We havent been good enough. Barely been in the top 4 this season (if we have been in it at all, I really dont think we have).
On a base level, Mo's penalties against Arse and Bournemouth could have been the difference at a minimum, but its churlish to levy it his door when he has scoring all season.
I take the view its not a big concern in that we are not miles off. Newcastle, Arsenal and United have profiteered over bad seasons for us and Chelsea, and Spurs have just been what Spurs do normally.
We are better than the Mancs. I dont think Arsenal are fundamentally better than us, obviously they have a midfield. But one £40m signing in midfield back in the summer would have probably been enough over the course of the season to see us right. I cited Sabitzer at the red manc in another post as someone who has made an impact since January. Why didnt we go in for him on loan ?
Perhaps we needed this kick up the arse. We have enjoyed a few years of fairly straight forward qualification, limping away on the fact that we havent spent a red cent on a midfielder since Fabinho, several years ago. Of course, on here, we have seen this all coming. The midfielders collectively have had more minutes in the treatment room than on the pitch.
We need a big summer, at least 2, possibly 3 midifielders, given there is comedy Thursdays to take into account, and some defensive cover. If Kelleher goes, we will need another keeper. Surely Drian isnt gonna be hanging on.