This is a difficult question to answer to be honest, Spurf.
In some respects, yes. In other aspects, no.
Defensively, we are much better than last season. We are a lot better at controlling the ball. We are better at set-pieces. We are better out of possession. We are better at managing games with more maturity. We are also better at dealing with injuries in key positions compared to last season.
Offensively, I think the dynamics aren't as fluid as last season, we don't score or create as much in open play (though this is on an upward trend since the start of the year) and I feel like we are more methodical with our passing. We can be wasteful in the final third too. The signing of Havertz hasn't helped in that sense. We have also struggled against teams who defend deep, so this is something we need to address.
However, what I will say is there has been clear improvement since the start of 2024. There were some games earlier in the season where we relied on last minute winners or individual brilliance to get us over the line, whereas now I feel like we are much more deserving of our wins if that makes sense?
Not sure I've answered your question
. But I'd say we are heading in the right direction.
