ARTICLE: Ekdal goes out on loan

[Vegas Claret]

Is it confirmed that Humphreys is out long term?

Parker said "out for some time". I doubt we'll see him anytime soon if at all this season

[bumba]

It's a sobering thought to think Worrall, Ekdal and Delcroix could be our three centre backs next season. They haven't got a sprint between them.

[Quicknick]

It's a sobering thought to think Worrall, Ekdal and Delcroix could be our three centre backs next season. They haven't got a sprint between them.

If we don't go up, that is.

[bumba]

If we don't go up, that is.

Sheff Utd at home is a must win but we'll play for a 0-0 meaning we need them to lose two elsewhere whilst we win an extra two I just can't see it when we can't even have shots let alone score goals

[Quicknick]

Sheff Utd at home is a must win but we'll play for a 0-0 meaning we need them to lose two elsewhere whilst we win an extra two I just can't see it when we can't even have shots let alone score goals

We're starting to score more goals in the league. Don't be despondent.

[RVclaret]

Sheff Utd at home is a must win but we'll play for a 0-0 meaning we need them to lose two elsewhere whilst we win an extra two I just can't see it when we can't even have shots let alone score goals

Just won 4-0.

[bumba]

Just won 4-0.

Just lost 3-0

[RVclaret]

Just lost 3-0

It wasn’t a league game. I’m presuming your ‘we can’t score goals’ wasn’t indicating just 1 cup game with a different 11, as that would be stupid.

[taio]

It wasn’t a league game. I’m presuming your ‘we can’t score goals’ wasn’t indicating just 1 cup game with a different 11, as that would be stupid.

Our inability to score enough goals, especially at home, is a concern and the 4-0 win against Sheff Wed, which was fortunate, shouldn't mask that.

[RVclaret]

Our inability to score enough goals, especially at home, is a concern and the 4-0 win against Sheff Wed, which was fortunate, shouldn't mask that.

Anyone can see in the past 7 or so games we’ve started a) creating more b) scoring more.

In fact across the past 7 games we have a total of 9.3 xG vs 4.3 xG in the previous 7, and 13 goals v 7 goals.

[bumba]

It wasn’t a league game. I’m presuming your ‘we can’t score goals’ wasn’t indicating just 1 cup game with a different 11, as that would be stupid.

We've scored 7 goals in our last 6 league games, majority against poor opposition and four of those goals came in one game

[taio]

Anyone can see in the past 7 or so games we’ve started a) creating more b) scoring more.

In fact across the past 7 games we have a total of 9.3 xG vs 4.3 xG in the previous 7, and 13 goals v 7 goals.

To be honest, I don't give a toss about xG (I prefer to go to games and use my own eyes), and as I said the four goals against Sheff Wed, which are included in your stats, shouldn't mask our ongoing challenge of scoring goals.

[RVclaret]

We've scored 7 goals in our last 6 league games, majority against poor opposition and four of those goals came in one game

Nice little cut of the previous game in that run.

Marcus Edwards has started just 1 game in that period, btw.

We’ve now got one of the best, if not the best, wingers in the league starting, and as we saw against Sheff Wed, it makes a difference.

[Conroy92]

To be honest, I don't give a toss about xG (I prefer to go to games and use my own eyes), and as I said the four goals against Sheff Wed, which are included in your stats, shouldn't mask our ongoing challenge of scoring goals.

We didn't beat Wednesday 4-0 the first time we played them.

We are creating more and scoring more than we were prior.

Both my eyes and the stats back that up.

I don't know why people want to deny it. Is it still to fit the anti parker agenda?

[bumba]

Nice little cut of the previous game in that run.

Marcus Edwards has started just 1 game in that period, btw.

We’ve now got one of the best, if not the best, wingers in the league starting, and as we saw against Sheff Wed, it makes a difference.

Use the whole season then, we average 1.2 goals a game it is nowhere near enough for automatic promotion. It's the joint 2nd lowest goals scored in the top half.
Not good enough, you try and glam it all you like by picking and choosing your games and whose played in those games.

[Conroy92]

Use the whole season then, we average 1.2 goals a game it is nowhere near enough for automatic promotion. It's the joint 2nd lowest goals scored in the top half.
Not good enough, you try and glam it all you like by picking and choosing your games and whose played in those games.

This is the epitomy of twisting stats to fit your own agenda.

1.2 goals a game is enough for automatic promotion if your conceding on average 0.2 goals a game.

Scoring 3 goals a game wouldn't be enough if you concede 4 goals a game.

Where's mattster.

You've all lost the absolute plot.

[RVclaret]

To be honest, I don't give a toss about xG (I prefer to go to games and use my own eyes), and as I said the four goals against Sheff Wed, which are included in your stats, shouldn't mask our ongoing challenge of scoring goals.

Can use both eyes (I’ve watched every minute) and xG later, for discussion purposes, and to remove bias (such as what we are seeing on here after a bad defeat).

[taio]

We didn't beat Wednesday 4-0 the first time we played them.

We are creating more and scoring more than we were prior.

Both my eyes and the stats back that up.

I don't know why people want to deny it. Is it still to fit the anti parker agenda?

I'm anything but anti Parker. It's undeniable that we haven't scored enough so far this season including in our recent games. If we don't go up that will absolutely be the root and single cause.

[taio]

Can use both eyes (I’ve watched every minute) and xG later, for discussion purposes, and to remove bias (such as what we are seeing on here after a bad defeat).

I don't know if there's such a thing as an xG table, and I'm personally not bothered if there is or not, but if you're interested in such stats I guess we're not in the top 6.

[Conroy92]

I'm anything but anti Parker. It's undeniable that we haven't scored enough so far this season including in our recent games. If we don't go up that will absolutely be the root and single cause.

But it's not undeniable is it.

We have only conceded as few by not scoring as many.

You say averaging 1.2 goals a game isn't good enough for automatic promotion but we are 5 point behind Sheffield with a game in hand and them to play. Should we continue to score our 1.2 goals a game (which will include the sheff game) and continue to conceded as few as we are doing we'll pip them to second spot.

There's going to be a lot of egg on people's chins should we go up as it's clearly impossible from our current position eh.

Clearly promotion from this division is won on how many you score for some people and not a combination of that and goals conceded.

[bumba]

This is the epitomy of twisting stats to fit your own agenda.

1.2 goals a game is enough for automatic promotion if your conceding on average 0.2 goals a game.

Scoring 3 goals a game wouldn't be enough if you concede 4 goals a game.

Where's mattster.

You've all lost the absolute plot.

It isn't enough if the average is boosted by scoring in bulk, we've scored 18 of our 43 goals in just four games. That only leaves 25 goals scored across 30 games meaning an average of 0.83 goals a game.
It isn't good enough hence the reason we aren't in the automatic spots.
If we scored more we'd be top 2 but flip the coin and if the defence wasn't so good we'd be mid table at best.

[taio]

But it's not undeniable is it.

We have only conceded as few by not scoring as many.

You say averaging 1.2 goals a game isn't good enough for automatic promotion but we are 5 point behind Sheffield with a game in hand and them to play. Should we continue to score our 1.2 goals a game (which will include the sheff game) and continue to conceded as few as we are doing we'll pip them to second spot.

There's going to be a lot of egg on people's chins should we go up as it's clearly impossible from our current position eh.

Clearly promotion from this division is won on how many you score for some people and not a combination of that and goals conceded.

I didn't say that. I said if we don't go up it will be down to our lack of goals. We have an excellent chance of going up if we are more effective in the final third of the pitch.

[Conroy92]

I didn't say that. I said if we don't go up it will be down to our lack of goals. We have an excellent chance of going up if we are more effective in the final third of the pitch.

It's nonsense.

We have an excellent chance of going up now.

Being more effective in the final third will likely see us score more but will likely see us concede more.

Is it that hard to understand?

You can wave your if we don't go up it's cos we havnt scored enough banner every where you want, but scoring more does not = more points.

Let's say we suddenly start scoring 3 a game but conceding 3 a game. Do you think we're more likely to go up than now?
Obviously not.

[NL Claret]

High levels of anxiety and negativity are back after 1 bad performance with a weakened XI.

When we play Sheffield United and we are say 2,3 or more points behind them, Parker will play for a 0-0, fixed mindset.

[Conroy92]

It isn't enough if the average is boosted by scoring in bulk, we've scored 18 of our 43 goals in just four games. That only leaves 25 goals scored across 30 games meaning an average of 0.83 goals a game.
It isn't good enough hence the reason we aren't in the automatic spots.
If we scored more we'd be top 2 but flip the coin and if the defence wasn't so good we'd be mid table at best.

That's the thing isn't it though bumba . Scoring more alone does not equate to top two.
You need to look at goals scored Vs goals conceded. You can be reasonably sure that teams with the best goal difference will be there or there abouts come the end of the season.

[taio]

It's nonsense.

We have an excellent chance of going up now.

Being more effective in the final third will likely see us score more but will likely see us concede more.

Is it that hard to understand?

You can wave your if we don't go up it's cos we havnt scored enough banner every where you want, but scoring more does not = more points.

Let's say we suddenly start scoring 3 a game but conceding 3 a game. Do you think we're more likely to go up than now?
Obviously not.

Our own manager has said several times we need to improve in the final third. Is that too hard to understand.

[Conroy92]

Our own manager has said several times we need to improve in the final third. Is that too hard to understand.

It's the second time you've replied now without addressing any of the points at all.

Do you think we will stay as strong and concede as few at the back if we start attacking more?

If we start scoring three a game and conceding three, will you still think we will be in an 'excellent position' to go up?

What makes you think we aren't in an 'excellent position' to go up now?

The problem is you didn't respond to them because we know the answer to the first two questions and we both know we are still seated in an excellent position to go up now.

So glad we saved the conversation really.

[Ric_C]

Is this a thread about Ekdal?

[Conroy92]

Is this a thread about Ekdal?

It was dug back up to be used as fainly veiled digs at the manger by Captain hindsights on the board.

[taio]

It's the second time you've replied now without addressing any of the points at all.

Do you think we will stay as strong and concede as few at the back if we start attacking more?

If we start scoring three a game and conceding three, will you still think we will be in an 'excellent position' to go up?

What makes you think we aren't in an 'excellent position' to go up now?

The problem is you didn't respond to them because we know the answer to the first two questions and we both know we are still seated in an excellent position to go up now.

So glad we saved the conversation really.

You are rather presumptuous and wrong. I think it's entirely possible and realistic to expect us to score more and it have a positive impact on our results. Why do you keep banging on about conceding three a game? These are your words and nobody else's.

[Conroy92]

You are rather presumptuous and wrong. I think it's entirely possible and realistic to expect us to score more and it have a positive impact on our results. Why do you keep banging on about conceding three a game? These are your words and nobody else's.

So you think it possible to be scoring more while also maintaining history's best defence in this league. I see.

I keep banging on about it because there's certain posters such as yourself who thinks football is won on 'scoring lots of goals'. You make wild statements such as 'if we were scoring more we would be in the top two'.

You think it's easy to just score more goals whilst also being this solid defensively.

It's nonsense.

So I'll ask you again, should we start scoring more goals but conceding more goals. Are we in an 'excellent position' to go up?

[taio]

So you think it possible to be scoring more while also maintaining history's best defence in this league. I see.

I keep banging on about it because there's certain posters such as yourself who thinks football is won on 'scoring lots of goals'. You make wild statements such as 'if we were scoring more we would be in the top two'.

You think it's easy to just score more goals whilst also being this solid defensively.

It's nonsense.

So I'll ask you again, should we start scoring more goals but conceding more goals. Are we in an 'excellent position' to go up?

And I'll answer again. I want us to start scoring more goals and I so no reason why we can't do that without it having a damaging impact defensively. I think we have a very good chance of automatic promotion which will be greater if we improve in the final third.

[Conroy92]

And I'll answer again. I want us to start scoring more goals and I so no reason why we can't do that without it having a damaging impact defensively. I think we have a very good chance of automatic promotion which will be greater if we improve in the final third.

You see no reason us being more attacking will have a damaging impact defensively. I don't want to sound harsh but can you keep a straight face while saying that?

We'll leave it there.

[NL Claret]

Is this a thread about Ekdal?

No it’s a UTC argument , happens a lot after a defeat. When we win most don’t come near the message board, defeat and its turmoil as posters clamber to find their login details.

[taio]

You see no reason us being more attacking will have a damaging impact defensively. I don't want to sound harsh but can you keep a straight face while saying that?

We'll leave it there.

I find it an utterly bizarre suggestion that it's not possible to score more goals and win a higher proportion of games in doing so

[bumba]

That's the thing isn't it though bumba . Scoring more alone does not equate to top two.
You need to look at goals scored Vs goals conceded. You can be reasonably sure that teams with the best goal difference will be there or there abouts come the end of the season.

Do you win more games of football by scoring goals or by keeping clean sheets?
There's a reason our 'history defence' has also created a 'history of 0-0's'
We could keep 46 clean sheets but if we don't score in over 20 games then we don't get promoted, where do you see our strengths and weaknesses?
Strength is defending
Weakness is that we don't score anywhere near enough goals and don't look like we have the personal to do so

[Conroy92]

Do you win more games of football by scoring goals or by keeping clean sheets?
There's a reason our 'history defence' has also created a 'history of 0-0's'
We could keep 46 clean sheets but if we don't score in over 20 games then we don't get promoted, where do you see our strengths and weaknesses?
Strength is defending
Weakness is that we don't score anywhere near enough goals and don't look like we have the personal to do so

That's my point bumba. It's a combination of the two. So these inane comments about top two if we score more is nonsense.

[ClaretTony]

Always liked the look of Ekdal. He needs bringing back into the squad when his loan spell is over, especially as seems likely we may lose CJ and/or Steve.

Whatever happens with CJ & Estève, we need better than Ekdal.

[bumba]

That's my point bumba. It's a combination of the two. So these inane comments about top two if we score more is nonsense.

How is it insane? We can keep clean sheets in our remaining 12 games but if we don't score in the majority of those games then we don't get automatic promotion.
We do not score enough goals.
If we'd scored more goals even just turning two of the 0-0's in to 1-0 wins then we'd be top 2.
The goals are going to cost us promotion

[boyyanno]

I find it an utterly bizarre suggestion that it's not possible to score more goals and win a higher proportion of games in doing so

It's possible, we did it under Kompany and if that's the yard stick then fair enough.

But people do forget that we're already on 2 points per game, that's normally enough for promotion, I find it hard to say we should have won more games or that scoring more goals would have made us win more games- there is a reason that 92 is normally enough to go up at the end of the season- that's what we're on course for.

We've done it in a more defensive way than most but it's not been any less effective unless the yard stick is the Kompany season. That's why people point out unrealistic expectations imo.

[taio]

It's possible, we did it under Kompany and if that's the yard stick then fair enough.

But people do forget that we're already on 2 points per game, that's normally enough for promotion, I find it hard to say we should have won more games or that scoring more goals would have made us win more games- there is a reason that 92 is normally enough to go up at the end of the season- that's what we're on course for.

We've done it in a more defensive way than most but it's not been any less effective unless the yard stick is the Kompany season. That's why people point out unrealistic expectations imo.

I don't believe that feeling that our promotion chances will be improved if we are more effective offensively is unrealistic, especially when Parker has said numerous times it's the team's main opportunity for improvement. Nor do I think expecting us to finish in the top two is unrealistic either, especially when that's the Board and manager's number one objective.

[boyyanno]

I don't believe that feeling that our promotion chances will be improved if we are more effective offensively is unrealistic, especially when Parker has said numerous times it's the team's main opportunity for improvement. Nor do I think expecting us to finish in the top two is unrealistic either, especially when that's the Board and manager's number one objective.

If we win 1 more game we're on course for 94, 2 more it's 96 and so on and so forth. We won the league with Dyche with 93.

You may want to disagree but the truth is we're just as effective as most teams who look to gain promotion, we've just got a slightly different style.

[taio]

If we win 1 more game we're on course for 94, 2 more it's 96 and so on and so forth. We won the league with Dyche with 93.

You may want to disagree but the truth is we're just as effective as most teams who look to gain promotion, we've just got a slightly different style.

I agree. We've had a really good season. Automatic promotion is going to be a close call. I believe if we can improve offensively we'll have a better chance.

[jojomk1]

Whatever happens with CJ & Estève, we need better than Ekdal.

Hate to say it,
But Ekdal is about the best of what we have left if/when CJ and Esteve leave this summer

[ClaretTony]

Hate to say it,
But Ekdal is about the best of what we have left if/when CJ and Esteve leave this summer

Worrall was poor yesterday but I'm not so sure I'd generally have Ekdal ahead of him. But both way ahead of Delcroix.

[claretgimmer]

Goal difference is all that matters as far as stats go and we are way up there in a good position, as far as entertainment goes we all want to see more goals but without a quality striker up there to many chances are wasted or come to nothing, by the way I would prefer Ekdal to Worrall.

[DanH90]

Worrall was poor yesterday but I'm not so sure I'd generally have Ekdal ahead of him. But both way ahead of Delcroix.

Would you say you’ve seen enough in 17 and 12 games to make a definitive decision on either of those two players? I don’t.

[ClaretTony]

Would you say you’ve seen enough in 17 and 12 games to make a definitive decision on either of those two players? I don’t.

Yes - my concerns with Ekdal are and always have been his lack of pace. That will not change. I don't think Delcroix is good enough, Quite how we thought it was a good signing for the Premier League I'm not so sure.

[ksrclaret]

I was shocked by Worrall’s performance yesterday. He looked every inch the mid-thirties defender whose age had caught up with him.

Everyone can have a bad game though and he’s not been anywhere near that bad in his other games. I must admit to being concerned if or when he becomes a first choice centre half next season.

[fidelcastro]

I was shocked by Worrall’s performance yesterday. He looked every inch the mid-thirties defender whose age had caught up with him.

He's 28.