This. They're top thanks to us, not in spite of us.
Absolutely.
At this point last season after 17 games, we were on 49 points, 16 more than now. We are on 33 points.
At this point last season after 17 games, they were on 25 points, 13 points less than now. The are on 36 points.
They have improved, but its our dropping of points that we accumulated last season thats hurt us.
They wouldn't be near us, even with their improvement, if we were showing last years form, or even close to it. But we've had well documented reasons for that.....namely injuries.
They're punching above their weight, while we are going below.
Although anything can happen, logic tells you if balance is struck, and with us now getting players back, we'll open a gap on them in the coming weeks.