Nail on head for me. Poch has done really well to fashion a decent starting XI out of kids coming through mainly and the best of the summer 2013 signings (well, ok, just Eriksen really), particularly after the first few months of the season when it looked to be one giant car-crash with players like Kaboul, Capoue, Ade, Paulinho continuing to underperform.
However, we literally have no fall-backs now. I think part of our problem is that Mason and Bentaleb are dropping a level now after giving it their all for a number of weeks. We played a tonne of games and then a massive cup-final, which is a big ask for younger players, particularly two who are enjoying their first full professional seasons. They were always going to have a wane, but there isn't really anyone to step into their shoes that fits the system and style of play. Clearly Stambouli wasn't one of Poch's choices, as let's face it, he's barely got a look-in this season. As much as it looked like Fazio was Poch's call too, mainly just because he's Argentinian, doesn't look like he's convinced by him either.
Kane wasn't his usual self against Burnley and everyone's been saying that he will have a lull at some point (as everyone does). So who do we have to score our goals when he does? Soldado and Ade again? Says it all really, doesn't it?
Lloris
Verts
Rose
Bentaleb
Mason
Eriksen
Kane
Have all been fantastic this season
Chadli
Dembele
Deir
Davies
Townsend
Lamela
Fazio
Vorm
Walker
have all contributed positively at times this season and either show promise in the system or could go either way from what we've seen and are 'works in progress'
The rest seem to have been positively frozen out or been consistently poor when they've found themselves in the team. Considering that up to half of that second list are a 'could go either way' under Poch, then you start to think that our squad depth is positively Harry-like (down to the bare bones)