Quite an encouraging half that. Worrying start but after that we settled in. Good chances shared equally between the teams, without some smart work by Davis we'd be behind, but good performances from Chambers, Cork, Ramirez(!) and Lallana. Given ourselves a chance of getting something from the game, certainly.
Really good first half. Been really impressed with Chambers, Lallana and Gaston in particular. Let's hope it continues!
Young chambers offers so many things that its a shame that he will lose his position to Clyne, not because Chambers has done anything wrong as generally he has been brilliant, but because Clyne is just that little bit better. Does anyone think he could be played in a different position like midfield or even as cover for the cbs in a few years time, would not object to him starting on the right of an attacking 3
I don't like this Ramirez experiment. I could count at least four times he lost the ball easily, Chelsea are exploiting that to hit us on the counter and the only real danger from Chelsea is coming from these lost balls. Get Lambert on the pitch.
He gives the ball away frequently when trying to play the ball through people, which tends to stand out. He also draws quite a few fouls that way, though, and he has played some excellent balls. I'd call it an encouraging performance on balance.
Playing well...be nice if we could get something this game...we need that little bit of luck. Can't complain about the performance. Well done to Kelvin...remember this is a guy who has scarcely played. Chelsea look very dangerous on the break, but get back in numbers to defend when we have the ball. Impressed yet again with Chambers...so calm and confident on the ball. Have already had to use my heart spray...may not last the game! I mean I may have to turn it off...not that I will expire
Ramirez looking good in flashes, it's a little frustrating to see how slow he is with the ball though; if he can move the ball quicker and keep possession more effectively he could be a big big player.
Shall we get lovren off too for losing the ball? Look at the positives, some of his passes have openes up key chances and he isn't afraid to have a pop.
I think Gaston's playing really well. He's putting a good effort in defensively, and showing some good stuff in attack too. That pass for the Rodriguez chance was sublime, there's simply no-one else in our squad who can do that. Was interesting to see Fonte giving him a pep-talk before the first whistle, something along the lines of "you're not going to get many more chances mate" I expect. Seems to have got through to him.
