I've noticed in the last few games that our usual scapegoats have been playing fairly well. Lucas, Babel, Dossena and Kuyt have turned in good performances in the league and europe and have even chipped in with goals. I've even noticed a much lower level of panic about Lucas starting against Chelsea tomorrow than I would have expected 2 or 3 weeks ago.
Kuyt is showing a decent first touch, showing quick feet and playing some intelligent passes around the box. Lucas is a growing, if nowehere near dominant, influence in midfield. Babel seems to have found a way to go past someone and how to pass the ball before being tackled. Dossena has become an unstoppable goal machine from left midfield.
So why is this? Are they beginning to improve their games in general? Is the manager working hard with them? Is the confidence running through the squad rubbing off on them? Do they just look better because we are winning?
Maybe its just that less people are grumbling about them as we haven't had to blame any dropped points on them.
My point is that the usual scapegoats, in my opinion at least, have begun to show that they are important members of the squad and have contributed tellingly to the recent run of good results. I'd love to see the crowd getting behind them in the next games to help to push them on even more. If the captain can get behind Lucas, for example, then the crowd at the games should do the same. The lad deserves it. Babel, Kuyt and the Doss do as well.