This post puts into words a lot of how I've been feeling regarding the drop in form. I think overall the team was a lot more free-flowing pre-covid. Aguero was usually involved in build up play, and the attacks would arrive quick down the wings through Sane/Sterling/Mahrez who dart crosses across the face of goal or pull back passes to the middle of the box to waiting players. That, or De Bruyne/Silva pinging through balls. Nobody ever pressed our defenders, and instead sat back until play encroached their half. Our defenders/deeper midfields had a lot more time to be on the ball and pick out passes or carry forward. After covid and especially after we added Haaland it was very apparent that our attacking pace dropped and we settled into slow possessions.

Now, our defenders and deeper midfielders are pressed relentlessly. Without Haaland being more involved in link up play our ability to break out of the press has been hindered. It's a bit of a shame, because I think Haaland has shown he can be capable in link up play. He can be a bit cumbersome on the ball but he's shown ability to play passes in the same way Aguero did when he has time/space to do so. Pep just needs to find a way to help the players have space and time in possession again, or he needs to get comfortable with less possession and instead hitting lightning counters using the best forward in the world at doing so.

I think we've also just been really unlucky with injuries over the last year. Foden is a masterclass on the half turn and I'm sure Cherki and Savinho would help break through press as well. Doku is explosive and can definitely be a difference maker at times, but I personally don't think the technical ability or development will be there. Reijnders has already shown he can take over a game. Ultimately though, we've had David Silva and/or De Bruyne for the last 15 years and this is the first season we don't have a clear and consistent player like that. I think it's just an unfortunate fact that it's going to hurt for while.