I'll take the second half but the jury's well out.

[Mo Britain less Europe]

[halfsharkalligatorhalfman]

[Peter]

There are no mysteries or surprises. No real need for a jury

[Alexism - Atheoist]

We'll gain from settled Cazorla, Podolski, and Giroud.

We'll suffer from the decline (to some unknown extent) of Arteta and Rosicky.

So on balance we should be a comfortable 4th, not a nail biting 4th. :nod:

Throw in a top top striker and a top top Arteta replacement/backup and we can talk challenging.

I wouldn't mind a true wide player though, just because we have money to burn. I am not as worried about central defense as others, though I was never a Vermaelen fan.

[Yesterday Once More]

[Peter]

Theo is pushing 24, i hardly think we can expect a serious spurt of progress next year. Same with gibbs. Overall, if two improve its likely three wont. We have been hoodwinked into believing in this in the absenceof serious attempts to actually strengthen the squad.

We may see a bit more from three arrivals last summer but agsin it is unlikely to be a transformation.

Against his, spurs have made three serious signings. If they keep bale, they are certainly stronger. The only resl issue is whether we finish fourth. We cant seriously expect to finish ahead of the big three with this squad.

[Peter]

And we know where our strengths and weaknesses are.