It's also funny the way people talk about the mid-table sides being better. They do have better managers and players than they used to have, but they've been absolutely blown apart this season.
I agree, they're not better than last year, especially Leicester and WHU, even Soton.
Either through key departures or injuries, those 3 have suffered, and those were the 3 that were giving the "top-6" a hard time last season.
That said, the top-6 have improved on last season, through some key signings (some from those mid-table teams, like Mane).
As a West Ham fan, a team which has struggled with new stadium, Payet thing, key injuries, some shoddy signings, just a comparison:
2016 vs the top-6: 7W, 4D, 1L, goal difference 21-14
2017 vs the top-6 (10gms, still to play Lpool and Spurs): 0W, 2D, 6L (goal difference 5-23)
It's fairly similar for Leicester, WBA, Soton, etc.
The odd win here and there, but last year some of the mid-table teams looked good, played actual football, not just a Pulis 90-min bus parking with set piece goals.
...
This season... It's pretty bad.
I dare say a team like Malaga actually plays football on a much higher level than a team like WBA or WHU or Soton, more skill involved, better passing, better counter-attacking etc.
The physicality is there with these teams, the running, the aerial threats etc... but the actual skill level is questionable, passing and ball control, and the average football IQ of these guys, and their instincts... are questionable as well (not with all players obviously, but with a lot, yes).