Chelsea (H) - Post-Match Thread

[machine9]

I don't think he needs to be shoehorned into a false nine, it wastes the talents he does have.

Ever since I saw him play, he reminds me of Gazza and will be best utilised driving from deeper.

He was a willing runner to close down yesterday, but it wasn't so much his position, but his inability to choose the right option and retain the ball.

He made me smile yesterday, couple of times you could see he ran around like one us of out the crowd would of

 

[Northerndave]

Got a bit of Ribbing on Twitter after the game yesterday, for saying KDB should have been subbed.

Just before he hit that Worldy. ;-)

Not my finest moment bwhaaaaaaaaaaa

If you do read this Kev... sorry mate, I thought you looked a bit tired. :-(,never again will i doubt your World class, apologies.

One of those times you are happy to take it on the Chin and be proved wrong.

All good.

You sound like you would be ideal on the matchday thread !

 

[HelloCity]

Got a bit of Ribbing on Twitter after the game yesterday, for saying KDB should have been subbed.

Just before he hit that Worldy. ;-)

Not my finest moment bwhaaaaaaaaaaa

If you do read this Kev... sorry mate, I thought you looked a bit tired. :-(,never again will i doubt your World class, apologies.

One of those times you are happy to take it on the Chin and be proved wrong.

All good.

Haha

To be honest I was saying he didn’t look 100% and it wasn’t his best performance. The thing with Kev though is that his right foot is a weapon so even on days where he isn’t at his absolute best, he can still pull a rabbit out of the hat.

 

[Deleted member 77198]

Just watched the full game back.

Live at the game I thought it was two teams playing the way they wanted, with City wanting to dominate possession and Chelsea wanting to sit back and hoping to catch us on the break.

But having watched it back, I feel like Chelsea didn’t actually want to just sit back but they couldn’t cope with us and couldn’t keep the ball for long enough to form any meaningful attacks (apart from when City dropped in intensity and concentration for a few minutes before half time and a few minutes after half time).

For 85 of the 90 minutes, City were in complete control. It was actually quite an easy game! We didn’t need to win, we just didn’t need to lose. We were relaxed, dominant and made Chelsea look proper shit. I thought Southampton, Wolves and Palace were all better than Chelsea were at the Etihad.

There were a number of occasions where we really missed a striker yesterday. We crafted some good moves and had nobody on the end of crosses.

 

[Bill Walker]

Just watched the full game back.

Live at the game I thought it was two teams playing the way they wanted, with City wanting to dominate possession and Chelsea wanting to sit back and hoping to catch us on the break.

But having watched it back, I feel like Chelsea didn’t actually want to just sit back but they couldn’t cope with us and couldn’t keep the ball for long enough to form any meaningful attacks (apart from when City dropped in intensity and concentration for a few minutes before half time and a few minutes after half time).

For 85 of the 90 minutes, City were in complete control. It was actually quite an easy game! We didn’t need to win, we just didn’t need to lose. We were relaxed, dominant and made Chelsea look proper shit. I thought Southampton, Wolves and Palace were all better than Chelsea were at the Etihad.

There were a number of occasions where we really missed a striker yesterday. We crafted some good moves and had nobody on the end of crosses.

I agree and it annoyed me that Tit face Tuchal said they deserved a draw, reminded me of Klipperty actually, spouting shit with a German accent.

 

[cleavers]

To be fair mate, his passing was off all game, him, Phil or Grealish could all have come off for Gundogan. Then bang, that's what he can do even when he's not playing at all well

The thing is, they were all very organised and really prevented us making chances, despite our possession.

Tuchel used the tried tested (and oft failed (burnley)) tactic of containing us from making/creating good chances until 70 minutes, then introduced more attacking players to try and nick a win, what he hadn't worked out was that would leave them more open for a drive through midfield, and within a minute Kev did exactly that to win us the game.

I doubt Pep would have been more delighted with those 2 chelsea subs.

 

[dennishasdoneit]

The thing is, they were all very organised and really prevented us making chances, despite our possession.

Tuchel used the tried tested (and oft failed (burnley)) tactic of containing us from making/creating good chances until 70 minutes, then introduced more attacking players to try and nick a win, what he hadn't worked out was that would leave them more open for a drive through midfield, and within a minute Kev did exactly that to win us the game.

I doubt Pep would have been more delighted with those 2 chelsea subs.

I liked your anaylisis of the the chelsea game plan...butI think the German Champions league winning manager knew he would be taking that gamble on 70 mins....he had to gamble then.as they are behind us in the league
From a Chelsea point of view he had to keep it tight away from home at the Champions of England...I think he did all he could tactically....but he knew nil nil was no good and had to gamble.
It went wrong.
That's football.
It was a cracking game. I actually don't mind defensive master class teams.You learn a lot from watching,as I did under Mancini early days and before that Kendall when he took over from Machin.
" they shall not pass"
Footballing education.

 

[Corky]

I liked your anaylisis of the the chelsea game plan...butI think the German Champions league winning manager knew he would be taking that gamble on 70 mins....he had to gamble then.as they are behind us in the league
From a Chelsea point of view he had to keep it tight away from home at the Champions of England...I think he did all he could tactically....but he knew nil nil was no good and had to gamble.
It went wrong.
That's football.
It was a cracking game. I actually don't mind defensive master class teams.You learn a lot from watching,as I did under Mancini early days and before that Kendall when he took over from Machin.
" they shall not pass"
Footballing education.

Machin was sacked for being defensive "clipping the wings" of the team in a 1-1 draw at Charlton. Kendall's main score was 1-1 with Harper as sweeper in the months following his appointment, but Mancini was never catenaccio, just a bit more defensive than Hughes and scored a lot more, albeit with better players in the end.

 

[Bluekiwi]

There were a number of occasions where we really missed a striker yesterday. We crafted some good moves and had nobody on the end of crosses.

One instance springs to mind ..................
When the ball fell to Jack at the edge of the box a striker would have hit it first time. He took a touch which gave Kepa time to rush out and make himself big enough to get the touch that deflected the ball for a corner.

 

[Kinkys Left Foot]

The trouble with false 9's is that invariably we end up having to rely on scorers of great goals rather than great goalscorers. To be fair we do it better than everybody else.
Pep needs to find one of those with a work rate and quality to fit in his fluid forward roles. However I think there will always be a deficiency in one or the other, its just a fact as no one player can fulfil both roles perfectly and as these types of players are rare and highly sought after, very difficult to come by.
My own thoughts are that we need the option to play either way in order to have horses for courses. It does seem in really big games, particularly CL later stages we need someone to take at least one of the few chances we're likely to create. Pep would obviously decide when we go with or without a 9.
Would a world class striker like Haaland say, want to be picked only in selected games? I doubt it. It's a tough choice we have to complete the team. I think we find out in summer if it's possible.

 

[BuzLightyear]

The trouble with false 9's is that invariably we end up having to rely on scorers of great goals rather than great goalscorers. To be fair we do it better than everybody else.
Pep needs to find one of those with a work rate and quality to fit in his fluid forward roles. However I think there will always be a deficiency in one or the other, its just a fact as no one player can fulfil both roles perfectly and as these types of players are rare and highly sought after, very difficult to come by.
My own thoughts are that we need the option to play either way in order to have horses for courses. It does seem in really big games, particularly CL later stages we need someone to take at least one of the few chances we're likely to create. Pep would obviously decide when we go with or without a 9.
Would a world class striker like Haaland say, want to be picked only in selected games? I doubt it. It's a tough choice we have to complete the team. I think we find out in summer if it's possible.

A great post! Thank you. I thought Jesus would have been that sort of player but his finishing doesn't match his work rate and team play. So perfect, entertaining and unique is our play that any trophy we miss out on must be the price we play for being even more memorable than Pep's Barcelona. Messi was that player we need, without whom Barca would not have achieved what they did. Ultimately, Real Madrid, by way of Ronaldo, achieved more CLs but it's Barca who are better remembered. Similarly, Cruyff's Holland, whose unique play was countered by Muller's fox in the box ability. I'll take that for City, and be remembered as Barca and Holland are. :o)

 

[BuzLightyear]

Our goal difference was terrible but now way out in front

True. A big thank you to Newcastle and Leeds (11-0) I'm happy with the smaller wins provided our play is as beautiful as it's been. Missed chances? Goes with the territory but I do think Jack, Phil and a few others might up their shooting composure. Otherwise, keep playing the beautiful game.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

And that clip alone tells you why even those fuckers at sky cleared them out.

A truly equal opportunity and balanced tv station for every KDB being worth fuck all and a waste of money there's a JVB worth double the price. ;)

 

[blue b4 the moon]

My lad was “bothered “ by 3/4 Chelsea fans in the Piccadilly Tavern “ approx 16.15, was approached by them in a” unfriendly manner’ been reported to GMP, anyone there at the time who witnessed this “ unfriendly behavior “ Please come forward , have requested the cctv

I was in there after the game, not sure of the time but walked into town, 2 in the Waldorf then a couple in there.

Full of Chelsea lads, we had colours on 2 of us and only saw one other blue in there, we were all middle aged so maybe why we didn't get grief. Chelsea singing various iffy songs but seemed quite chilled. That being said, we did notice a scuffle outside the door which quickly cleared.

 

[LongsightM13]

I agree and it annoyed me that Tit face Tuchal said they deserved a draw, reminded me of Klipperty actually, spouting shit with a German accent.

When only Garth Crooks agrees with you then you should realise that you are probably chatting wham

 

[JRockBlues]

When only Garth Crooks agrees with you then you should realise that you are probably chatting wham

Speaking of which, old Garthy thought Chelsea deserved a draw and Raheem Sterling played false 9.

 

[metalblue]

The trouble with false 9's is that invariably we end up having to rely on scorers of great goals rather than great goalscorers. To be fair we do it better than everybody else.
Pep needs to find one of those with a work rate and quality to fit in his fluid forward roles. However I think there will always be a deficiency in one or the other, its just a fact as no one player can fulfil both roles perfectly and as these types of players are rare and highly sought after, very difficult to come by.
My own thoughts are that we need the option to play either way in order to have horses for courses. It does seem in really big games, particularly CL later stages we need someone to take at least one of the few chances we're likely to create. Pep would obviously decide when we go with or without a 9.
Would a world class striker like Haaland say, want to be picked only in selected games? I doubt it. It's a tough choice we have to complete the team. I think we find out in summer if it's possible.

I don’t think we are reliant on great goals from individuals. In games like Saturday where they were determined to defend in tight banks, double up once we got the ball out wide, a striker is going to be starved of service and we would lose the extra body in the middle of the park. When you dominate the ball like we try and do you don’t get many periods of transition where you need a striker to finish. But look we’ve scored plenty this season from tap ins or “easier” chances in the box, if teams don’t want to deny us space and time they can find themselves on the end of a hiding. I don’t think there is any other team out there that can play the false 9 either because they can’t dominate the ball and space like we can.

I do agree ideally we need a striker who can play like a midfielder or a midfielder who can play like a striker but they are like rocking horse shit - I thought Torres was the one, he knew where the net was instinctively and had the skill and work rate but alas it wasn’t to be. We will one day find the perfect player for our system, I personally don’t think it’s Haaland however good a striker he is, but until that day we’re doing ok ;)

 

[Bluesince1979]

I don’t think we are reliant on great goals from individuals. In games like Saturday where they were determined to defend in tight banks, double up once we got the ball out wide, a striker is going to be starved of service and we would lose the extra body in the middle of the park. When you dominate the ball like we try and do you don’t get many periods of transition where you need a striker to finish. But look we’ve scored plenty this season from tap ins or “easier” chances in the box, if teams don’t want to deny us space and time they can find themselves on the end of a hiding. I don’t think there is any other team out there that can play the false 9 either because they can’t dominate the ball and space like we can.

I do agree ideally we need a striker who can play like a midfielder or a midfielder who can play like a striker but they are like rocking horse shit - I thought Torres was the one, he knew where the net was instinctively and had the skill and work rate but alas it wasn’t to be. We will one day find the perfect player for our system, I personally don’t think it’s Haaland however good a striker he is, but until that day we’re doing ok ;)

In reply to your first couple of lines, i can think of at least 2 occasions , and thats without watching the game back where the ball was played across the 6 yard box screaming for a number 9 to tap it in.
and thats every game

we need a striker and no one will convince me other wise. We’d score even more goals!!

 

[trevorriley]

did somebody really say chelsea deserved a draw ? Wolves put up more then chelsea did. You cant display such a dull game killing effort then expect a point, that isnt what second in the league plays like. True chelsea where one goal off a draw but never looked like scoring it !

 

[Semper aggressus]

did somebody really say chelsea deserved a draw ? Wolves put up more then chelsea did. You cant display such a dull game killing effort then expect a point, that isnt what second in the league plays like. True chelsea where one goal off a draw but never looked like scoring it !

Only Garth Crooks, so nobody who actually knows what they’re talking about.