I agree we have gone backwards in quite a few ways. But why ? And what is the remedy ?
We finished lower by one place, scored less and conceded more. We did get to the FA semis and last 16 of the CL from a very tough group though. So our CL performance was better.
So what were the differences ? Well we played away from home all season but the difference was marginal but still a negative. We lost quite a few key players through injury but I don't know how that compares to 2016/ 17.
Our signings made little impact last season although Sanchez did ok he is no replacement for Toby who missed a lot of games. Lucas wasn't ready and Aurier not adjusted and no replacement for Walker. Llorente I don't need to elaborate on.
I think other sides sussed out how to play against us perhaps but that's difficult to quantify.
The only change this season could be our returning long term injured. Lamela, Winks, Rose, Toby, Wanyama and lesser so Wanyama who is yet to prove he is over his problem.
The away from home issue is still there. The lack of meaningful signings worse and our rivals have improved their squads. Seeing teams like Watford and Brighton play the standard of lesser teams may be improving which could challenge us.
So it's not a pretty picture being painted although we have confounded doubters and punched above our weight before so it's all crystal ball stuff. Having said that the writing is on the wall.