Well, it's been a decent 5 or 6 weeks for us I reckon. 9 games played; 5W, 3D, 1L. Two of the games we didn't come away with what we deserved in my opinion; those games being Stoke away which granted is a very hard place to go, and the other is fairly obvious. My big concern is the amount of goals we are conceeding (8 goals in 9 games). In pre season we only conceeded one goal - and yes I know they were some what 'micky mouse' games but still we weren't playing our strongest defence and Cech wasn't involved for all of those games. So far we've conceeded in every premier league game with the exception of Stoke and our big weakness has primarily been set pieces . I also believe there has been a bit of inconsistancy with who is actually first choice at CB or not, it seems to switch between Ivan (who I believe is better at RB, see below) and Luiz every week. Now we all know we have world class defenders, but it seems to me that since Bosingwa has featured at right back as opose to Ivan, we aren't as strong there. This has nothing to do with set pieces I know but from direct play it seems to be an issue. Bosingwa has merited his position no doubt this season with a fantastic performance for me every game so far but Ivan was somewhat of a rock last season and I still think we miss him there. I hope our defence are just getting used to pushing up more and a few zonal marking tactics, IMO in January we should go for Gary Cahill who I rate highly. Maybe even VDW aswell if we're looking for an identical cover for Bosingwa. So to sum up our season in a comment I'd say (as I think you'll all agree); doing well but could do better. I certainly don't think we're at our best YET, it's still early days and thankfully we aren't peaking too early like last season. KTBFFH.
Drogs--I was talking to my neighbour yesterday--who is a Blue and we both agreed, that we started very slow but we have played better with every game. The Man Utd, Swansea and Valencia games were all high performance stuff and neutrals and press alike were praising our entertaing style. OK, we may have shipped a few more goals than I would have liked but ABV is creating a new Chelsea and there will be a few blips along the way. Just think whats coming though, if this improvement continues!!
I'm liking things on the whole so far but there are still some issues. Firstly, right back. Bosingwa seems to be the favoured one here. I like Bosingwa's attacking play, he can be very dangerous, but I can't ignore his defensive frailties. I would feel far more comfortable with Branna there. Mata is similar case. He has been fantastic for us so far in moving the ball and creating opportunities but he needs do more than token defending. Valencia were destroying us on the right going against Mata and Bos. On the whole, I think the squad is getting well gelled. Torres seems more settled and the goals are starting to come. The squad is in a transitional phase but it looks to be coming on nicely with AVB giving the younger players their chances. The United game probably came a bit too early for us but thems the breaks. I don't expect us to win the league but I think we'll be up there or there abouts.
Yes boys very true. I feel tomorrow will be somewhat of a test yet I reckon we can run riot and hopefully Lamps can score another couple (he loves to at the Reebok!)
I think we have to be happy so far. Top of the Champ League group having played the hardest game (which we were unlucky not to win) and only dropped points in 2 league games both being very very hard away games. The united game came too soon and we were still arguably the better side. Re: our defence, we will get punished now and again but is it the price you pay for more expansive football? Sometimes you can't have it all. Mata is like Robben, don't put him in the team and expect him to do a lot of defending. That's not the point and we've been crying out for that type of talent for years so lets not ruin it!!
As a very long time Chelsea follower, AVB is a breath of fresh air, we're getting better week by week and come Jan. with a little bit of tweaking ie get rid of the obvious dead wood, carry on bringing the younger players through, and the future is looking very good.
I have to agree Maddog! Kalou and Ferrera seem to be set to leave, and January seems fine to me! I'd like to think by then Josh McEachran my figure more regularly in squad rotation!
I will be sad to see Ferrera go, he has been a model professional and took kept that imposter Bale out of the game at three point lane in last year's draw at the Spuds.
Haha i will never forget that game mate, was cursing before the game as i thought bale was going to run riot over him and all game ferreria had him in his back pocket haha, probably the best game i've seen ferreria play for us
