Attack looked sharp as a needle, and we defended well in 2nd half when we needed to. All the new players looked excellent, young quick ,unafraid and skilful, can't ask more. Ramires is a Kamikaze, must have got rissoled half a dozen times, but kept getting up and showed better control than last year. Lots of emotion and expectations at the ground, loads of adrenaline in the air. Glad that's over, will need to play for 90 mins against an impressive Aston Villa. Even watching 12,000 miles away, you could feel the Bridge is back to normal !!!
CP -Its always great to get off to good start! We were dazzling in the first half and their keeper kept the scoreline from becoming a feast! Before the game started there was a lot of expectation for us to clock up a big scoreline , but for me 3 points, a clean sheet and no injuries will do very nicely!
Yeah i watched the match and was very impressed, Lampard was super as usual and the new boy up front looked promising. Looks like its going to be exciting at the top this season, Also lovely to see the crowds reaction to Mourinhio.
Not saying it is true but would make sense as Mata slows down play sometimes and Jose likes fast transitions
People are over analysing the Mata situation. He isn't match fit and as Varier2 has already stated, we have big games coming up. Mata will probably get 65 minutes v Villa and start against United. Not involving Azpiliceuta, Mikel, Luiz or Mata was absolutely the right thing to do. It's a marathon not a sprint, no need to rush players back that aren't fit enough to play.
Exactly. Same point with us slowing down a bit 2nd half vs Hull. We were comfortable and had no need of over doing it especially with two big games in the next 5 days.
But for their GK we'd have been 5-0 up at H/T. It was clear for anyone that watched and by Bruce's post match interview they were blown away by our first half performance and just wanted to keep the score down to a minimum so it wouldn't dent the confidence and momentum of his side. None of our players are 100% match fit and all of them were tired after international duty. We were running on pure adrenaline first half, which proved to be enough. No point worrying about performances until we've played at least 5 competitive games.
We knew it wouldn't be easy coming to your place but during that first 30 minutes I feared the worst. You were outstanding and a joy to watch, even though it was against my team. I don't think any team in the Prem would've lived with you, the passing, running and speed was brilliant to watch. Before the game I had you down as Champions, after yesterday my opinion has just got stronger. Good luck for the season (except when you come to the KC)
Best of luck for the rest of the season rovertiger, and thanks for the kind words. Your players did very well in the second half, played football as well as they were allowed to and conducted themselves well. Bruce has had his critics in the past but I see more to this Hull side this time around.
