Chelsea XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Mikel; Hazard, Mata, Schurrle; Torres. Wow.. Oscar's injury is blessing in disguise. not that he is bad, but Mata needed this run of few games to have any chance for us retain him. No Lamps is good. He can't play every match. Missed Andre's opener but read it was an assist from Mikel - now who picked them to combine?
Cech at it again.. Begovic a minute ago authoritatively comes in and collects a corner and Cech misses it awfullyyy a minute later.. Cech makes some cat like reflexes but when it comes to being authoritative he is like.. I don't want to 'Cech must go! - that was three years ago' we have this uncanny way of conceding at set pieces for the past few matches. Tired defense is a reason and that is where you need a Strong keeper to take control and provide that respite to defenders.
stoke have a real belief now and they have upped their game in the second half. another effing corner.
Cahill is actually shaking for entire match. Ivan goes up and down the field few times and he is out. That is not good. Ivan replaces Cahill, Caesar at RB & Cole/Ryan at LB. That should freshen up the defense. Why doesn't Jose see this? I still worry that Moanu would reinforce, more Refs and more players. 8 Points is nothing in December. Today is one of those days. We are not making it easy for ourselves.
Conceding 6 goals in 2 games is pretty worrying....as is our inability to defend set pieces. I'd rather like to see Azpi RB and one of Cole/Bertrand at LB for a more balanced side but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. Thought their second goal was a foul on Azpi by Walters but still, don't deserve anything from the game if we keep conceding 3 at a time.
We need Luiz and Azpilicueta on the right side of our defence. Ivanovic and Cahill not good enough. Today should have been a 0-2 game.
Could see this happening a mile off - no doubt about it we're a soft touch away from the bridge. We desperately need a quality holding midfielder and rest Cech - he hasn't been the same since that thug stuck his knee in his head after that he hasnt shown the same confidence especially at set pieces hence the glut of goals we've been conceding recently.
agreed. Cahill should only play for our reserves. Let that Nigerian kid play as CB, hell Ivan would be an upgrade over Cahill at CB. IF you see- for every trip Cole takes up and down, Ivan takes atleast 3. I seriously believe Ivan can't do that up and down runs and effectively defend as well. Remember even Bos was great playing a odd game at CB. Ivan's natural position is that. Its a pain that we play Ivan out of position to fit Cahill - not Ricci / Alex Refreshing to see a top manager like Jose coming out and calling what it was. Our defense is in serious trouble. Hope he corrects it sooner than later.
