I mean, West Ham had a better midfield all game. More quality and numbers starting off then when we changed to 352 it seemed to plug some gaps. Whether that was formation or players or a bit of both I’m not sure. But they seemed to find less space, even if their midfield was better all game. Declan Rice has turned into some player.
Hojbjerg also had a good game too, deserves a mention. Typical gritty tackling and involved in the lovely first goal with the assist.
That was a difficult second half. You have to credit West Ham. The subs didn't do much but sometimes it takes some time to find the groove, especially in matches like this. Mind you, by bringing on winks and Dele, they did help take the pressure off a little. Really didn't want Chelsea but to be fair, Liverpool and Arsenal would have been difficult matches too. Conte will not want to lose against Chelsea!
Surely, playing them early in January is a good time? They don't have many competent attackers and are struggling at the moment. I didn't want to draw any of the teams left in the competition really, but I am hoping Liverpool field a very weak team and we can capitalise.
Most money will be on a Liverpool v Chelsea final. Tbh was not expecting a win tonight after Sunday and a two week lay off so this is a bonus. I know Dier made a mistake for the goal but other than that he was excellent. Sanchez was good and Doherty did well, probably the best I remember him playing. Moura has recovered from covid and Bergwijn had his best game for us in well over a year. Hoejberg was very good, skipp is looking like he belongs in a top 6 team and Hugo was outstanding. Davies was very good too. Thought Reguilón was pretty solid and Kane worked hard for the team. Conte managed the second half well and addressed issues as they arose. Very happy tonight tbf.
Liverpool have significant absentees and an already thin squad. Chelsea have a nightmare January in terms of fixtures. Because of that I feel Arsenal and Tottenham have a much better chance than people might think.
I agree but suspect the money will go on pool and Chelsea based on league positions. Think you'll be too strong for us over two legs though...you have a strong squad and once recovered from covid they'll be refreshed and the fa cup and the 3 Xmas games will get them match fit. But that's just guess work on my part tbh
I think Arsenal will comfortably beat Pool as Klopp just doesn’t take the competition seriously enough, he primarily played most of his second XI tonight and I think he’ll do the same for the semi final(s). Arsenal will almost certainly go full strength against them and over two legs it’s hard to imagine them not winning. Us and Chelsea will be a much closer affair on paper, Tuchel still has Europe to deal with but neither of us will want to lose a semi final against a major rival.
A lot depends on Covid and whether or not they stick with 2 legs. I can't see Arsenal leaving Anfield with a win. Equally, Chelsea are going to be very difficult to beat if THFC don't leave the Bridge with at least a draw. One leg actually favours Arsenal and Tottenham IMO whereas two hands the advantage to Liverpool and Chelsea. In a one-off game anything can happen.
I think you’re massively overstating our chances. We have a number of players going to the AFCON, lack serious depth in midfield and have some very hard fixtures in January. We used to have a very good record at Anfield, but since Klopp’s arrived, the only time we’ve bested them at their place is ironically in the Carabao Cup on penalties last season. It’s why I’m really not confident about going to Anfield for the second leg. It’s a horrible place to go. I think Klopp will field a blend of youth and experience, probably stronger than today, but not a full strength side. Equally, due to the large quantity of games and noticeable absentees we will have, it is difficult to know how strong Arteta will go in this competition, especially with the away tie to Forest sandwiched in between. I obviously hope you’re right and we sail through to the final, but I don’t think it’ll be that easy.
Just a reminder, but a week or so ago Gabby Agbonlahor said we needed to sign somebody better than Oliver Skipp if we wanted to finish Top 6...
