Just a slight twist of the dial for more tempo in the play - that would make a huge difference and bring out the best in players like Auba. Slow and plodding all over the pitch means players who have a little bit more in them than the basic square pass have to generate momentum themselves from a standing start, rather than latch on to it and use their edge in talent to waste the defender. We know we can up the tempo if we need to, we know we score goals when we do it. But it's such a rarity, once and if we're very lucky, twice, a game. Otherwise, tap, tap, tap, and constant probing - but sideways.

What's with the continued use of the ruinous tactic that sees the keeper pass short to a player on the edge of the box who is immediately under pressure? Why would we ever do that, and why do we continue to do it?