I woke up still disappointed with the result. We had them but just do not have the quality to stop giving away fouls. You cannot coach that into a player who is that bit slower in thought and body. Top six sides have the squads to see a game out and win it. So i am afraid this is our lot for the season. Biggest poser for me is who will be given a chance in midfield. Klich looks gone to me and needs some time off.
not how it works with keepers. They have to make a decision as to whether they are going to be career back up and happy with it or they want to play. BPF was number 2 at Burnley but not looking like budging pope and wanted game time so he went on loan. he started well at Wednesday then had some howlers, and has done well since. It’s inconsistency that’s been his downfall throughout his career to date. Getting a run of games now in what is likely a make or break season for him. Speaking of keepers - ours has been very good but gave a hospital pass yesterday then was out of position for the equaliser.
I'd love to see it. If it worked anything like the old Quinn and Philips partnership at Sunderland it would be great
Not sure why everyone keeps saying Klich is finished, or poor, or whatever. For what's it's worth my view is he's just reached the summit of his capabilities and against superior opponents he suffers because of his lack of speed. There's no doubting he has ability and as he showed yesterday can add something to our attacking play in patches. As I said yesterday though, that's the third time he's given away a really cheap penalty just inside our box when there's zero danger. It's particulary galling as a point was not only well deserved but would have set us up beautifully for another tough fixture on Tuesday night. Raphinha was equally as stupid giving away the first penalty and Rodrigo did something similar away at Liverpool last season. If players learn from their mistakes and adjust their play accordingly it's easy to forgive the odd brain fart, Klich clearly has a problem understanding what's required against top level opponents who are well versed in getting important and decisive decisions.
possibly but keeper definitely was. Starting position too far towards back post for where the cross was coming from … then took a step the wrong way leaving a gaping gap at the near post. Part of his game he needs to work on - still a great prospect though
That's the most vulnerable we will be all season. We are badly out of form, depleted squad and off the back of a trip to Russia.
I understand that. We had our captain centre half missing, our best midfielder in Phillips missing and our best striker in Bamford missing. I can't say we are in any type of form this season but yeah, you did go to Russia. Your squad is amazing btw.
Seemed like you were the better side for large parts of it. But yeah I agree, both sides significantly hampered. We aren't the same team without Kante and same for for you guys without Phillips. Your Christmas schedule looks horrendous but after that it gets a lot easier and you should have players back by then.
Interested in your take on Meslier (and co) on the Mount goal @milkyboy. Firstly we are 0-1 up at the European champions 4 mins before half time. They are pressing high. I'm more than happy for Meslier to go long there instead of forcing it short. I don't blame the players there, that is the way we are told to play. Anyway, we try and play it short. Dallas has a poor first touch and Chelsea pinch it. I'm not sure it is a bad pass from Meslier btw. Dallas has to do better at this level. Very poor control. From there Chelsea break and have numbers on us. Meslier is pointing to the Chelsea player at the far post. Llorente sees Mount and dashes towards him at the front post. At that point Meslier steps out of his goal anticipating the higher cross to the unmarked player at the back post. Llorente can't get to Mount in time, the cross is low and Mount ends up putting it in an empty net pretty much. It looked really poor but I kind of understood why it happened. To be honest both players should have identified Mount as the major threat but I have noticed that Meslier does try and read the game and guess alot. He usually gets it right. I think if Llorente stayed at the back post then Meslier would have got closer to the front post. Personally I think Llorente did the right thing and Meslier should have covered his front post. I just think the way we play and the times we are outnumbered at the back that a certain amount of gambling has to be done. The big reason we came to that point was Dallas not controlling the ball.
