Allen looked like a great signing in the first few games of the season, but has been struggling for the past month or so imo. Enrique was trying to carry the attack single handedly down the left at times and was getting surrounded by defenders without a ball out. Suarez was quiet for an hour by his standards put then popped up when it mattered ( almost like a "natural" goal scorer).
I know it sounds stupid, but I hope Suarez gets a yellow next weekend and serve his ban before Spuds. Either that or he makes it to that game without getting a ban obviously.
People I watched the game with, most not 'Pool fans I should add, thought it was down to our other players not getting on with Luis due to his perceived arrogance...not sure that's the case, I think it's just because he was running away from everyone! At least he scores anyway. People want to make a lot of Suarez these days (and obviously he hasn't helped himself since he's not exactly squeaky clean) so relatively minor things related to him are now huge issues; but it's getting ridiculous with him now where because of a few things (handball on the line, ear bite at Ajax, Evra, a few soft tumbles) EVERYTIME he goes down now people are like 'dive, dive', 'same old cheating Suarez'. Simulation is not just limited to him, look around the PL on game day and it's everywhere, the problem is endemic from the way players are being coached through to how they see having to play the game to get results in an increasingly results oriented business, I remember a few months ago it was Young at united getting called a diver all the time. There's so much financial pressure within the game these days and I think that causes players to make silly decisions from time to time, to try and force the result, even though they are spoilt by being overpaid. So it's all a bit paradoxical in my eyes, surely they should get paid more the more successful they are and I guess that does happen with bonuses etc, but the base salaries these days are enough to make average players think they are something special and very good player feel above everyone else, so it's not surprising the game's rife with diving/simulation, Oscar's face clutching today for example when Johnson barely touched his neck/shoulder, you won't hear about that, just Suarez because the media can put his picture on the back page since he's the hate/anxiety provoking figure of the moment, but that's another issue. The truth is that Suarez is an extremely skilled player who defending players often find hard to handle, not an out and out finisher, no, but someone who is extremely creative on the ball, determined and scores often. Think a draw at Stamford Bridge was a result given our current state. The biggest problem with us is still lack of end product from almost everywhere on the pitch, we're capable of playing some of the best looking football in the league, but so often just squander great play when it gets to the important bit.
Enrique had a great game, always seemed to be putting decisive tackles in and working hard. Allen is a very good player but has a slight frame which doesn't help him, in many close-combat situations he just seems to get out-muscled, when he's got time and space on the ball though or is involved in fast, quick build up play he looks great. Also, one question, what is it with our defence and skinheads? Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Shelvey, Reina (ok he's balding!). Seriously though, is it some kind of group solidarity thing I've not heard about or just coincidence!?
First half - we looked tidy in possession and worked the ball nicely ... mainly in our own half. Literally no penetration whatsoever. Chelsea played on the counter and seemed to go through us at will which is slightly concerning (please come back Lucas!!). Up until the tactical change, I was shocked at the level of abuse Enrique was getting (on Twitter). He was a defensive powerhouse last night and shows us that he still has it. Going forward however is a different matter. Central midfield looks slightly weak with Allen and Sahin - they are very good technically but lack the steel. Sahin has been disappointing and hasn't found his form since Norwich. Suso was very good when he came on and hopefully he will be used more centrally in future. With regards to Suarez's celebration - Lucas tweeted last night saying that people are making an issue out of nothing. Also, I think a few of the players weren't sure if the goal was given and then decided to go to Carra who got his first assist in 3 years - after he was initially told to go back and defender rather than attack the corner (as per Colin Pascoe).
I agree with this. Some of the abuse he's got on here is uncalled for too IMO (hence my'are you all on drugs' comment earlier in this thread) If a player is a fault or performs poorly then fair enough, feel free to criticise them, but I'm certainly not going to sit by and watch a player get condemned when they've just got man of the match
I seriously couldn't believe it! Ok - he wasn't amazing going forward and often lost the ball. But as a defender, he was almost unbeatable. Tackles: 7/7 (100%) Duels: 12/18 (67%) Passing: 49/62 (79%) Won possession back 11 times He will lose possession but he also has the ability to play 1 or 2 great balls to create a chance in a match. He's created the same number of 'clear cut' chances as Gerrard this season, despite playing less games (not a dig on Gerrard, just highlighting that Enrique can create chances).
FFS Aren't you getting good at this - not. I won two pints yesterday. The resident DJ at the Cheese bet me that Torres would score the first goal. I bet him that Carra would start. We should have won.
I didn't see the first half yesterday, had work until 4:30 and got in in time to watch the 2nd half. From what I've heard from my brother/dad and by going on the comments on here we weren't that great first half at all, but played better in the 2nd half. I'm more than happy with a point at Stamford bridge, only if Suarez had laid it off to Sterling instead of trying to go round Cech. Enrique definitely deserved MOTM from what I saw in the second half, Allen had a poor game by his standards and it's still very evident that we need Lucas back.
