I think the 3 big things this season that hampered us are as follows:
1) Less fight: We had difficulties aplenty during the two title winning campaigns. When things went wrong we dug our heels in and fought. When we were struggling to score we kept going and made sure not to concede when things were tough. When we had things to aim for we worked hard to get them. The run in last season and the 100 points the season before were testament to that. This season it's not been there. Too many times our heads have dropped when we concede. Too many times we haven't concentrated and made some stupid error. Too many times we've been wasteful up front when it mattered. Too many missed penalties. In big 6 games we got 24 points in 17/18 (and it could have been 27 if not for the home derby) and 25 in 18/19 (which could have been 27 if not for that penalty miss) to 13 this year (which at best could have been 15 if not for VAR). Chelsea (H), Leicester (H), Sheffield United (A), and Real Madrid (A) are the only times this season I recall us digging deep and pulling it off. I think a lot of things have affected it, but that's for another time. I believe losing Kompany's leadership may have meant some of these issues weren't dealt with like they should have been.
2) No Laporte, no backup: Our defensive record has been a lot better since Laporte came back. We've still had issues, but they crop up far less often in Laporte in the side. When we had Laporte, Kompany, Stones, and Otamendi, we always had at least 2 defenders that were on form. But with Kompany leaving, Otamendi ageing, Stones's head going, and Laporte getting injured, it meant we often had two centre backs you couldn't trust. Fernandinho tried, but all things considered we were asking for too much. The way we play, we're always going to concede the odd super dangerous chance. That's why when it happens you need defenders you can trust. We haven't had that, and it's no surprise some of the goals we've conceded have happened as a result.
3) No Sané AND Bernardo form nosedive: Sterling and Mahrez are both class. But Sterling got massively overworked at one point in the season and Mahrez's usefulness very much depends on what we're up against. But things just got too predictable in the end at times and not having any variety just gave defences easier times keeping us away from goal, and more time to figure out ways to deal with the press before we can switch it up.
2) should be dealt with now that Laporte's back with us hopefully signing at least one reliable CB. 3) should be ok if we sign another winger like Torres and Foden's emergence will help. The big worry is 1). Can we get our heads back in the game? I have faith. The only new issues going into the new season are can we rely on our two forwards to stay fit and do we have a means of replacing Silva. Not necessarily with a like for like, but just with someone who can keep the quality up. I suspect it's Bernardo's time to shine.
Other than that, the season has been the same as previous. Brilliant football, brilliant wins, and some brilliant performances from the team and players. We've still won a trophy at the very least, so we're still in the manner of winning. Rodri and Cancelo should be more settled, Mendy's getting games and the likes of Bernardo, Jesus, Laporte, Ederson, Sterling, Foden, and Garcia (and probably others) are all going to be more developed than they were a year ago. And we still have Aguero.
