I think most of us predicted 4th in the end even though we were far clear of Barca and atleti at some point. Still great to see a 3rd straight season in top 4 and 3rd straight season with 70 points or more.
We finish on 70 points, at the halfway stage I could see 86 points possible but we fell away partly for injuries and partly for stagnation of the squad and the football.
In the second half of the game the fans gave an ovation and chant for Bono, then for Lopetegui although that was accompanied by whistles, and later a resounding chant for Monchi.
Papu was like a tiger in the challenges, he obviously feels good about this club.
Mixed thoughts from me. A nice win to finish the season. I thought we played okay tonight and created some good chances. Rode our luck at times but the win was deserved. Nice to finish the season with 70 points and a third successive Champions League qualification which is a great achievement.
The missed chances take me to my second point and the great finish from Rafa. YEN had three decent chances in this game and missed all three with just five goals all season. Rafa on the other hand once again took his chance when presented to him. Itâs quite apparent to me that he should be first team striker over YEN.
That said, I do feel we need another striker in the summer. As much as Lopeâs tactics are frustrating and the play behind the forwards doesnât help them, Lope canât be blamed for a striker continually being given chances and not taking them and that was YEN tonight and all season. We need a striker of Ben Yedder quality to come in over the summer if possible. That is the missing link for us I think to really challenge the big three. The midfield needs looking at also with the exception of Fernando. Going forward and midfield definitely the areas we need to look at for me.
Will be interesting to see what happens and who stays and who goes over the summer. Firstly letâs see if Lope stays on.