I’m encouraged by our new approach in terms of recruitment and more purposeful tactical system.
However, there is a nagging doubt that we could be like the Fulham of last season.
They played neat football and were pleasing on the eye, but were unable to close out results. More experienced teams exploited their weaknesses and to a degree Fulham flattered to deceive.
There’s always the possibility we could be like Leicester who manage to play with one holding midfield player in N’didi (as we seem to be attempting to do) .
We don’t have an aggressive, dominant and energetic player like N’didi though and I see a risk in asking Jairo or Luka to perform a similar function.
Opposing teams could find it very easy to get at our back four and we could be vulnerable to counterattack with Mitchell pushing forward on the left.
In any event I’m looking forward to the new season and think we’ll create more chances.

Ward is not good enough, or is Tomkins in my opinion, only for cover, Clyne/Ferguson/New - Guehi - Anderson - Mitchell
Is a Good back four

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

The difference between us and Fulham is that we should have a good number of our experienced players to incorporate the new players. Fulham made what was it ?14 signings or something. Despite the long-overdue spending in this window, we will not reach that number but most importantly, our attacking players are better.

I think Fulham made 12 signing but only 1 was a striker.
They only scored 27 goals in the PL.

Indeed.
Last season we scored more goals than Fulham,a total of 41, but conceded more goals than them.
Fulham signed 6 defenders and a goalkeeper.

Certainly exciting times. I think we have too many experienced players to do a Fulham - the likes of Zaha, Benteke, McArthur, Schlupp, Luka, Kouyate, Ward, Guaita, Tompkins give us a solid core. The younger players like Mitchell, Gallagher, Riedewald & Andersen have all had a full season now so should be improving. My only concern is Vieira as he's an unknown Premier League manager, but I like what he's doing so far.

My thoughts are that we have a fantastic blend of youth and experience and this season needs to be treated as a transition year. I expect us to finish around 14th/15th, which in my opinion will be success, and hopefully the following season we can push for top 9. There's no reason why we shouldn't be on par with the likes of West Ham and Everton. The squad looks as healthy as it's ever been.