The danger of comparing this season to the previous campaign is that any improvement this season becomes exaggerated by the consensus that we completely underachieved last season.
In my opinion, it is of no relevance whatsoever to use any scale of the club's history as a benchmark for what we are doing this season, be it last season, eleven years ago, or thirty-four years ago. For example, the idea that "Saturday was great because in 1995 we lost 4-0 and 6-0 to Liverpool in the same week", carries no weight.
It is also a problem when all judgements are based on quantifiable data, particularly at this stage of the season. The fact that we have only lost once is enough for some fans to remain content. The fact that we are a few points off the top four with a game in hand presents another reason for some fans to believe in the status quo. These facts cannot be denied, but they can be countered by other statistics, for instance, six points from a possible eighteen, or five wins from twelve.
Mark Twain couldn't have been more true when he said "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." Hence for now, I am judging City by what I observe at the games as they are taking place. And what I am observing is actually of great concern to City fans. Just as we are a couple of wins from being in the mix, we are two defeats from crisis. Where will the "only one defeat" brigade be hiding should that happen? Chelsea lost back-to-back away games but averted a crisis by virtue of their knack of winning (both prior and post the defeats). This run of draws has definitely done more harm to City than good because it leaves us at a crossroads going into a busy period.
But my real point is that our performances have been alarming given the obvious talent in the squad, and we have shown no signs of improvement in our run of draws. No sign of "gelling". This is because we are not functioning as a team; it should not be the case that fans are worried at every opposition set piece in our half of the pitch, or that we believe that a goal will be scored against us at any minute - this is not deluded arrogance because of our wealth, it is a major flaw that needs serious and urgent attention. If we could see discernible progress in our team, there would be fewer "moaners" frequenting this forum. But to just expect that we will "gel" in time and hope that hanging around waiting for the current regime to produce the goods, is just as "arrogant" as those who believe we should be turning teams over now and more often. Stability is over-rated in football. Mark Hughes should not be protected by the managerial merry-go-round that went before him. If he doesn't start winning soon, he should be gone.
