Everyone wants the same thing: the title. So when a player who should be giving everything looks off the pace, it deserves proper scrutiny. The argument here is simple — if Raskin isn't matching past intensity, that matters. But the row isn't only about him; it's about consistency in how we call things out.

Why Raskin gets singled out

To be fair, it's obvious why fans pick on the big names. They carry responsibility every week. You can see why frustration builds when someone who has been a driving force looks a step behind. The poster is convinced the World Cup has dented his intensity, and whether that's true or not, the feeling among supporters is important. Perception becomes pressure, and pressure affects performances.

Are some players escaping criticism?

There's a valid point about selective anger. Some players seem to get a free pass when others are roasted for far less. That breeds resentment in the fanbase — and rightly so. If the standard is commitment, it should apply across the squad. Highlighting names isn't the same as having a vendetta; it's about holding the team to the level we expect.

Look at the bigger picture

Using Steven Davis and Defoe as examples shows it isn't always permanent — players can kick on after a lull. So the question for the manager and the dressing room is this: can those who look off the pace be roused? And for fans, the answer is to be even-handed. Constant negativity aimed at the whole club helps no one and hands easy ammunition to rival media. Criticise fairly, get behind the team when it matters most, and don't let selective anger unsettle the run-in.

Written by SixteenNinety: 14 June 2026

Tags: match-review