Closer to them but not very close imo.

We really need to sort our back 4 out somehow. I wonder if Reece James, christensen next to rudiger and azpi moving over to LB again, is our best option for next year under a transfer ban.

If we could get a striker (Jovic) in and spend on the defence then I'd fancy us to finish 3rd and closer to the front 2 next season, even without hazard. I think kepa in goal, midfield 3 of jorginho, kante and Ruben with a front 3 of CHO, Jovic and pulisic would be pretty decent but that defence worries the life out of me.

As we cant strengthen the defence or buy a striker and will lose hazard, I think we're probably looking at 6th at best next season.