We've been great in 18/19, 19/20, and 21/22 in grinding out wins. That's how we've reached all those point totals. In 19/20, we were terrific at managing games (games like CP away, Sheff United home/away, Wolves home/away, Watford home, etc) without being amazing until we needed it (see City at home, Leicester away, etc). It's what needed to win titles. In 21/22, we did the same. It's an absolutely insane run for the second half last year. Just absolutely a winning machine.
The thing is though, we really ran out of steam due to the sheer number of games last year. Our sheer will and game management mentality helped us get past the likes of Villa and Soton, and we did step up against City. It was all about getting over the line when needed (came up short against Real, but they're also masters of game management and efficiency without being spectacular).
It seems like it's carried over to this season. Stepped it up in the Community Shield against City. But as the league kicked off, it's the same types of performances (just get over the line). But unfortunately, the officials didn't help us with the Mitrovic penalty, and Darwin was sent off today after missing some chances. When playing with such fine margins all the time, a couple of breaks go against you, and you can't get all 3 points. When's the last time we won a league game comfortably? United at home?
Signings for signings sake is pointless, but good players can provide an extra bit of spark that's needed for a squad that's put so much in. I kind of do like the wait and see approach a bit and see if players like Harvey and Curtis can step up and claim their spot for long-term (Keita too, given his contract situation). Same with Fabio earning his minutes. That being said, there's certainly going to be some challenges with the midfield, especially with injuries and age. Upfront should be ok once Darwin settles in and Jota is back (hopefully Bobby has some more magic left in him).
I do wish we finished off the quadruple last year (I know, I know) as it would give some time this year to work out the kinks on the next great team (so many players are either reaching the end of their contracts or at crossroads for playing time) and given the age profile, it's a great opportunity to transition. But with that, we'll have some difficult games and results. That's ok, but given the disappointment of last year, I know patience isn't that high.
2 points from Fulham and Palace is tough to take to start the year, but we didn't hit our stride fully until second half last year anyway. It is what it is.