The fundamental if crude answer to that question is simply this: ambition...and a limited supply of it.
Smith actually narrowed the pitch when he arrived at GP!! and Moyes preferred to limit our wide attacking option to the left flank with Baines and Pienaar while deploying (until Seamus) a more pedestrian FB.
Both of those were dour men more interested in respectability and survival here than pushing us up the pitch.
We had 15 years of those two divvies before the windows were thrown open and Martinez add pace into the attack. Then we went backwards again with the exception of players like Digne.
The lessons from 13/14 where these in my view
Pace and quality in attack, 2/3 of the Belgian national team front line plus Deulofeu.
Pace power and technique in midfield. Barkley and McCarthy could put it on anyone that season, home or away they got on top of teams.
A back 4 that can play across the full pitch. Baines Coleman Distin Jags Stones. All absolutely lightning.
We could play teams off the park if we wanted to but then you see the counter attack goals at St James Park or at Swansea. The direct free kicks from Baines Mirallas Barkley.
Now we barely have a bloke who can take a corner properly and have zero pace anywhere on the pitch and continue to buy slow ponderous central midfielder after slow midfielder.
Zero lessons learned from what was a blueprint for success if it had been carried on. That team was a top left winger, an upgrade on Barry, and a top partner for Stones away from being a top top team.
