’s always had the budget to rely on individual quality.

I guess the question is, when relying on individual quality in the final third isn’t quite enough to get results, how far is it within the gift of a coach to add something to the toolset of the squad to make the difference required?

[Mattster]

This is right I think.

Other posters have referenced the final ball being so poor, which it is, but that is (mainly) a quality issue not a tactical one. Many times we can all see the pass but the player doesn’t or doesn’t do it right. I suspect we aim to do more strengthening in January than the club are implying, particularly full back and striker but maybe right wing too.

Also, looking at fbRef if I sort the division by “shot creating actions” we are 6th, miles ahead of Sheffield United, the only two well clear of us are Boro and DL but they concede far more. So we are doing the actions that lead to shots, but maybe just not well enough as I say above.

So the key is to improve that while continuing to do the things said in the post I quoted, i.e. controlling games and camping in the opposition half of the pitch.

So in summary, I am a bit wary of the overly defensive framework but I think he is doing a good job and it has a great chance to get us up and then keep us up.

This is in part down to our slow buildup. SCA tallies the two actions prior to a shot. So teams which are less direct will more often tally 2 SCA per shot whereas more direct teams will more frequently tally 1 SCA per shot.

[Stonehouse]

This bit in bold works both ways though surely? Derby stats weren't bad at all, but the whinging and whining on here was beyond belief.

This "Lucky" manager has

* The best away team in the division
* Remained unbeaten at home
* Broken records for defensive solidity
* Cleared out numerous bad charachters that the previous regime brought in
* Handled a fan base that has been largely negative about him and his football since before he was appointed

How long can you really be lucky for?

Just out of interest apart from Weghorst who are the bad characters that SP has cleared out?

[ClaretPete001]

Would it not be fairer and more objective to also wonder whether the problem up front is related to our main striker not being fit and a lack of quality in the squad in that position.

Jay Rod is 35, Houndtondji is newly arrived from Ligue 2 and Foster is injured. of the three, only Jay Rod looks comfortable in the role strikers role.

Some of this is down to the way ALK operate and not all of it is because of Parker.

[claretonthecoast1882]

I'm happy with the win, I celebrated the goals.

Course you are