This is interesting and my guess is that your concern is misplaced. I suspect we are seen in a similar way to RB Leipzig or Atalanta these days, or will be if we reach Europe one or two more times. I.e. not a traditional powerhouse but certainly big enough to attract players of sufficient...
This is where the real debate is to be had. I think our lack of European football means we are an outside bet for the top 4 and not just a threat but bang in the mix for at least a Conference league spot.
The top 3 picks itself (City, Arsenal, Liverpool), but then there are several clubs who...
In fairness, every single club is doing its best to get round the rules to suit themselves. I don't really see Leicester as any different.
I wish they'd throw the whole rulebook in the bin and instead just do a better job of distributing the vast sums of money across professional football.
Not really true. They are crap by the standards of other big clubs but they'll still finish top half. We could easily have lost our game with them, and remember they were good enough to beat Man City in the Cup Final last season.
This is a fair analysis of the situation IMO. Arsenal were unlucky not to beat us as they were in control of the game when Rice got sent off, but on the other hand they were fortunate to beat Villa who absolutely battered them the previous week.
Villa are in Europe and are already struggling...
Southampton will be down by Christmas. I think they could genuinely threaten Derby's worst ever Premier league points total.
Leicester are better but still not good enough to stay up.
Depending on points deductions, the third spot imo will be between Man City, Everton, Ipswich and Wolves.
Agree.
It was all very petty but these things are open to referee interpretation. How many times have we seen players in Rice's position just tap the ball like that and no action taken?
That said, Rice can't really have any complaints because he decided to do it. Next time, just leave it...