08 Aug 2015 22:56:14
Not the result we were all looking for today.
One of the few positives was how solid Begovic looked when he came on, not much he could do with the pen but dealt with everything else really well.
On his current form Ivanovic is going to struggle to keep his spot, let alone get a new deal. The entire team looked like they were treading water today but Ivanovic defo looks like he's lost a yard of pace. He was beaten time and time again which out the rest of the defence under massive pressure and ultimately cost us the first goal.
Fabregas was poor too, as was Matic. Shelvey run the game in midfield for Swansea and was given the time to pick passes all evening. At home, against a player of that quality, that simply isn't good enough.
I've tried to remain positive about the coming season, but I am really starting to worry we look shot of any energy and its day one of the season!
Chelsea Banter Archive August 08 2015
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08 Aug 2015 20:36:36
Not the best case scenario today, but I will say that Begovic played well for coming on the field cold. Maybe could have had the first half penalty on Diego, but it is what it is. Still got the point. I've been secretly hoping we'd bring in a winger like Reus, I think he would take a lot of the double/triple coverage off of Hazard. It's not the end of the world with the draw, long season ahead of us!
08 Aug 2015 20:34:26
Go get pogba and griezmann
10 Aug 2015 02:10:00
blueboy and melbourne come back in the same week. Next thing we know ed002 will be back.
08 Aug 2015 19:42:11
In all honestly I can safely say we are a wide top winger and a central midfielder away from being a cracking team, rahman could play lb and Dave take the Rb position with Brana covering in the cb and Rb. Other than that think we put in a decent performance obviously decent isn't good enough but after our pre-season and being a man down I'll take a point, still some time left in the window, be a shame if we don't improve the squad a huge shame, cause trust me if we don't now well be forced to pay over the price for a play in winter.
Ps. Willian has great stamina but other than that he doesn't offer much for me. The season is back though so that's good. :)
08 Aug 2015 20:22:53
I really wanted azpi and luis right and left back. Bit more attacking every part of the team are holding back a bit. Matic fabregas works for me, just need to start pressing. Too worried about the other teams too much. Also can't say I'm a fan of Willian. Don't get me wrong he works his socks off, brilliant too see. But his decision making is terrible, needs too much time on the ball, we need a reus or griezmann out wide I think. We are going to struggle if we play this type of counter attack football.
{Ed018's Note - Agree, Willian works his socks off but he'll never score or create goals. Him and Oscar are to similar and for me there is only place for one of them in there.}
08 Aug 2015 20:30:42
Would love to see rues or Griezman but both aren't happening -.- we have the funds though which makes it even more annoying that we haven't improved our squad
08 Aug 2015 20:36:46
Where was the movement and runs of players? Stepping back all the time with players like Willian and hazard it's a joke and negative. With our group of players we should be attacking and loads of high pressure. But hey first game of the season 10 men.
08 Aug 2015 20:39:15
Terribly frustrating to watch at times. We played fairly well in the first half but it was clear we still aren't quite up to speed, with lots of misplaced passes. Then when we got into the box, we just tried to over complicate things by adding an extra pass or touch instead of just shooting.
I don't necessarily blame Willian for playing Gomis onside simply because he was there defending instead of Ivanovic. It's pretty obvious that Ivanovic has lost a few yards of pace which means he's going to have to adjust his style of play in order for us to remain sound at the back. However I will say that if we had a decent RW, then we wouldn't need Ivanovic, no matter how useless he is at crossing, to be playing as high up as he is currently.
08 Aug 2015 21:23:57
Think the worrying thing is that all (apart from promoted teams ) played us twice last year and have had a season and close season to discuss and study how to play against us. We need to refresh and introduce some sort of change, teams know that if they cut out hazard then that restricts our one flair player. A season to see how to play against a half fit Costa, how to attack a slow and ponderous back line, iva is a weak link now and even Dave has his faults.
Just a feeling the premiership is not the number one aim this year, and as I said before, just to qualify for top four is the aim. I think the focus may be elsewhere this year.
09 Aug 2015 00:02:33
I honestly think that somewhere along the line, whether it be Jose, or the owners, or everybody that it will be almost impossible to win the league again this year. This is based on history and how much our rivals have spent on recruiting. Let's just see what we are like in the champions league this year, and wait for next year to have a go again at the premiership again. This is not based on today's result by the way.
09 Aug 2015 00:05:25
Top four? Troll away back to your own page Sid
09 Aug 2015 01:39:49
Magic I am on my own page. We will see who is right. I hope I am wrong .
08 Aug 2015 19:34:09
Same old rubbish. Not going are way so we blame everyone else but ourselves. Started with probably are best 11 and started pretty well. I would say up until the sending off it was a huge improvement on pre season but we should be putting teams like Swansea away. I'm a huge fan of ivanovic but how long can we go on with a right back who gets into good positions but has nothing in terms of crossing taking people on etc. Don't get me wrong he is a massive factor on why we are good defensively but offers nothing going forward.
{Ed018's Note - Ivanovic has never been able to cross the ball and showed today that a winger with some pace can exploit him since he somehow managed over the summer to lose any pace he had}
08 Aug 2015 19:45:27
Brana is a legend he's definetly slowing down do how many one on ones did we have against us today do guys aguero will be kicking his lips
08 Aug 2015 19:56:38
Correct if it was a Sunday league game he would of got brought off after half hr need a left back straight into side and Dave right back
08 Aug 2015 20:03:53
Ya your not to far wrong der nibby pal I dunno much about this baba Rahman fella but hope he's good
08 Aug 2015 20:24:35
Just seems like no one is in the box when we cross. When we played arsenal they flooded our box. Same as we need to do. High pleasure is needed not this carefully defensive displays.
08 Aug 2015 22:59:30
When I read some posts, I was under impression that we should give up on our best defender. Mourinho did stupid moves in the past, but he's not that stupid for sure.
Guys, we're sacrificing our left back because JT is far from reliable. He's important to Chelsea from psychological point of view, tbh he's far from the player he was 4-5 years ago.
08 Aug 2015 18:27:46
Oscar is quieting some doubters right now, looks super sharp, easily our best player in the first half, celebration worried me tho, seemed to be making some sort of gesture to the bench, he will be crucial for us this season if he continues with that form
08 Aug 2015 18:31:31
Yeah. If he CONTINUES!! Pundits also question his creation after the goal. He looks unhappy after scoring the first goal of the season.
08 Aug 2015 18:49:55
Pity about the rest of the team if Jose is happy with this current crop he's lien the team is a shambles and have been all pre season
08 Aug 2015 18:50:23
Every Chelsea fan agrees we need a winger and a defensive mid
08 Aug 2015 18:59:48
Leaving the Courtois incident aside the more discerning comments in the last two weeks have been spot on, we are players short and for some reason our defence seems to have age ten years since the seasons end. I can see changes coming very quickly.
{Ed018's Note - Ivanovic is so far off the pace it's not even funny.}
08 Aug 2015 19:05:29
It's sad when we have to put a centre half into midfield it shows how weak our team is
08 Aug 2015 19:15:22
Swansea have pace which we are lacking and as much as I am a fan, Ivanovic went off the boil midway through last season and is now being seriously shown by that pace. That left back position is looking even more important and Azi moved across, to stay as we are we are going to be cut to ribbons.
08 Aug 2015 19:25:12
I agree 100 per cent frensham we were embarrassed at home it was one of the worst Chelsea performances I ever seen from a home team defending there league title if Jose and abramovich don't see we need to buy there both stupid and deluded
08 Aug 2015 19:26:19
No pace final ball was terrible matic is crying out for a midfield partner and Willian isn't good enough lazy play to give away the chance playing gomis onside and costing a mistake for courtois
08 Aug 2015 19:31:57
I take it you've followed the sport all of 2 minutes Magic? The most over-the-top, ridiculous person to post of this page since Harry was trolling the place. Either gain some perspective or find some hobbies outside of football to help you navigate life on an even keal
08 Aug 2015 19:36:26
I'm not sure on us needing a new holding player as who would you take out of the team. But I think we have lacked a top right sided player for years, so I'd agree with that.
08 Aug 2015 19:33:39
Willian was only that far back defending because ivanovic is carrots and need help not good enough anymore
08 Aug 2015 19:36:45
It was a poverty performance. Ivanovic is to slow to be a Rb, cesc is slow on the ball too, no idea why he took oscar off he was our best player today. Strikers still not getting the best service. We need to strengthen so players don't sit back an think they will have a starting place. We need to sign someone.
08 Aug 2015 19:37:08
I think Siam just honest unlike a lot of people on this with yer blinkers on the squad isn't good enough we were played off the park by Swansea and it's obvious we need a new winger and defensive mid and brana is finished if u don't agree with that you are deluded
08 Aug 2015 19:47:21
Honest? So that was the worst performance you've ever seen by a home team defendiny their title? Far from objective.
We were by far the better team in the first half. We had one liability in Ivan, but other than that we controlled the tempo and Courtois was hardly troubled. Made a couple decent saves, but was only exposed due to Ivan thinking he is a winger and not a fullback, leaving the others to cover his tracks.
We went down to 10 men, once again because Willian was covering a player who was torturing Ivan, had our keeper sent off, and other than a 10 minute spell, we were never outworked. Swansea never had a period over 5-10 minutes of dictating the pace. They countered well, use our lack of defensive pace against us, and deserved a point.
Reading your posts it honestly seems as if supporting this club is painful for you. Which is why I stand by my statement of suggesting another hobby to help you with life. As you may be too emotional and fickle to be a football fan, or might be better suited on the Liverpool page ;)
08 Aug 2015 20:08:49
Haha u are a muppet I'm entitled to my opinion Swansea were the better team we had 2 shots on target in first half they had about 8 how were we better team that's nonsense talk if u don't like my posts do t read them or ignore them I don't come on this to be called troll or told follow a different sport or team I come in to share my thoughts a loyal fan but I get terribly dissappinted when we underachieve and my frustration has boiled over all summer when we stood still in the transfer market instead of building on what we had from last year to get to the next level that's a huge dissaptment and Jamie redknapp just made that point on sky him and Henry also agree we were second best all day so looks like u should follow cricket or rugby because uv serious blinkers lad don't bother replying either cause your not worth arguing with
08 Aug 2015 20:23:12
Jeez, a muppet? You're name calling for me passing my opinion while yapping that you're allowed yours. I'd call you a hypocrite but don't want to confuse you with big words, 'lad'. The fact you're using Jamie Rednapp as justification for your views, tells me all I need to know. Blinkered? I know we have the same squad that walked the league in last year, and that our rivals are yet to spend wisely, other then the Cech sale. You seem blinkered by your lust for big spending and show your 'terrible disappointment' by slagging off the players of the team you "support".
You sure are a precious little thing. In future keep your tampon in, rather then let your emotions rush out every time things don't go exactly how you insist they must
{Ed018's Note - welcome back Melbourne. Keep these guys in line}
08 Aug 2015 20:25:13
If you read your own comment you are actually saying in an eloquent fashion what others tried to articulate. We are all agreed that Ivanovic was ripped to shreds with their movement and pace. Our defence overall looked vulnerable to both of those but Branna kept getting caught out of position. You are correct we 'controlled the tempo" but we always control the tempo but didn't do anything with that control and that was what we did in the latter part of last season, pass after pass but getting absolutely nowhere. Swansea countered well it is true but that was our forte once but the transition from defence to the forwards was labourious. Swansea will cause issues elsewhere but for us to defend the title games like that should be banker points especially at home and we could have easily lost with the full team on the pitch. Remember ALL football fans are fickle.
PS: Anyone else think that Costa looked a bit overweight?
08 Aug 2015 20:36:01
Good to be back mate. As you know I try and not to get personal, and don't have anything against Magic (although being called a muppet cut deep), but people need some objectivity. Yes Brana is past it, and has been for a lot longer than the last half of last year, his goals just cover his tracks for most people to really pay attention. But do you remember when Bosingwa was charging down the wings? Will happily watch Ivan get the run around all year as long as Jose doesn't wear Royal Blue again!
Congrats on the bub mate, you'll be on bottle duty for the early mornings now I assume
{Ed018's Note - thanks Melbourne. She definitely keeps me busy}
08 Aug 2015 20:50:56
I'm far from fickle Frensham, so you can remove the capital letters, but I know most blokes seem to struggle with keeping their emotions in check. Especially those who follow football.
And I assure you I'm not making the same point as everyone, but being 'eloquent' although thanks for flirting ;). My point was we weren't played off the park, and the Magic was hugely overeacting. I'm yet to see someone else make that point.
You say we always control the tempo, and I may be wrong but I think you also said the other day Mourinho is trying to be Guardiola. Forgive me if it was antibot, as it could of been, as the bloke also assured the world Bale would be a Chelsea player a month ago, so I'd expect as much. If you knew Mourinho's football mentality, which is widely known, he doesn't care about the tempo. He doesntl't care about possession, he doesn't care about chances. He cares about limiting the oppositions chances while capitalising on your own. Something that we did last year, constantly.
If you think any games in the PL can be considered banker points, you're very naive. Winning the title is never a given, whether you have the best squad in the league means only so much. Taking each opponent on their merits and playing game by game is the most important thing. Something I have full faith we will achieve, and if we don't, I won't throw my toys out of the pram, as we won it last year, and as a supporter of a team that has brought me countless happy memories, they have earned the right not to win and still get my unwaivering support
08 Aug 2015 21:33:48
You are as fickle as anyone else you just approach it in your own devil may care manner. I have never said Mourinho wanted to be anyone other than Mourinho so you better track that culprit down. Mourinho cares about winning first and foremost and if it is 1-0 every week he doesn't care but along they way if we do it in style he is even happier and I bet any manager looking at the fixture list for the season ticks his 'expected' banker points and the betting odds this morning clearly indicated it should have been a banker three points. No team earns the right not to win and you called me naïve. As I said in a previous email I have supported Chelsea longer than most and have seen the highs and lows the club delivers but this a banter page where I give my thoughts but never get emotional about how they perform although I am baffled at times. I am going to enjoy this season with you.
08 Aug 2015 23:11:46
Yeah, Melbourne let us sell Ivanovic to Arsenal, let him join his Slavic brother Petr. That way we could help Wenger to win not only PL after more than ten years , maybe even CL .
09 Aug 2015 03:51:56
While you may think highly of your powers of deduction, I assure you I'm not fickle. Maybe you're arrogant enough to believe you know everything about everyone, but you're proving yourself wrong, on current form. If you really have supported this club for as long as you say, you wouldn't think it naive to say that this club has earned the right not to win. I'm not saying they won't try to, or that I enjoy losing, I'm saying that they've brought me enough joy that I won't be throwing a strop if they don't win. Debate should be fun, although I'm assuming me and you're fickle self may well bump heaps.
Ok antibot, when did I say he should be sold? If he was we could always replace him with Bale, he is still a guarantee to arrive, yes? I do hope he brings Rafa with him, gods gift to managing. See a doctor mate, you've damaged your head
09 Aug 2015 08:05:03
Boys, boys, boys, calm down! It's only the first game - you'll all be having seizures by xmas if you continue like this!
09 Aug 2015 08:51:37
Attaboy Melbourne keep up the amateur psychiatrist routine and the diametrically opposed view to everyone. I doubt anyone would support the view that a club has earned the right to lose and sadly you and I and all supporters are fickle as I am sure as the season unfolds we will have changed our current firm views about a player or tactics.
As you say, I am sure we will bump heads a great deal during a fraught season.
For the benefit of all the other lads out there with opinions you can slip your knife in one more time and I'll move on as I have some Ivanovic and Cuadrado bating to do.
09 Aug 2015 10:32:34
You'll learn by seasons end we aren't am children whose opinions change on a whim, although its good you're self awareness keeps you safe in the knowledge you have zero idea or belief in what you say, and will change it constantly. I'll be sure to pay little attention to you ever changing views from here on out.
It is assuming that you were the bloke saying its a banter site, and not to take anything to heart, and yet here you are with a bruised ego throwing out condascending statements. Ahhh that's right, fickle to you core
{Ed001's Note - to be fair, I think he was just saying your opinions are shaped by experience, so change over time as you watch players. Ones you don't rate can win you over or ones you do rate can lose your faith through repeated poor performances.}
09 Aug 2015 11:13:19
Ed001's: Very astute observation obviously lost on Dr Freud and his pseudo speak.
{Ed001's Note - Melbourne is ok mate, he is a fair chap, it just takes time to get to know people and understand each other. Especially online when you can't see facial expressions to know if someone is deadly serious or grinning as they put up a wind up post....}
09 Aug 2015 13:04:53
Good to see you posting again Melbourne. Keep it up buddy
09 Aug 2015 12:40:55
I don't think I missed his point Ed001, to be fair if you'd read his earlier remarks that I am definitely fickle, you may have a beter idea as to why I took exception.
Its tough dealing with another social justice warrior like this bloke that as soon as he doesn't understand that people have differing opinions to his own, all of a sudden get swept aside as 'pseudo' talk.
As you well know, I don't generally put much seriousness into the banter with the others, but its hard not to think little of this bloke and his god complex.
09 Aug 2015 13:36:06
Melbourne relax, why are you so nervous? I was teasing you, you've been to harsh on Ivanovic.
08 Aug 2015 18:22:31
Impressive first half. Excellent atmosphere in our team.
08 Aug 2015 18:57:57
Are u serious Swansea have been the better team all game
08 Aug 2015 19:27:41
You're either a troll Magic, or lead the most depressing life known to man and this is where you come, in hope of sharing that depression with a few unlucky Chelsea supporters.
I'm assuming you only began supporting recently and not spending money early in the transfer window (theres a month left, although judging by some numpties here its over and we are fooked) and drawing the first game of 38, somehow equates to the world ending
08 Aug 2015 19:30:30
Swansea was much better in the second half. There are no weak teams and there will be no easy victories this season. Plus thanks to Willian and Courtois we played with ten men for almost 40 minutes.
08 Aug 2015 19:40:29
I wouldn't say it equates anything but it's been made clear we won't be getting the winger and defensive mid the team needs to get to the next level . and I certainly don't live a depressing life I'm realistic about Chelsea unlike you and I fear we are in for a very long season take Costa out and we fooked take matic out of midfield and were wide open look simple as this when aguero catches hold of that defence you will truly see how poor this team has got
08 Aug 2015 19:43:48
I agree antibot I think the red was fair but because of Cahills position we could of got away with it but I rate Micheal Oliver as the worst ref in the league
08 Aug 2015 19:46:51
I think it was good to see Oscar playing well but why didn't he celebrate the goal is he aware of criticism from fans or is him and mourinhos relationship trusty? What's your thoughts eds
08 Aug 2015 18:09:44
Ivanovic is getting murdered. How fast is that monero
08 Aug 2015 18:19:10
Brana has been a liability since the second half of last season
08 Aug 2015 17:50:31
Just 3 months, how could you defend line becomes that bad. From the whole pre season until now, it looks very shaky and give the opponent strikers lots of space.
08 Aug 2015 18:06:44
Where's the firepower? Tip-tap and going nowhere.
08 Aug 2015 18:20:09
Even in the box der doing it take a feckin shot ejit
08 Aug 2015 13:06:01
Christian Eriksen would be a great signing for us, he's a top player with a rediculus eye for a pass!
08 Aug 2015 14:49:27
Very over-rated IMO.
08 Aug 2015 15:48:20
Had him on trial twice when he was younger and we rejected him
Do not think he would come back now even if we wanted him
08 Aug 2015 09:27:49
Sooooooooooooooooooooo xcited - let's go
08 Aug 2015 09:38:38
Finally!! Real football is back. Swansea will know our wrath. Let's start the season with a bang :-)
08 Aug 2015 09:47:22
Let the stress begin! :P
08 Aug 2015 10:01:34
Everything will be fine lads, I know we will win
08 Aug 2015 10:31:16
Exactly, LRDlt! I've also got a good feeling about today. Can't wait for the game :-)
Though I'm supposed to study actually. I'll be cursing myself tonight for not doing anything.
08 Aug 2015 11:13:33
Season's back and so am I, well at least on here:). let's hope we don't just start with a win but with a convincing performance too.
Come on Chelsea.
08 Aug 2015 14:13:25
Been waiting for this day. Time to shut the critics up.
08 Aug 2015 14:14:22
I'm suppose to study for a paper i've on monday too but that can wait.
08 Aug 2015 16:34:50
Need to go to work also, but somehow my car will have problems or tyre will go plum as I need to watch this match