We peaked last season when we were magnificent. The warning signs were there though, Liverpool were getting stronger and stronger. We have strengthened but our recruitment has been sub standard. Going forward we need a major rebuild due to my last statement but financially we probably won't be able to.
Our defence is shocking and our midfield is slow, too easily bypassed and weak. Up front we have an ageing Aguero and in patches Mahrez. Bernardo and Sterlings form has gone off a cliff, will it ever return? Jesus is a more skilful Dickov. Totally anonymous in too many games in spite of his hard work.
In defence only Ederson, Laporte and Walker should stay. In midfield we have Kev, Foden and Bernardo if he regains his form. Fern can do another season but he is coming up to 35 years of age. Up front Aguero and Mahrez should stay, the jury's out on whether Sterling and Jesus can somehow up their game to the level required. Sterling has in the past but has been pretty shocking for a long time now.
Rodri for me is a bad fit for us and the premier league in particular. Too slow. Cancelo and Mendy have been a disaster. Gundogan has quality but again he is slow and disappears too often when the going gets tough. We are losing Silva.
We may have to see us slip down the pecking order for a couple of seasons, especially if the champions league ban stands. Sorry if this sounds a bit doom and gloom and we could still win another two trophies this season but it can't mask our weaknesses
Oh and yes I was there in the dark times but we have to stop measuring today from that, we are a top team and club now and have to be ruthless to stay there.
