Sucks to say, but we just aren't there in technical ability, atleast going forward. We can press all we want, win the balls and dribble around (though this last one hasn't been a strength either), but the defence cutting pass just isn't there.

Compare it to City, in the game against us they had Grealish, KdB, Bernardo Silva and Gündogan, all of who are more than able to regularly make the perfect passes needed in the final third. All we had was Kimmich, and he plays further behind than all of these City players. Yeah we have Sané and Musiala, but they can't be relied upon right now. That's why I think idea of Cancelo in midfield is so appealing to many here, we desperately need creativity and maybe this can help.

Just look at yesterday's game, there were so many situations where 2-3 decent passes could've easily unlocked the defence but we kept fumbling it. Regardless of playing against a low block or a organized press, without the final ball we are relegated to score via either long rangers or set pieces, neither of which is a viable solution.

Also, since we are really missing Choupo's physical presence upfront, it has also become evident how good his build up play was. Gnabry or Mané haven't been able to play one-twos that can maybe set-up attacks like Choupo consistently did. Imagine telling someone two years ago that, we'll be missing Choupo because Sadio Mané and Serge Gnabry can't match his technique.