Agree with this statement - I've questioned Howe many times this season but when you put all the pieces together this year any type of European football next year is, in reality, a success. Of our strongest lines up Gordon, Bruno and Schar are the only ones who have consistently been available.
Take those 3 out and out of Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Target, Willock, Joelinton, Tonali, Barnes, Almiron, Isak I wonder how many games (will) have been missed this year...
So close in the CL to progressing (dodgy pen call), seconds away from the semi final in the LC and ultimately dumped out on the lottery that is pens, FA Cup vs City - in-fact all of the draws for all the cups were harsh.
So much has made the season difficult this year but we are still battling away with a thread bare team.