I tend to be more on the side of "let's give FdB a chance." I felt that way previously with Pardew, and it did not work out. I felt that way with Allardyce and it did work out. These things are difficult to predict, I suppose.

That being said, I agree with you that something needs to change. We have now put ourselves into a position of difficulty and the season has barely started. I agree with FdB that the team should have been as aggressive as they were when we went 2-0 down to Swansea yesterday but I feel his tactics and his motivational prowess are to blame - he's a damp squib, personailty-wise.

My solutions: (1) I have yet to see compelling reason why Speroni is not in goal for us. When he plays, he does great things and makes far less mistakes than Hennessey. (2) I think the 4-5-1 option suits our personnel the best, with the two wingers pushing up, and a defensive midfielder playing off two more attacking midfielders. (3) I love Puncheon for what he represents but our best midfield options are Luka, Cabaye and RLC. Punch is a sub at best. (4) Our back four should be TFS-Dann-Sakho-PVA/Schlupp (5) That's right: I said Sakho.

I'm admittedly one of the hysterical "get him out, this football is suicidal, why haven't we signed anyone, SP has murdered us" people and although admitting it doesn't justify my petulance sometimes I am liable to calm down!

I had an interesting chat with someone on here last night which really reminded me of just how nuanced and unpredictable football can be and no matter how sure I am on my usually radical views it is worth listening to other people's perspectives.

Would genuinely like to hear what people would like to see between now and Burnley however small or big as I think it's fair to say something needs to change?

I was all for the "revert back to our tried and tested formation with players in the right positions and sign a GK,CB, no.10 and a striker and/or sack FdB" stance but as mentioned was challenged on this with some genuine and insightful comments which made me rethink!

Would preferably not hear back from anyone looking to just slate people be it from either the murderous mob or rose tinted la la land side although you are entitled I suppose. would do my blood pressure some good to hear a few genuine footballing perspectives for some good for thought!

IMO this is our best team and set up with who is available (forget the injuries we are suffering).

Hennessey

Fosu-Mensah, Tomkins Dann, PVA

Milivojevic

Townsend, Cabaye, RLC, Zaha

Benteke

4-1-4-1 for me allows Zaha and Townsend to provide the width and Cabaye and RLC to join the attack through the middle. We simply cannot play with wingbacks as the first three games have clearly shown. In this format Ward can be substituted for FM, Jimmy Mc for Cabaye and Riedewalde for either of the CH positions. For me Punch doesn't start and is behind Jimmy Mc in the pecking order for that midfield spot. Everyone else in the squad is cover. Upgrades would be Sakho as we know, and a new keeper.

We shouldn't drop Punch. He was brilliant vs. Hudders and is important for retaining the ball.

Riede isn't good enough due to his lack of physical presence for me. I think we need to sign a CB still.

PVA should be dropped for Schlupp who is far better defensively.

Still not convinced by Mensa but Ward hasn't been great the last 6mths either.

On the brightside, the players to choose from in our midfield are the best they've ever been!