It seems Bego is back in the mix and is being considered for a return for the Chelsea game. Do you think he should be selected? Personally I would keep Butland in goal against Chelsea and play Bego in the 6-pointer league game against Sunderland next Wednesday. He has been missed and we need him back (same with Huth) asap.
I know it's a bit of a footballing cliché but I feel like it's really hard to predict because of our lack of consistency. There are times we play great football, and this is often against the bigger teams. When we do, anything is possible and we could either nick a draw or even a win! Or, we could again look low in confidence and like we have no ideas. I hope that even if we lose, we play with confidence and it's a good game. Still feeling hopeful though.
PP I agree that I think he should keep Butland in goal for this one and probably for the Sunderland game as well because I wonder if Bego has spent enough time in goal since breaking his finger. As for today, I don`t expect us to get anything from it,I just hope we don`t pick up any injuries before that crucial match on Wed.!!
Joe & Zoz (apologies for the abbreviation) - agree with ye both, stick with Butland. Another footballing cliche...the six pointer on Wednesday is probably in club's eyes more important than t'cup. Tell that to the Wigan fans!! My old maxim...its all about the glory
I don`t want to come on here and be negative,but if anyone can give me a positive from that game I`d like to hear it. I`m wondering if it`s just me,but I found myself SHOUTING at the TV!! I won`t say any more until I`ve listened to what other posters have to say.
I thought we were very much second best. For me again I thought we did not offer anything going forward. Crouch did ok in the first 10 minutes but after that there was little to no movement upfront when we were 70 yards upfield. As a result we then passed backwards. The afternoon was summed up in the last 5 minutes when we had a throw 15 yards in line with the Chelsea area. The ball went back, back and back to Begovic who then whacked up field where Chelsea picked up possession. I do feel strongly that if we bring on Assaidi and we have Arnie, the fullbacks must support to create space for the winger and to give both of them a positive outlet and to try and bring a defender out from the centre. There was no intensity in our play and I do feel that Hughes did not want the players to over exert themselves. He was definitely saving Assaidi and Adam for Wednesday. At least the draw was unkind to Chelsea!
Second best but the score was respectable even though Chelsea missed a couple of good chances and struck the woodwork twice. Good to have Bego back and ShawX had a very good game in defence. Our problem: No pace up front, passing sideways and backwards and giving away possession too easily. I know it was Chelsea but if we continue to perform like that we could find ourselves in trouble. Walters and Arnie could not keep the ball when they had it and Crouch is getting little service. Schwarzer was rarely tested and unless we move the ball forward quickly we won't create enough chances to score and without goals we will struggle. Our new style is too slow and predictable and perhaps we don't have the skills required to play that way.
Yes Cris..intensity or lack of it is exactly correct. We used to have it. Remember us beating Liverpool 3-1 that Boxing Day. he Times us hunting and tracking the Liverpool defence like a pack of dogs and thd crowd going absolutely berserk roaring the guys on. Thrilling game abd thriiling reading. Pulis love him or loathe him...but he did inspire passion, whereas Mr Hughes...does not
I wasn't too bothered about the game today, just hacked off that we yet again gave the ball away far too easily. As Cris said, nothing up front so a one goal defeat I'll take that. I'm mort concerned about the Sunderland game, I think we all are. Let's hope that Assaidi, Adam start. Maybe give Guidetti a full game. Unless we play him we will never know what he's about.
I hope Walters isn't growing that beard until he scores he'll be tripping over it before that happens.
I thought Palacios had a good game, Shawcross was immense, Nzonzi was ok, and Ireland too. But Walters was absolutely shocking and offered nothing at all after the cross that Crouch put wide. He hardly touched the ball and when he did he usually gave it away. I can't understand why he wasn't substituted. It was glaringly obvious that we lack pace in almost every position. It was effortless at times for some of the Chelsea players to skip round the Stoke players who were unable to make up any ground. I hope to God that we find some pace from somewhere before the end of January.
Yes Shawcross and Palacios played well, but compared to Chelsea, we looked like we were playing in slow motion.
`Thanks Jowl. The wife thinks I`ve completely `lost the plot`and I`ve got to agree where Stoke are concerned. It`s been so frustrating watching them for the last couple of seasons,and when I was watching them on Sunday I couldn`t believe how negative they were. It was a cup game FFS!! I was screaming for Hughes to take off Palacios(which he did) Arnautovic and Walters.It was a perfect opportunity to give Giudetti a go, and lets see what he`s like. I hope he plays him from the start tonight,even if he has to sub him, but I bet he gives him the last 10mins again (like Pulis did with Tuncay!) and expect him to do wonders. I don`t know whether I want to listen tonight ,it`s torture,and certainly not good for my health!!
Got to listen but I think it will not be a walk in the park tonight, they are at home and need the points as much as we do.
