Chelsea Banter Archive August 23 2015

23 Aug 2015 15:54:08
All that matters is the 3 points. That was a champions display holding on like we did. You almost couldn't tell we were down a man, just would've expected more offensively if we weren't.

Why is everyone having a crack at Fab? Sets up the third, set up more than a few chances, so I assume its because of his defensive ability. So once again, why is everyone having a crack? He can't defend. He can't tackle, and he is a yard slow. If you have an issue with that, take it up with Jose, who plays him in a posution where he is exposed. Without him we would of lost, or drawn that game. No doubt.

My thoughts of JT is he is too drained from last year. He was written off, and pushed himself to get one more title. He was a massive reasob we won it, and I think its taken its toll. Love the bloke though, and will never have an issue with him playing. We are probably better off phasing him out, but I won't ask for it, as he has well and truly earned the right to say when enough is enough.

Onto Palace

23 Aug 2015 16:03:43
We love Fabregas it's just he shouldn't be in a 2 man midfield in big games or when we go down to 10 men. He's not good enough defensively to do that.

23 Aug 2015 16:06:57
Once again then Eden. Who should your anger be pointed at? Do you think Cesc choses the team?

I agree he is exposed when he is asked to defend or break up play, but he has never in his career shown he is capable of doing it, si why have a crack at him when he continues that trend?

23 Aug 2015 16:07:18
'No doubt'!? Well I have doubts. Fabregas must have it in his contract that he is never substituted! I didn't think I'd ever be writing this but I would prefer Mikel starting alongside Matic rather than Fabregas. I'm not saying that Fabregas shouldn't be in the team but not in the 2 with Matic - he can't head, tackle, track back, in other words he can't defend!

23 Aug 2015 16:11:38
Will happily direct the same question at you Mrs Costa. He doesn't pick the team, or his position, and yet you have an issue with him because he is being played in the wrong spot? Seems daft.

23 Aug 2015 16:14:02
And I can only assume after Mikel starting once, and us having a draw, you'd be crying for a creative player instead if him. The fickle nature of a football fan.

23 Aug 2015 16:24:59
Melbourne I never had a crack at him what are you talking about? He should still play but we need a 3 man midfield I'd drop Willian and try to bring in a player like Witsel who's box to box and good defensively.

23 Aug 2015 16:48:25
Eden, I didn't mean you specificially. Sorry if you felt I was aiming that at you. But from scrolling the page, it is evident, more than one poster was having a crack, which was baffling to me, when the only thing he could be picked up on, is failing to play in the role, he isn't suited for, and yet is asked to play.

23 Aug 2015 16:53:13
Please don't tell me that anyone would have mikel over fabregas? I would have falcao playing in midfield over mikel anytime. The guy is terrible! So slow and what he did with the ball when he had it today tried to take it upfront himself, but lost it complete with no pressure

23 Aug 2015 17:05:12
No worries Melbourne. I just think switching to a midfield 3 would help out Matic a lot more if we could bring in a Pogba/Witsel/Gomes type player to go in there with him and we need to drop Willian I think. His shooting is shocking. We would have been 4-1 ahead and it would have been game over. Changing to 4-3-3 also gives Pedro and Eden more freedom to score goals. I'd personally give Loftus-Cherk a go in a 3 man midfield, I think he's perfect for it. He's technically great too.

23 Aug 2015 21:02:37
Far too much common sense in that post Melbourne ;) it's all doom doom doom after all!

24 Aug 2015 00:00:02
I don't disagree Eden. I think we are well suited to a 4-3-3, but as Ed002 and 001 have pointed out, formations rarely stick these days. They are forever changing as the game progresses, but I do think if we have the base of a 4-3-3 we would have much more balance. I also think it would benefit Oscsr hugely, playing the same role as you are saying you'd like to see Fab in

24 Aug 2015 20:54:19
If we sign Pogba Mourinho will force 451(4231). It's absolutely correct that our squad would suit 433(4141) with given players. Fabregas is typical offensive central midfielder placing him in defensive role is wrong. Or at least Matic and Cesc shouldn't sit so deep.

23 Aug 2015 15:37:26
Massive 3 points.

Really annoyed with one thing though. Why did Jose bring an out of form Falcao on instead of Remy. Rents been great for us and just because he's had a poor community shield game we shouldn't write him off. Remy pace would have been great on the counter.

Still our defense really worries me. Ivanovic was letting crosses in all the time from the right again. We need to shift Azpi over to the right and Baba to come in left back. Hopefully we can get someone like Witsel in and convert to a 4-3-3 in midfield to make up for losing a physical presence in Ivanovic. That will also give Pedro, Costa and Hazard more freedom. And what about Pedro eh? He was sensational. A goal and an assist. He should have had 3 assists If Willian and Falcao could learn how to finish. Looks like we've finally got that right side sorted lads.

23 Aug 2015 15:50:55
Pedro looked good, but it was only 1 game. I'm going to wait a couple of games before saying we've found a solution to the right wing ;-)
And maybe because Remy could still be leaving this summer. Don't know, so just a guess.

23 Aug 2015 16:07:20
Pedro had a positive attitude which was refreshing on the right but it is one game and I still worry about his size long term. I feel sorry for Falcao. Talked up by Mourinho and so far only getting cameo roles which tells us very little. I am baffled by this obsession with Witsel, we could do a whole lot better than him.

23 Aug 2015 16:27:11
Who out there is available then Frensham. Who is a big presence and can do that box to box role? Doubt Pogba will happen, Gomes has just signed for Valencia. Xhaka looks a good player but we don't seem interested. I'd personally just put Loftus-Cheek in there to help Matic and Cesc.

23 Aug 2015 17:06:39
MagicalEden: Ideally Koke but that is not going to happen and I am sure anyone out of five people will have their favourite but I would plump for Javi Martinez of Bayern Munich. Played at a high level in a strong league albeit not strong in depth.

23 Aug 2015 17:37:14
Gaitan

23 Aug 2015 19:05:40
Javi Martinez is played a lot at cb isn't he? Also has no pace! We rely to much on matic he really is our most important player. He would be first on my team sheet but his performances are bound to dip at times because he is relied to do to much cleaning up in midfield. Cesc should play behind the striker with pedro and hazard on the wings. Matic would be fine in a 2 man midfield if he had the help we don't need 3 at all there matic is like 2 players. I hear Witsel is good but if I'm honest haven't seen him play only the odd game. That William carvalho at sporting looked good not sure is he still at that level. In reality pogba won't happen. I'd love blasi matuidi from psg he's excellent and quick again won't happen. There is marco veratti he's work rate is excellent but not sure about his defensive side or his attitude. If we had to wait another year for koke that wouldn't be to dad. And lastly give loftus-cheek a run a sub appearance every couple of weeks is pointless. If we do sign someone for that position i'd Prefer he goes on loan, but only to a prem team

23 Aug 2015 15:26:50
Cahill should partner Iva or zouma at the back if we can not secure a new centre back.

23 Aug 2015 16:59:38
???? He was poor

23 Aug 2015 15:11:53
Pedro has been superb! If our finishing was good today pedro could have had 2 or 3 assists

23 Aug 2015 14:48:13
Our def is shocking!

{Ed018's Note - Terry and Ivanovic should not be guaranteed first choice anymore.}

23 Aug 2015 14:54:23
Iva is so.shocking at the moment. Baba should have been on the bench.

23 Aug 2015 17:40:38
From everything I've read, Rahman is great going forward but needs to improve his defensive side - so, at the moment with our defence creaking, I don't think he's the answer.

23 Aug 2015 21:03:29
Didn't Rahman complete the most tackles in the Bundesliga last year, with an 80% success rate? Averaging 3.5 tackles per game and he made 83 interceptions and won 80 aerial duels. Whilst I don't necessarily believe that stats paint an entire picture about a player, I don't think we can really doubt his defensive qualities without seeing him actually play.

23 Aug 2015 14:11:22
Willians shooting is shocking

23 Aug 2015 14:16:19
Yep :(

23 Aug 2015 14:31:31
Absolute fraud when it comes to shooting. He should be scoring that

23 Aug 2015 14:39:14
Is Fabregas playing? I am a fan of Willian's work rate but even I am getting disillusioned with the rest of his game. Still think the defence looks stretched.

23 Aug 2015 13:50:22
Super Pedro! Someone actually pass and moves!!

23 Aug 2015 13:24:00
Oscar, Ramires and cuadrado all players juventus have shown interest in are not in today's squad.

23 Aug 2015 12:58:48
No Baba Rahman today at all . gutted to be honest. I thought he would have made the bench at least

23 Aug 2015 04:53:48
Really excited for tonight

Call me crazy but I'm thinking a 4-0 demolition.

23 Aug 2015 07:24:26
That would be West Brom demolishing us as we're the away team, so yeah it's definitely possible haha :-P
I'm also optimistic, we'll do well. I feel it.
Up the Blues!!

23 Aug 2015 01:56:36
Cfc forever post about muller is on Others page! Check it out!