It used to be 'I won't watch Match of the Day' to avoid a five minute deconstruction.

Now that five minute deconstruction is 24 hours a day and coming at you whether you want it to or not.

I agree - the glass half full in me says that if we're top and we're not at full tilt or clicking yet, that's terrifying for the rest.

If City were top but Haaland had been out all season with injury but with the prospect of returning, we'd be worried.

It's all about injuries for me. Stay fit!

Also, I know Arteta won't see it this way but I'd rotate in the League Cup as if we were playing a lower league side.

The season is a long one and that match is a potential sapper ahead of a crazy schedule.

Agreed - if we're playing this badly and still top of everything we're competing in, then it follows that if we click, the rest of the league is screwed.

I want our team fit and determined when we play them in a few weeks.

He's also left a cloud immediately before going to AFCON - so it isn't like it can be resolved over the next month.

It does present another option if Saliba isn't fit to move Calafiori inside and play MLS.

Agreed though that I either don't want to see Rice play 90, or I want to see him rested for Wolves.

We've got Villa again this month and I want us refreshed and vengeful.

Ha, that's the thing with an echo chamber, we never know if we've got it right or collectively not!

But agree, it's a pleasure to chat and not fight about the things we love.

Not sure it gets much better for them either - they're next three are against an improving Everton, Newcastle and Villa.

Agreed again. Calafiori will play because he's suspended for Wolves (so has 10 days rest). Not sure if we should throw White in for three 90 minutes in a week from nothing, so hoping Saliba can come back in and perhaps sub out for White after 70, with Timber moving inside.

No arguments here. They're not consistent in any way, and they're indisciplined. A lot of that comes with youth, but they're not ready.

All eyes on Palace next weekend then.

I completely agree. For me it's a two horse race. Chelsea were a wild card but they're not a side that can catch up from the sort of deficit they're already building up.