It appears so yes,much rather have a player like Ince,been with his squad all preseason,Izquierdo may well be the real deal,we don't know yet and by the time we find out we could 4 or 5games on with out a win,who knows?
But they have 6 more points than us and an 8 goal difference,shows what can happen when you get your squad together early,all this waiting till September fanny doesn't wash,I'd rather have 6 points than wait till September..