Summer Transfer Thread and Gustavo Cisneros Type Rumours.

[Percy McCarthy]

With managerial uncertainty at Spurs and Everton, Arteta always being on the edge of crisis, it remains to be seen of Moyes can repeat at West Ham or was it just an anomaly given his more recent PL record, and if Bielsa can elevate Leeds, we have a legitimate chance to attack the top 6.

Man Utd are nothing special.

[Toronto Villa]

With managerial uncertainty at Spurs and Everton, Arteta always being on the edge of crisis, it remains to be seen of Moyes can repeat at West Ham or was it just an anomaly given his more recent PL record, and if Bielsa can elevate Leeds, we have a legitimate chance to attack the top 6.

Man Utd are nothing special.

Yet they still beat us twice and finished second 19 points clear. Realistically we aren’t in the hunt for a top 2 or 4 spot. Over the course of the season they will be better than us and finish higher. Our aim right now has to top 6-8. It would be a great season if we got into the Europa.

[cdbearsfan]

Top four is achievable, we were within touching distance last year before Grealish got injured, and keep adding more brilliant players. Our record against the top four with Grealish in the team was two wins (including a 7-2 twatting), a draw, and two defeats. Hardly anything to be frightened of. And the two defeats were only by bloody cheating

[Toronto Villa]

It’s about consistency. Not just about beating the top sides which aside from the Manchester sides we did. It’s about the sides in or around us or those fighting for points late on. I’m not saying it’s not possible and we haven’t seen everyone we will bring in yet. But it’s a hell of jump to go from 17th to 4th in two seasons.

[Hockley Lion]

We are assuming Jack's staying aren't we.

[TonyD]

Top 4 should be the aim.   No messing.

[cdbearsfan]

It’s about consistency. Not just about beating the top sides which aside from the Manchester sides we did. It’s about the sides in or around us or those fighting for points late on. I’m not saying it’s not possible and we haven’t seen everyone we will bring in yet. But it’s a hell of jump to go from 17th to 4th in two seasons.

And we're spending a hell of a lot of money. You mentioned that we'd lost to Man U as evidence that we weren't ready to compete, I contrasted our record, with Grealish, against the top four. Which you're now sort of agreeing with me on, so fair enough.

As for consistency, again, we were pretty near the top four in terms of points per game before his injury. There were some poor results with him in the team, but you can lose the odd unexpected game and still win the league, let alone finish fourth. You'd hope we'd lose fewer if we continue to improve the rest of the team.

[Toronto Villa]

We were being found out with Jack in the side even before his injury. Yes we are spending big again, and I hope you’re right that top 4 is reachable. I just think it’s a stretch. It’s like a diet. The last 10 lbs is harder to lose than the first 40. It gets very hard at the top and certainly to stay there across a full season. And as much Arsenal, Spurs, Everton etc all look dodgy now by the start of the season they will all have managers and will have spent a lot of money to change and improve what they have. So while I hope and expect us to finish higher it won’t be easy.

[dcdavecollett]

Blimey, Toronto! You must have packed some weight on!!

[Toronto Villa]

Blimey, Toronto! You must have packed some weight on!!

Haha lonely Covid cheeseburgers mate while watching Villa. It’s complicated

[OCD]

Last season was a bit of a strange one with Covid. Short pre-season with very little rest bite for the players, no crowds meaning away teams doing better and most sides having a poor second half of the season. We might be able to compete with the likes of Leicester and stay in contention longer but it’s hard to say for the above reasons.

[Drummond]

Respite.

Unless you're referring to TV's lazy burger eating.

[ChicagoLion]

To have any chance of top 6 Smith needs to get a lot better at game management.

[Ian.]

To have any chance of top 6 Smith needs to get a lot better at game management.

He does but also needs a squad to match with players on the bench who can really make a difference.

[brian green]

To continue the diet metaphor the first steps are the easiest.  The weight you lose first is mostly water stored in your body.  Getting players who can secure Premiership survival is easier and cheaper than finding and getting players like Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins.  And keeping the ones like Jack that you already have.  The push for the top slots hinges on two factors.  Having the money and spending it wisely.