First half there was nothing in it. Second half we were architects of our own downfall. That hard run of fixtures to open th season are now over and it gets serious/interesting now playing against teams we need points from.
Not read through the thred but my thoughts are First half: we looked early like we knew we could get at luiz but that didn't last long. Had we played with the intensity we had previously we could have caused them more problems (they were poor considering the cost of their squad) 2nd half we looked like we'd come out expecting to get beat and did our best to make it happen and gave them the ball at every opportunity. Who the **** gave Robertson the mom??
We were very much equal to Chelsea in the first half and we looked like we wanted to expose Chelsea's defensive fragility. We looked lost for the majority of the 2nd half and Chelsea also kicked up a gear. As much as they were good, we were poor which was frustrating after a positive first half. Think the international break has come at the right time where everyone can rejuvenate themselves ready for a crucial run of games. Slightly worrying that heads did start drop and this will be where Phelan will have to show his worth by raising spirits and regaining focus. I'm confident we can get back on track when we go to Bournemouth in a fortnight's time.
Lets face it Chelsea were a cut above and even in the first half except for an early period they looked to be in total command. Can't help feeling that that has been the case in all the games this season even the ones we won. We constantly gave the ball away cheaply. Got a bad feeling based upon the first 3 games we are expecting a little too much of the team and management and that we might be in for a rough time results wise even agains the other minnows. Don't think I remember us getting 3 thrashings in a row like this under SB. If fact its hard to remember us getting one thrashing. Maybe not "Plelan" so good now. New signings except for perhaps Marshall were no better than the previous occupants, given it was their first full outing then hopefully they will turn it around.
We started really well in the first 10 minutes, Courtois made a great save and we were showing attacking intent. Chelsea bossed possession for the rest of the half but didn't really create anything. Overall we were competing well by the time half time came along. I expected a Chelsea onslaught after half time and we got that, but my god we helped them along the way, our passing was unbelievably bad, I'm pretty sure both of their goals came from a crap City pass. Our ball retention improved when Huddlestone came on, which leads me to think he could have come on earlier. If Elmo is ever out again before Odubajo is back, Meyler cannot replace him, has to be Livermore or even Weir. Diomande's a bit ****, he's quite strong and his dribbling can be weirdly pleasing on the eye, but it's always sideways or backwards and he never wants to shoot. I'd rather Maloney take his spot, he can be a bit anonymous but he can come up with that one bit of something in the penalty area which Dio can't.
not closing Chelsea down cost us. backing off and backing off, then parting like the Red sea? whats the point of having defenders on the pitch if they dont do owt?
It has to be said. Hazard is an absolute joy to watch. Marvelous player. As is Willian. That player is perpetual motion.
Anyone writing us and / or Phelan off after the recent run of games is a bit of a twerp. The time to judge is at the end of November.
Yet a few weeks ago you were saying theres nowt to fear in this league and wasnt impressed with the teams... Well ive watched us and we are boring ****ing negative and hanging on hoping to score 2 goals from 2 chances and then hang on for grim death.
We should not have been in the situation where we needed another midfielder playing out of position, we have Robbo who is better as a WB, Snodge played at least 1 game at RWB last season, should have been 3 at the back, Maguire, Davies & Jake at the back, we could have had 2 up top, really exposed the **** defence & made Luiz out to be what he is. ****! Still, we started well, but 2nd half was abysmal passing, so any sort of system would have failed with that!
