So after a few days and the dust settling a little I thought it only right that I show my face back in here to take the slating.
I do at least claim that I wasn't seduced by the first 5 games and realised how lucky we got in those games. That luck now ending is showing that we are simply average and that we perhaps went too big this summer.
That old Soccer AM line of, "Change is not good" is partially correct, in that so much change is not good, least not in one go.
So much change along with those new contracts have left Slot with a problem that he simply hasn't solved as yet. He obviously loves Gakpo, who has arguably been our best performer so far. Yet, would Ekitke be a better option on that side? The issues highlighted with the loss of form of Salah and the failure of Isak to hit the ground running.
As others have pointed out, it's also trying to fit Wirtz into a system that hasn't really been played by us.
A real test for Slot to find ways to get them to gel. Something they are going to have to do pretty quickly unless we are going to fall too far behind.
Guehi or Branthwaite IMO are options that have to be considered in Jan.