Not much to complain about with that performance, Grimsby kept going but we kept going that bit better as well. Lots to like, including a really top drawer goal from Grimsby, which showed the need for our defenders to keep working hard. Here's how I saw things. Willy had little to do , did everything well, but any and every keeper would be have been monstered by a terrific strike from the Grimsby youngster. Reece James top drawer, what a player for our future. Zouma, looking more like the pre injury version of the player each game. Can't remember him putting a foot wrong, and he scored. Guehi, promising kid, not out of place at this level and so bloody young !! Alonso, I thought looked very solid and second half, when the team was starting to get into sync, made some excellent chances. Big step up on recent form. Barkley, excellent goal, couple of brilliant touches, but didn't impose himself, and adds little that I can see. Would be my last choice midfielder every time. Gilmour. Now this kid is head and shoulders right now, which given his small size, takes some doing. He's immense. Runs the show, starts the moves, always goes forwards. Can see him causing plenty of headaches for Mount, RLC, Jorghino et al by seasons end. My one to watch, especially next season. Pedro did OK and steadied the ship as he was expected to do. CHO was rusty, looked short of match fitness and was well contained, but was dangerous, unlucky and persistent last 20 mins ,and scored. Can only get better, but needs a game or two more. Pulisic again underwhelmed, and I have seen nothing so far to convince me he is good enough. Don't want to be too hard, but he just doesn't do anything apart from good positioning and reading the game. He needs to be brought along slowly, not rushed into a starting mode. Hope he's a slow burner. Michy was also rusty, but scored a double and should have scored 4. Nevertheless I think with game time he'll be as good as Tammy, maybe better. Needs the Managers backing. We can let Giroud go, with thanks, we have 2 very good young strikers. Sorry for misspelling Grimsby in the title !!
Totally agree about Reece. Shame he got injured last year. Our future Chelsea captain Billy superb too last night Pulisic v low on confidence last night, bought to sell shirts in US anyway! Worrying that we are agreeing so much this season, CP
I like the way Gilmour passes, they all seem to very neat and tidy and he passes the ball hard, gets to where it needs to be quickly. He’s a good player, needs to bulk up a bit probably but if he’s 18 there is loads of time for that, technically he’s excellent. James was good too but I’d like to see him tested in the league, surely good enough to be pushing for a starting XI place. Hudson Odoi needs more practice as does Pulisic who I thought looked bang average last night.... Great result though and finished the game with more than half of the team out the academy.
Billy Gilmour is the closest thing to Paul Scholes I have seen for a long while. The passing last night was superb and it doesn't matter what the opposition was, his passes hit their intended target virtually every time. He will be some player, as will quite a few of the young uns' under Mr Lampards guidance, the future looks very bright from what I have seen recently. Just saying, but I no longer fear or worry about the result before the games now, I relish watching the kids mature and try to fulfil their potential. There will obviously be failures but I think the successes will far outweigh them. The outcome of the match seems less important to me than giving the lads chance to show what they can do. Carefree.
Well it's really good to watch the rebuild and see the pieces beginning to fall into place. Most of the kids are taking their chances when offered and confirming their right to be part of the project. A couple of really astute buys when we are again able to, will have us back knocking on the door again. I am assuming some of the kids will run out of puff at some stage, and it's nice to see we have top class replacements raring to go.
Yes we need another CB, CM, CF in the next transfer window if ban is lifted. Probably experienced ones
Maybe have Hazard back at cut price in the summer Loving seeing the kids come through and get a chance and with Frank at the helm as well. Brilliant. For the first time in years, trophies is not going to be the barometer of success and it's quite refreshing actually.
