Obviously, there's a lot to play for this term, but we all know it's a big ask to bridge the gap to Chelsea when realistically they aren't going to drop that many points. So, automatically you wonder where we're going to be coming into next season.
There's a lot to be excited about - we've been coasting games with arguably the world's finest central midfielder playing out of position; all four of our main strikers are capable of a lot more goals; a good right-sided signing and a new centre-back are inevitable in the next 12 months, etc, etc.
But, will the likes of Hyypia and Hamann still be playing at such a high level come next season? It's only two names out of a team of 11, but they're so influential that I can't help but wonder how straightforward the transition will be once age finally catches up with them.
Obviously the centre of defence is critical, and even now I can't help but be terrified about one of Carra and Sami being out of the side for one game, let alone months at a time. Let's not forget that Hyypia's form was pretty dreadful at the beginning of this season, and although he's turned himself around sensationally since then, the bad spell may have been akin to a glimpse into the future. Arsenal and Man U have had a 'mare trying to establish centre-back partnerships in recent times, and even a big money signing may take a long time to get onto Carra's wavelength. If Rafa doesn't get his man un til summer, the Prem title could've gone in a couple of months if the transition doesn't go well.
As for Hamann, obviously he's no longer an automatic pick, but the sort of cover he provides when he's on the pitch is absolutely priceless. I know we have an embarrassment of riches in the centre of midfield at present, but in every single game that you see opponents marauding forward without him on the pitch, you can see the difference that he'd make. And when he is on the pitch, he goes about his business with such economy and efficiency that he looks undroppable. If the Hamann of August 2006 is not the Hamann of Autumn 2005, we will suffer, make no bones about it.
Age is catching up with these guys, and we may never see their like again.
So yeah, I wonder if we'll look back on the last couple of months and wish that we could've had THIS team playing THIS well at the start of THIS season. It could be years before we have this kind of mix of old and new clicking so well again.
(That said, you know how delighted I'd be if they played on at this level un til they're 40
)
