1) Just as a point of order, I don't think they have had most days, I believe that is Crystal Palace. So in neither of the 2 key measures (players and days) they are not the worst affected. They have been affected, but by no means the worst is my wider point.
2) I mean of course there is a wider argument here, but we are dealing with the edges. Centre backs defend, midfielders consolidate, fullbacks and atatckers attack. They have kept Arnold and Robertson fit through most of the season, the front 3 have remained fit for that time. They have also kept Thaigo and Wijnaldum, who would have been central in their plans fit. There is no excuse for why the attacking play has gone to pot. If it was a mild drop off,mahbe some credence can be given to them losing VVD, but they've fallen off a cliff. I don't foresee, when you see the ages of those players, any of them getting magically better next season.
The CB's for them have become a scapegoat, but as their core job- to stop goals, they've done that quite well. Were Liverpool losing 4-3 every week, or Martinezing it, I would have some sympathy for the view, but the attacking players have really let them down.
Of course there are some differences to Spurs, but I see it as very similar. Oddly Poch was given a lot of money to spend that summer, and it didn't work out, as once the rot sets in, it's very hard to turn it around. In the end, it's still 22 men kicking a ball around, and if you lose a yard of pace, or a bit of intensity or desire, it probably doesn't come back.
As for guessing, I am probably allowing some of my trading way of thinking come into it. I mean it's a bit reductive, but it also gives a good basis. Very few teams will lose 30+ points year on year and automatically get it back immediately. They are at the start of a long journey now. I'd say the same for us, for consistency, you don't become a 60 something point team and catch City in a season. We have a younger squad, a more settled manager and momentum, but I wouldn't even say we could do it.
The Europa thing is an argument in itself. I tend to waffle on, but if I wastrying to be succint I'd say they'd actually want it for revenue streams. You'd imagine that sponsors will have an additional negotiate down clause if they have no Europe, and Anfield doesn't get used 10+ times a season more than it might, which is a big money loser. The flip is though, it puts big pressure on your squad, so I do get it's a catch 22.
