As the new 2009-2010 fixture list just came out, it`s time to take a look at a disturbing trend that needs to be ended – poor opening day performances.
We begin this next season with a trip to the south coast to take on Pompey. I think we would have all preferred to begin the season at Craven Cottage against a newly promoted side (or Bolton), but that didn`t happen.
Still, there`s hope with this one. We can take full points, but it will require an improvement in our opening match performance. From what I could find from various websites, not since the 2003-2004 season have we taken full points from the season`s first fixture.
01/02 Loss 3-2 ManU
02/03 Win 4-1 Bolton
03/04 Win 3-2 ‘Boro
04/05 Draw 1-1 Man City
05/06 Draw 0-0 Birmingham
06/07 Loss 5-1 ManU
07/08 Loss 2-1 Arsenal
08/09 Loss 2-1 Hull
Ending this trend is made more difficult by the fact that the opening match is an away fixture. We all know how poorly we perform on the road, particularly early in the season. Correct me if I`m wrong, but I believe this makes the fourth season in a row that we`ve played our opening match on the road.
Does that strike anyone else as a little unfair?
Regardless, a good opening always takes the pressure off, so let`s hope Roy has the lads ready to take full points from this one.
Share this article
