In that case we have to be prepared to a tough fight for top 4 instead of challenging Arsenal/City, because (and I think we can agree here) Hojlund next season will not bridge the 30 goal gap between us and front runners. I hope everyone adjusts their expectations, I would be OK with another "transition" season but just to make sure this is how this will most likely pan out.
Fair enough, although I do not agree about Antony. ETH went all in for him without considering any other options (Sancho wasn't even evaluated at the time we were chasing Antony). I believe we could've spend the money much better, but this is judgment after one disappointing season and my personal opinion about Antony, which might change if he actually turns into a decent attacker what I wish will happen.
BTW one year after we spend 100m on Antony we can't afford any proper striker, so that is why people moan so much about the club spending too much money.
Antony didn't cost 100m, and whilst that fee probably is a factor, I think the main reason we can't afford a top striker is the Glazers and this protracted takeover. Signing Antony isn't
the reason we're not spending £120m on Kane or Osimhen. That fee is insanely expensive anyway, and I'm not sure it would be wise to sign either of them for that sum, not in the long run.
Antony, did fine, he's already a decent attacker. If he doesn't improve at all then yeah, we can look back and say it was a failed transfer. He gets way too much hate from his own fans at the moment though. Frankly, it's pathetic.
The Sancho point is mute because he had to go and train alone in Holland for half the season, then was very average when he came back. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that EtH had already evaluated him, or had been informed of his troubles by the club.
I don't expect us to challenge City and Arsenal, not if they're anything like they were last season. I do expect us to improve though, and you have to remember that about 2/3rds of the way through last season we were 3rd, and only 3 points behind City. Unfortunately the wheels came off a bit for us then and a few injuries hit us, whereas City clicked into gear and we all know what happened...
I think if we're better equipped in most departments and get a bit of luck with injuries, there's no reason why we can't stay closer to the top 2 until the run in. If we can do that then there's every reason we could make a title charge. I'm not expecting it though, I'm just not getting upset about the fact that we're not making signings that would guarantee that scenario, like some are. Which is silly anyway, nothing can guarantee that, not even signing prime Messi and Ronaldo.
We just have to wait and see what happens.