Are we going to win the league?

[Joe Strummer]

Maybe I'm pissed. Probably

But I reckon we're better than than Chelsea or Man U. Our squad is ace.

Has your opinion changed since we have made such a promising start?

We're gonna win the league!

[Christianlfc]

I think so

[Paul]

After watching that superb display, my instinct is to say yes. However, my head then reminds me that we've only played four matches, three of which we should be winning anyway. Things are starting to look very good, in terms of both results and performance. However, the old cliche applies: it's a marathon and not a sprint. Also, Chelsea and United have top quality, better established squads. So, that's a long-winded way of saying it's too early to change my mind yet - but the seeds have deffo been sown.

[Dagger]

[Vincent Vega]

We haven't gone behind in a game yet, and so far under Rafa, that's when we've struggled.

Both Toulouse and Derby were cannon fodder and as impressive as we were in both, I don't think we can draw any conclusions on how good we'll be when the fixture list starts getting tougher.

I'm very encouraged so far though. The fairly easy fixture list has allowed the new lads time to settle, all the main attacking new boys have got that monkey off their back that is scoring your first goal, we finally have some pace in the side and the strength in depth (defence apart) is very impressive.

I think we'll have a far better idea by the end of November.

Edit: I voted no by the way, close but not quite there I reckon.

[zigackly]

Where's the option for "fuck this daft poll off until at least April"?

[Remmie]

What aboot the Champs league if we can beat dark horses Sevilla

[Vladi]

I've said for the last 2 seasons that the only thing that's stopped us winning in probably 90% of our league games is poor finishing, even in games against our main rivals (OT and the Emirates being the main exceptions). If Torres can keep up his fantastic start and Kuyt starts putting away even only half of the chances that come his way then I think we'll take some stopping, especially with Voronin ready to step in and doing well so far. So even though I think the question should be 'can we win the league this season', I've voted yes.

[SCOUSE TAPAS]

Originally Posted by Paul

After watching that superb display, my instinct is to say yes. However, my head then reminds me that we've only played four matches, three of which we should be winning anyway. Things are starting to look very good, in terms of both results and performance. However, the old cliche applies: it's a marathon and not a sprint. Also, Chelsea and United have top quality, better established squads. So, that's a long-winded way of saying it's too early to change my mind yet - but the seeds have deffo been sown.

Have to agree with everything you said.

[Hermes]

We've made as good a start as anybody could expect. But we have still to prove that we can relentlessly grind out results like we know Chelsea can and will.

The end of October will be time to take stock. We are rolling over the poor teams, if we can continue with that and get at least 8 points from the successive games with Tottenham/Everton/Arsenal/Blackburn in October then we can believe.

[stig]

If there was a Not Sure option, I would have picked it.

[Moo]

Even though I know this poll has been posted far too early into the season I have still voted, and voted No.

The Chelsea game convinced me of this.
We played so well, but got fcuked over by a seriously bad decision - it just leads me to think that for one reason or another we won't get enough points against the likes of them, Man Utd, probably Arsenal and dare I say it, Everton.

It is our best chance in years, but I just don't feel that this one is our year.

[05 Milan]

I voted yes before the season started, and I'm voting yes now.

[G Richards]

I think we will win the league and I'm happy to say that my opinion on that has not changed. I was saying as much through the summer, even when the forum went thorugh one or two large moodswings.

I feel Chelsea will be the challengers we will have to beat. Man Utd do not look like they have the finisher they need, and I suspect they will dominate a lot of games but end up with too many draws. Saha's fitness will trouble him, and they will end up with too many 'magicians' and no-one to consistently put the ball in the net.

Arsenal will be top four but I don't think they have enough to mount a serious title challenge. All the movement by Dein behind the scenes suggests that he feels their future at the top table could be in jeopardy unless investment comes in, but they have a stubborn board.

As I say, Chelsea will be the ones we have to beat. They are relentless when it comes to grinding out results. If we can match that (and signs so far look good) then we are in with a great chance. I feel we will edge ahead of them when they lose Drogba and Essien to the African Nations Cup.

Obviously we're only four games in, but that's how I see it shaping up.

[zigackly]

I would have voted no before the start of the season and now I'm fighting to keep my mouth shut. I want to see how we react to going 1-0 down against a defensively strong team away from home before I vote on this though.

[Skidfingers McGonical]

Originally Posted by Hermes

We've made as good a start as anybody could expect. But we have still to prove that we can relentlessly grind out results like we know Chelsea can and will.

The end of October will be time to take stock. We are rolling over the poor teams, if we can continue with that and get at least 8 points from the successive games with Tottenham/Everton/Arsenal/Blackburn in October then we can believe.

Totally agree with you Hermes. It so easy to get carried away with a very good start.

I was impressed with Rafa's comments yesterday, he is making sure that everyone understands the job is far from complete and not to get carried away with the media. That will be the biggest test for Rafa, keeping the players minds on the task in hand and not what has happened in the past, it's about what needs to be done in the future that counts.

[Red Nick]

YES

But only if Torres plays 30 league games, he is so important to this team

[Hermes]

Originally Posted by Red Nick

YES

But only if Torres plays 30 league games, he is so important to this team

If he plays 31 we have no chance?