Except when they are. Woolwich spent a long time in relative wilderness (incl back to back seasons finishing 8th) and their peak was MUCH higher than our peak.
They're just not slim though, are they? With Son & Kane in the team we were 3 & 5 points off mid-table respectively. So when Kane leaves and Son further enters decline, the chances become more & more realistic.
I guess we can be 7th or 8th based on merit this season, because that's where we're ending up. All thanks to Kane, who can't wait to get out of this shitshow. But I guess we'll spend in the summer** so it's ok.
*** Not much, considering zero European football beckons, and we'll pay out for Kulu and Porro.