Back to the premier league, with a thud
Had mixed emotions after the Ajax game. We got a good result but the performance will still very problematic.
Pretty much straight downhill. Very, very sloppy and down a goal in under 4 minutes.
Started playing a little better after that, but always vulnerable on the break. Leeds moved the ball well, and got past our defenders way too easily.
Thought we'd hold on for a point, but the way this season has been going, fully expected Leeds might grab a late goal, and they did. They probably deserved it.
Everyone keeps blaming the midfield and defense (TAA in particular), but for me the biggest problem has been up front. With the departures, and the injuries, we've leaned heaving on Salah, Firmino & Nunez.
They haven't scored enough. They've had the chances and in previous years Salah and Firmino would both be up close to double digits for goals scored.
With a a bunch of the other top teams dropping points, we still are in with a good chance of a top 4 finish, but any talk of the title is gone now. Even with Haaland, Manchester City managed to get all 3 points and I fully expect them to win the title by 10-15 points this year.
The World Cup could add some unexpected turns in 2023, but I'd be very surprised if there is any serious challenge to City for the title.
