For various reasons, the dynamic of the Premier League has shifted manifestly this season.
Personally, I love it. It isn't the most technical league by a long stretch, but as a spectacle and an 'entertainment product' it is utterly peerless.
Teams are taking points off each other all over the place. There has always been a greater preponderance towards this in the Premier League, but this season it's gone into overdrive.
To expect our team, with all the injuries we have sustained, to be immune from all that is asking too much imo. Some of our supporters expect too much and are invariably disappointed with some frequency.
I'm just glad we've got major billing at the greatest sporting show on earth.