***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

[Brahvocado]

Quote: Originally Posted by KG

He's really not bad at all. Limited offensively...yeah but defensively he's very very solid and he always provides an outlet. Plus he's physical and he NEVER ever complains. He could be getting a lot more PT elsewhere but he remains a loyal soldier. Anyway, to be expected kind of coming off international break. Cesc, Zouma, and Bran need to be dropped asap although Bran was much better today. Zouma's positional sense is lacking. He gets caught too many times in no-mans land. Also, Diego needs to shoot the damn ball.

Disagree about Zouma, he's been one of our best players. If you look at the times he gets caught in no-man's land, you will find Bane doing something other than defending. People were making similar complaints about Cahill last season, but it's Bane's inexplicably bad defending that is causing Zouma and Cahill to look off.

Imo Bane, Cesc and Costa are the ones that need to be dropped right away. Costa hasn't looked good for months, and all he is doing so far this season is get in fights, lose the ball, and complain to refs. Throw Remy out there, or Traore even. Kenedy is still clearly very raw, but he has tons of energy and at least looks like he gives a ****.

RLC though, this could legit be his chance to shine. He looks HUNGRY when he's out there, and with Cesc struggling so badly, this is how a lot of these young wonderkids get "made".

Lastly, we need Oscar back so bad. I'm so glad people seem to finally be realizing how important he is for us. God we are such utter rocket-wank without him.

[KG]

Cahill's struggles have always been his inexplicable moments of passive news when closing down the ball. He'll let the dribble get all the way into the danger area before lunging in. Other than he's active and covers Terry as the ball winning CB.

Bane has def put all of our backline in bad positions but Cahill is usually in better position whereas Zouma still relies on his ridiculous athleticism (which isn't crazy considering he's only 20 and has all green physical stats). He just gets caught out too much which leaves us open. Normally we make up for it becuz Terry, Dave, and Bran are all on the same page but we're all over the place right now.

Agreed about RLC and even Kennedy who looked rough at first but he's still really raw like you said.

We need to find some semblance of form mid-week vs Macabi before facing Arsenal.

I think we can all agree that we don't want then kicking us while we're down. Normally I'd feel OK knowing that we'd get up for it but who knows right now.

[KG]

Also, Roberto Martinez really lucked out inadvertently with Besic getting hurt. Why he didn't have an attacking play going at Bran from the jump is beyond me.

[steelerfan]

Quote: Originally Posted by KG

Also, Roberto Martinez really lucked out inadvertently with Besic getting hurt. Why he didn't have an attacking play going at Bran from the jump is beyond me.

As soon as Besic went down, I began to worry that it would be our undoing. Sigh.

[Brahvocado]

You know what? Why not just shoot for a repeat of 2012? I'd be ok with that

[KG]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brahvocado

You know what? Why not just shoot for a repeat of 2012? I'd be ok with that

ONLY if we meant we knocked Arsenal/United out of the UCL....too bad they got rid of that with the auto qualifier for the winner

[Altimus]

Zouma is too inexperienced to hold his own and right now he has zero help around him which as mentioned makes him look like he's left in no man's land often.

As far as the game, oh man... where to even start? Best part of the game is the Chelsea fans left chanting "we're still on top" referring to not being in the regulation zone.

Problems everywhere but I think our biggest is Mourinho. He's seems unfocused and like he just lost interest. I feel his health issues with his father has really taken a toll on him. Also we have no leader\captain on the pitch. Terry is no longer able to command out there physically or with words.

Let's hope for a good result Wednesday. Things can change around fast and Wednesday is a good opportunity... especially with Arsenal right around the corner.

[steelerfan]

Quote: Originally Posted by KG

ONLY if we meant we knocked Arsenal/United out of the UCL....too bad they got rid of that with the auto qualifier for the winner

Got rid of what?

I thought the only change was that the Europa League winner now gets a UCL spot.