6/10 for me, ok but could do a lot better.
While finishing second was probably unexpected at the start of the season I don’t think we’ve progressed much in terms of good performancesWe still struggle to find a way of winning against defensive teams, not only winning but even creating chances. This again was highlighted in the europa final. There’s been some terrible home performances and results but I suppose an empty stadium doesn’t help. But it’s an aspect of our game that we’ve struggled with for years, beating the low block.
The away record is pretty amazing especially considering the amount of games we went behind in, especially earlier in the season. But again, some of the performances weren’t great, grinding out a win rather than blowing teams away. But I suppose this shows character and a togetherness that has been missing pre Ole.
It was a disappointing end to the season largely because of the final defeat and the performance. The Liverpool game really pissed me off given that we could’ve stopped them from getting top 4, more the attitude of the players than the final result. The final itself was there for the taking if we had taken a few more risks. I can’t for the life of me understand why we keep starting with effectively two DMs against lesser teams. I can only hope it’s because Ole either doesn’t trust his centre backs or think Fred or McT can do the DM job on there own. Hopefully this will be addressed in the summer.
I still think we’re only 3 maybe 4 signings away from having a very good squad capable of challenging. I think Cavani solves the ST issue for another season. We’ve needed a RW since Nani got wrongly pushed out. I think it would give us better balance and also take a bit of pressure of AWB (who I thought largely had a good season). A quality CB to partner with Maguire. We’ve seen the last few weeks how important Maguire and a world class partner for him would massively improve us. Then there’s the DM position. We need to find the next Kante who can allow us to play with two attacking midfielders in a midfield 3.
I think the future is bright, some great young players coming through and hopefully some of the dross gets cleared out to free up playing time for them.