Which back 4 are you referring to?
The back 4 at end o last season, and start of this were very very strong and we've since added Otamendi who is brilliant.
The current problem is a combination of injuries, tiredness and a manager who is too loyal to Demichelis
Kolarov must be knackered sprinting down that touchline. Kompany and Mangala are injured. Zabaleta needs to get fit then we can judge him. Bit much to say he's finished. it might be next season until we see Zabaleta back at his best but he's not like Toure. He's a fit committed player
Fernandinho, Delph, Fernando all good players in my opinion. The team at the moment is totally undermined by injury to the central defenders, and by Pellegrini's reluctance to play Sagna or one of the kids there in preference to Demichelis. Any time we come up against a decent team, and Demichelis plays, we end up conceding soft goals.
Marvin , the whole squad needs revamping.
Oti and KDB seem to show so far they have a longer term future at the club but other than Kun and Silva and maybe Hart nobody else inspires me with confidence.
Ferny is good on his day but cannot like Silva cope well when pressed by quick players with a high work rate.
Zaba is well past his prime now Marvin and injuries are starting to take over as his aging legs give out more easily.
Great warrior for us but will never return to his consistent performances in past years.
Your own comments allude to players weaknesses and to focus on MDM is a bit of a cop out.
The number of repeat injuries to players , Fernando again with a hamstring again in itself suggests these players cannot be relied upon to stand up to the physicality of the premier league.
We need better and much better than Navas, Fernando , Kolorov, Sagna, Clichy, MDM , Mangala,
Of our two high quality players one is injury prone and the other too easily marked out of games that press and and have high work rate.
This combined with a manager who lacks tactical nous and an ability to inspire and motivate players spells further grief for us in the short term.
Expect some more hidings under MP with this squad.
