Much ado about nothing here. The simple fact is, unless City takes a nosedive, we have no practical chance of catching them. They're on pace for 86 points, and can drop another 11 points and still get to 87. For us to get to 87, we can only drop another 3 points this season. It's case closed, for now.
How bad is that? Well, given that City has now taken to not dropping points at all for a protracted period, it doesn't take much slip-up to lose contact. Not a cause for huge disappointment, in my view.
The focus should stay the same: Improve to 75-80 points. That remains realistic, though we are currently slightly behind that curve. That is a very good achievement, as well as obvious progress on last seasons 66 points.
Also, it's still a work in progress. We're building a new team, not only is it not fully constructed yet, there's also a learning process collectively. All indications are there's still work to do. If you're not patient, you'll be disappointed.
I don't see much relevance in comparisons with Mourinhos 81-point season. That was the peak point for a previous iteration of the team, most of which is now gone. It was a very good achievement, and that's what Mourinho as a manager can do for you. Unfortunately, what he also does for you is leave acrimoniously soon after, leaving the club in tatters and the squad disconsolate and bereft of confidence, and in need of building up a new squad and establishing some sort of playing style, as well as getting back to a decent emphasis on training and academy development. I want a team that goes beyond 81 points and does it year after year. There was never the slightest possibility of Mourinho delivering that, and doing so takes time. I'll wait.