I think Sarri has much to learn re his in-play tactics. His lack of a goalscoring striker constantly puts him into positions where he has to play too much of a part and often does like for like changes that just belly flop. Sarri is not faultless by any stretch. He is found wanting with this squad and this strike force. If a manager has a striker that scores goals his job is made hugely easier. I doubt very much Higuain is his ideal striker for the long term but at least he will have faith in one striker at the club and that will allow him to play Hazard correctly and also drop Willian or Pedro to the bench...just how he preferred early season when setting off on a decent run.

Sarri has a rigid ideal and this will cost money and trust to see it through. If we forget Sarri for a minute...is this squad where it deserves to be or should it be higher? I see City Liverpool and Spurs above us and deservedly so...not least because they have goalscorers. I don't think this squad is actually underperforming - I'd even say it's going along quite nicely all things considered.