02 Sep 2019 09:47:53
A couple of thoughts after rewatching the match:
It goes without saying that the vast amount of injuries severely hinders Frank's ability to pick a team and adjust tactically and a bunch of the guys in the squad still don't look completely fit (Willian) .

Zouma really struggles to play the ball which limits us which lead to us hoofing the ball constantly in the second half and then being able to apply the nonstop pressure that got them their two goals.
I thought Tomori had a tremendous game.
Mount has a lot more influence in the midfield than out on the wing but we only have one fit winger so it is what it is.

Ross Barkley looks extremely limited to me. Not great defensively. Can't break pressure from midfield like kovacic, mount, and rlc are capable of.
I think our midfield lacks mobility when less than two of mount, kovacic, and Kante are in there.
Emerson looks incredibly steady.
Beyond Tammy's two goals, I thought his all around game especially holding the ball up looked much better.

Michy doesn't really offer much beyond being a good athlete.
We've got to be careful with our expectations of Reece James. Yes Dave has looked dodgy at times this year. Yes Reece has a nice year last year but please remember it was the championship.
It's really tough to judge a team when your world class center mid, beat center back,

1.) 02 Sep 2019
02 Sep 2019 10:23:59
Good post TK, agree with what you are saying. Personally I think we miss Luiz and his ability to pass out from the back and transfer the pressure in one move so hoping one of Christensen or Tomori can step up. Zouma is a decent defender but his distribution is not good enough for the way Frank sets up. I also agree that we can't put to much expectation on James but I do think he will be an improvement on Azpi. I thought Sterling was still around but J pointed out to me that he has gone on loan. When Rudiger, James, Kante, RLC and CHO all return we might start looking like a top 3 or 4 side. In Lamps we must trust and give time. he is a smart boy and will be learning all the time.

2.) 02 Sep 2019
02 Sep 2019 13:11:15
After he had a good pre season I’ve been disappointed with Barkley so far this season.

I think Jorginho has been exceptional and for with exception of a few games last season he has been a very good signing.

We miss Kante enormously but he should be back after the international break

I do agree that Azpilicueta hasn’t started the season well but IMO a lot of the criticism about his performances has been exaggerated. He has not had good help/ cover from in front of him or inside him. Having said that he could and should have done better with one on ones and his crossing is well below par!

Tammy has REALLY surprised me. His hold up play so far has been much better than I expected and his lay offs have been good as well. Again IMO he will score well over twenty goals this season and could well be a challenger for Kane’s England slot by the end of the season.

I have not been as impressed with Mount as some fans but that’s probably because I am expecting to much of the young lad.