flobaba I think this is so obvious, yet important to highlight. I feel like folks are being quite irrational about their expectation adjustment for this season considering all that’s gone down.
Imagine Barcelona without Yamal, Lewandowski or Raphinha. Or Real without Mbappe, Vini Jr and Rodrygo, and where Bellingham missed basically a third of the season.
Or Liverpool without just Salah.
It’s disappointing that we are not competing for the title this season, but if there’s ever been a season where the manager/team deserves a pass, it’s this one.
I like this. But would definitely split Arteta/ Edu's report card. Again, so we don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
1) Buying. This is a C/D. I like the players he brought in last summer (other than Sterling), but we are definitely short in the front 4
2) Using resources: This is an A. He's done well to use his whole squad, particularly given the compounding challenges that arose due to (1).
3) Tactics: This is a B. He's managed to get the team to second despite the limitations forced by (1), but there is definitely scope for varying attack more, ceding more possession, breaking faster, attacking the centre of the park, etc., to reduce our predictability