I still think some here have forgotten how BAD we were last year. We weren't REALLY an 8th placed team based on performance, we were lucky as heck. Again, they are just stats, but in case you had forgotten, I think in this case they speak volumes...
Some numbers for you:
DEFENSE
20th in goals allowed from open play
15th in shots per game allowed
20th in fouls per game
14th in goals conceded
5th in saves per goal (Pickford played WELL)
OFFENSE
12th in goals scored
18th in shot attempts
19th in shots per game
15th in pass completion %
17th in crosses per game
12th in possession
18th in take on success
Our Squawka performance score had us as the 16th best team. Stoke had a better performance score and went down.