Proximity.

[Martyboy]

Granted, it’s quick off the mark, but firing blanks…

The wee bampot has returned I see.....

[Insidious]

The first little update was after 12 games -

(After 12 games played)

Distance from 1st - 11 points (space in brackets template for future info about +/- distance)
Distance from 4th - 4 points, Sunderland have played 13 (future info about +/- distance)
Distance from 18th - 7 points (space in brackets template for future info about +/- distance)

The most recent after 15 games -

(After 15 games played)

Distance from 1st - 10 points (having been 11 points adrift, so we're 1 closer to the top)
Distance from 4th - 3 points (having been 2 points adrift, so we're 1 further from 4th spot)
Distance from 18th - 10 points (having been 10 points clear, so no change)

So now we arrive at the 16 games played point -

Distance from 1st - 10 points (no change - we were 10 points adrift after 15 played)
Distance from 4th - 2 points (1 point closer to 4th spot)
Distance from 18th - 13 points (having been 10 points clear, so 3 further points away from the horrible bit of the table)

I doubt many had genuine relegation fears, but it's nice to be so far clear of the drop zone. Arsenal remain annoyingly far away and indeed it's worth noting that 3rd-placed Aston Villa are 7 points away - a 3-game swing which is quite a gap.

At least 4th spot remains quite close, but it would be good to reel in 3rd spot somewhat. I tend to think of the League (whatever your aspirations are) as really hotting up at around the 25-played point, so we have could do with getting closer to clicking in the 17th-24th fixtures if we wish to remain in the hunt at all.

In terms of other sides with European ambitions, we'll soon see Newcastle play both Chelsea and Man United, whilst we have an upcoming opportunity to get 7 points clear of Tottenham. Meanwhile, Man United have matched our pace over our last 5 League fixtures (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) though have tricky fixtures in Villa and Newcastle to come.

Whilst Champion's League football isn't "everything" we do know how important it is for maintaining our appeal to foreign players, our capacity to pay fees and wages and our ability to retain current stars, so it's encouraging that 4th remains close. Let's hope we can reign 3rd in a bit whilst maintaining our decent campaign in the League phase of Europe to ensure knock-out football without an extra qualifying round.

If we can continue with our more solid performances, we should still be capable of grinding out a very respectable season and creating the template for the 26/27 season while we're at it.

[CCTV]

The first little update was after 12 games -



The most recent after 15 games -



So now we arrive at the 16 games played point -

Distance from 1st - 10 points (no change - we were 10 points adrift after 15 played)
Distance from 4th - 2 points (1 point closer to 4th spot)
Distance from 18th - 13 points (having been 10 points clear, so 3 further points away from the horrible bit of the table)

I doubt many had genuine relegation fears, but it's nice to be so far clear of the drop zone. Arsenal remain annoyingly far away and indeed it's worth noting that 3rd-placed Aston Villa are 7 points away - a 3-game swing which is quite a gap.

At least 4th spot remains quite close, but it would be good to reel in 3rd spot somewhat. I tend to think of the League (whatever your aspirations are) as really hotting up at around the 25-played point, so we have could do with getting closer to clicking in the 17th-24th fixtures if we wish to remain in the hunt at all.

In terms of other sides with European ambitions, we'll soon see Newcastle play both Chelsea and Man United, whilst we have an upcoming opportunity to get 7 points clear of Tottenham. Meanwhile, Man United have matched our pace over our last 5 League fixtures (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) though have tricky fixtures in Villa and Newcastle to come.

Whilst Champion's League football isn't "everything" we do know how important it is for maintaining our appeal to foreign players, our capacity to pay fees and wages and our ability to retain current stars, so it's encouraging that 4th remains close. Let's hope we can reign 3rd in a bit whilst maintaining our decent campaign in the League phase of Europe to ensure knock-out football without an extra qualifying round.

If we can continue with our more solid performances, we should still be capable of grinding out a very respectable season and creating the template for the 26/27 season while we're at it.

If we can win our next 5..... then we'll very likely be in a title race

[CCTV]

15 points from 5 would take us to 41 points after 21 games.
Arsenal would have a maximum of 48 points. Cituae a maximum of 49 points.

Taking us up to the January break there are 5 more PL games to play, a few have an efl quarter-final to play.


Here's the next 5 fixtures.... including EFL QFs

LFC:
Spurs A,
Wolves H,
Leeds H,
Fulham A,
Arsenal A.

Arsenal:
Everton A,
Palace H EFL cup,
Brighton H,
Villa H,
Bournemouth A,
LFC H.

Cituae:
Brentford H EfL cup,
WestHam H,
Forrest A,
Sunderland A,
Cfc H,
Brighton H.

Villa:
Manu H,
Cfc A,
Arsenal A,
Forrest H,
Palace A.

Cfc:
Newcastle A,
Villa H,
Bournemouth H,
Cituae A,
Fulham A.