TBF we still had too many errors in defensive midfield area and were lucky not to concede goals..
Last season our main strength was that even though upfront many were injured or out of form, etc. we were so fucking solid in defensive midfield, midfield and defensive areas that 1 or 2 goals were enough to finish the games and continue the marathon.
plus we were saving so much energy via not loosing the ball in our third, midfield third and even when we were loosing the balls in the final third, our pressing and defenders / midfielders (mainly Rodri) were recovering it in a few seconds.
So our defenders weren't exposed that much.
That's why we need at least someone type of Zubimendi or other one at least playing at above average level, so that we could bring stability in those vital two thirds of the pitch and upfront we have so many talented players in Haaland, KDB, Foden, Doku, Savio, Bobb, Grealish, Bernardo, etc. that in each game if any of them is in good form and does things on the pitch he is able to do, we will start winning games like we used to during the past 4 seasons.
But Txiki is an obvious culprit here. We had one position where we were the most vulnerable and he didn't do anything. We somehow decided to risk and appeared in this difficult situation...