Quote Originally Posted by Hank View Post
Interesting. I get the argument that pretty much that squad won the championship a year ago, but a quick bit of research shows Vidic and Rio combined played as many league games as Evans, Jones and Smalling combined. The latter three wouldn't have been playing exclusively at the back whilst Rio and Vidic were regularly paired at centre-back, so really what's missing now (and in 13-14) was a solid central defence pairing.

I do rate Evans and Jones as good players, but not a championship winning foundation for a team. So that's 2 new players needed. Evra's passed it now, so make that 3. Rafael? We'll let him off. Cracking young player, but with the faint whiff of liability never too far away.

Zaha, Fletcher, Carrick and Januzaj as midfield group? Jury's very much out on Zaha. Januzaj's got bags of potential and has already looked superb in a few matches, but don't think he's ready yet to be a permanent fixture in the first team. Fletcher works hard and probably has more quality than people give him credit for. Likewise Carrick to some extent. But the two of 'em as mainstays in a championship challenging side? I can't see it when compared to what Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have to offer. They're miles off. I'm wanting another 3 or 4 players in there if you're challenging for the title.

Up front you could well have the best line-up in the league. I'd love to see RVP, Rooney and Mata given the opportunity to rip it up a bit.

So, yeah, plenty of new players needed in my opinion.
And a year ago.. would you have said Skertel and Agger would be a defensive partnership to go for the title? Lucas and Henderson?

No... They went from 7th to 2nd with good management.. yet suddenly even scouse fans seem to think we have to spend the 100's of millions that they didn't need to....

2-3 players and we'll contend with anyone.. City have spent 100's of millions but despite Chelsea's wealth I think this squad is pretty weak...