Our defence is better, but its far from perfect either.
The issue is, we don't attack as a team, we don't defend as a team.
We treat every area of the pitch as a separate entity, which will always lead to problems. A bit concern for me, is our players aren't tactically aware enough to work a game plan through 90 minutes, individual errors are massive in our squad.
I feel for the coaches to some degree, because they are instructing the team to work a certain way and lapses of concentration let us down constantly. We always seem to be last ditch defending which isn't sustainable long term. Look at how we "dealt" with grealish - we simply jus thought "might as well foul him" - just highlights players aren't up for winning they're duals or being aware enough to mark him tighter or double up on him. The best players would be aware of this and act accordingly. Our players just look absolutely lost when challenged or when faced with making in-game decisions.
Maguire looks ok, but when exposed he looks as shaky as anything we currently have. He's got a lot more to give that's for sure.
LB is still a massive issue - Shaw is again going to have to prove himself when fit. Young is done at this level and Williams is young but half decent, but far from what we need.
Its been noted Midfield is the cause of the defences frailties - it's certainly not helping but signing a DM wont make Maguire or Lindelöf better players - they're capable of playing better all on they're own. Vidic was always capable of winning his duels, as was Ferdinand, Johnson, Bruce, Pallister....you get my point. Don't rely on other players to make your job easier - win your own duals and account for your own performance levels.
So are we better? Maybe, but we leak goals so we need to do better.
We are still in transition - a lot of players need to be sold and new coming in.
I think we should highlight a new LB and look for more depth in midfield.
The biggest concern for me with our defence has been Lindelöf. Hasn't looked upto it this season