<https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/53589-the-positive-thread-doom-merchants-need-not-read/#comment-2427188>
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"Of course you can look at it in many different ways. The only reason we went further in the EL was down to how well we finished last season. But looking at the campaign overall it was a big dissapointment. No away goals let alone wins. And going further in the League cup is indeed a positive. But you have to ask yourself if Arsenal had put out a strong team would we have been through? Who knows.   \nFor us to have an on par season as the last we have to finish 6th. Can you honestly see that happening? When you look at our league results this season they are a bit ****. If you look at the results and say what was our best win thus far you would have to say Burnley. The Everton game was decent but they were so poor. By this time last season I recall we had beaten Chelsea away and Bompey. With us destroying Arsenal away 0-4 at some point in december.    \nI think a big difference this season compared to last is that the teams that were poor last season have improved a lot. Chelsea and Liverpool have re-emerged whilst teams around us have also got stronger. West Brom, Watford, Bompey etc are much better teams compared to last year.  \nThe question I ask is are we a better team? Do we play as good football as we did? Do we score as many goals as we did? Do we have players of the calibre of those we lost? My personal view is no. Redmond is nowhere near as good as Mane. Austin is not as good as Pelle. Don't forget 2 of Austins goals have been penalties. None of Pelles goals last season were penalties. Add to that Pelle has much more impact in the big games. The Chelsea game he was a total beast. He had 2 assists and a goal. The same thing happened in the Liverpool game. He created 2 and scored 1.    \nMy point being for all Pelles flaws he was a very good striker for us. One that I believe has better impact on games than Austin. Add to that Jay sadly isn't who he once was. Long has regressed badly. The only player I feel we covered well for was Wanyama being replaced by Romeu. I honestly think Romeu has been one of our best players this season. "
<https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/53589-the-positive-thread-doom-merchants-need-not-read/>