Rivals Football - Chelsea FC

Shocking defending most of the game. You could tell from last night that he was a last minute panic buy.
Ball chasing, instead of holding his position, for both goals. Needs to be worked on if he wants to progress with us.

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The only time he crossed the half way line was when we had a man spare. 1st half he carried the ball 10 yards then passed it square so offering nothing as an attacking threat. Even more worrying is his lack of pace and positional sense. On that performance Ivanovic returns at Arsenal along with JT, Cahill and Alonso drop out for me. JT just for organisation.

Dave played well enough beside his goal. That back four is not the answer on that display.

Luiz played ok, a few rash decisions and let the ball bounce over his head once. Cahill set the sloppy play in motion by almost letting in Musa early doors.

Keep the BTTS bets coming, it's not any better from a clean sheet stand point.

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I hate to judge after one game but last night he looked what I suspected he was all along, a Sunderland-level full back.

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Alonso also flourished in Italy where the game is played @ a slower pace, he needs to get used to the kick and rush tactics of the top division here. Most teams here have direct pacy players out wide who will exploit in behind. As you say he needs a few more games before he is sent out on loan next season. :-D

What pisses me off more is Ryan Bertrand being shipped out when Ashley Cole was starting to look his age. We had a ready made left back for ten years but the board showed no interest in thinking ahead. I seem to remember Bertrand stating that he was being mentored by Cole also. Who better to learn from?

Since that decision we've looked rudderless in the fullback positions and Bertrand has flourished at the Saints. He may not become an Ashley Cole, but he looks a much better option than what we have and had since Cole left.

We've also been spoilt over the last 15 years a defence that once consisted of a JT in his prime, Carvalho, Gallas, Alex, Cole, Paulo etc, has not been replaced sufficiently and its bloody hard to do so. Arsenal have been trying to find a defence for 10 years since Adams, Bold, Dixon and Winterburn.

I actually don't think any of the defences in the top six now are as good as ours ten years ago there does seem a genuine lack of talent being purchased and coming through at youth level.

Few more seasons and windows of pain to come I think. JT will need replacing next season.

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I was never convinced about Bertrand but given what's happened in that position since, it's such a shame he didn't stay.

I'm disappointed we didn't go in for Ashley Williams when he became available at a good price in the summer. Whilst he not at that level of those you mention from 10 years ago, I think he'd have shored things up a lot more.

The past two games have enforced my belief that JT remains our best centre back, which is madness as we should never have got to the stage where we're still relying on him every week at his age.

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