Great passion Leggy. Love it. But can't say I agree with your read on the situation. I'm certainly not stoked with where we're at but it ain't as bad as you make out.
Smalling has been one of the form CBs of the Premiership so far, neither Hazard or Sanchez were any good on the weekend and our rotated midfield has started the season well. Yes, they need to play more penetritive passes but they are still adjusting to their forwards' runs - remember there's many a new combination there and things are definitely getting better.
For what it's worth I'm not sold on Darmian just yet. He was at fault for both goals against PSV - the second after he gave the ball away and was then caught out of position. Definitely worth persisting with though.
Real pity about Shaw. Hopefully who ever LvG settles on between Blind and Rojo can do the job both defensively and in linking with Memphis. Very encouraged about Martial's early performances.
I don't think it is that bad at all, but I was prompted by LVG's saying we can challenge for the title. It is quite possible as one of the things we are doing is keeping possession which makes it hard for other sides to get the ball. However we move the ball too slowly. When Southampton pressed thay did it quickly and our back four ball watched. To win the league you need to be very strong right down the middle. We are not. You also need players that have the class to change the game We have Schweinsteiger who I think is the best signing ( for the money) in the league this season.I would rather be in this position with LVG than under Moyes, but to even think about the title is premature.