The rot will continue until we sort out midfield and full backs. Unfortunately we have had injuries at the wrong time in the wrong positions all at the same time.
Rodri’s injury made us even more vulnerable to transitions. We have also lost energy in midfield with the decline in Bernardo and KDB and Gundogan’s age.
What is another huge factor is the massive decline in Walker’s pace, he used to be a safety blanket covering quick counters but his pace is declining and he’s doing dangerous things to compensate like sitting deeper which has destroyed our offside line. On the other side Lewis is being outmuscled every challenge which is a major issue.
If we were to get Akanji and Ake or Stones back we will improve defensively. Kovacic will also help in midfield but we desperately need reinforcements in midfield and in defence.