Here’s a question for you which is what I’ve thought about a fair bit. Obviously the way doku plays is very different to grealish.I might be wrong but it felt like we played like Peps second season here? The way Pep said he wanted Doku and Savio to go down the by line, its the same as Sterling and Sane did drive down the line, Doku and Savinho also stayed wide as well. Same as Sane and Sterling did.
Doku in the second half was brilliant as well.
Doku Held the ball up, didn't give possession away. That was the one thing Grealish had over him.One noticeable after Pep said he said the players would decide if he extends by whether they continued to run for him.
You see Kev sprinting back on defense with 2-0 lead in extra time. Then you see Pep's reaction with him postgame.
Doku tracking back in ways he didn't last year and had a couple key interventions. Think the reason Pep didn't go to Jack was because Jeremy was still running at people in the last 30 mins. I know the end product is not what we want but his ability to be an outlet is really important. People forget he is only just 22.
These guys aren't satisfied and that's a huge credit to them. Feeling more confident Pep could be staying.
He's just calibrating the sights. He's going to have a brilliant year....but great defensively imho.
I had a bit of a moment when Eddie spilled that shot, but he redeemed himselfI mean, on paper, this was one of the more difficult starts we could have had. I know Chelsea is in chaos (TB investing like its venture capital — throw money at 100 companies and hope 2 are huge successes even if the other 98 are busts). But away, missing players, tired players? Really professional and high-quality performance — we made some mistakes but no big ones and both goals were excellent. Kova easy MOTM but agree Lewis and Savinho excellent as was Bernie. Actually really can’t fault anyone. Very workmanlike and confident.
The 115 crap from the media is all the motivation they need, I still don't think the thick cunts get it.One noticeable after Pep said he said the players would decide if he extends by whether they continued to run for him.
You see Kev sprinting back on defense with 2-0 lead in extra time. Then you see Pep's reaction with him postgame.
Doku tracking back in ways he didn't last year and had a couple key interventions. Think the reason Pep didn't go to Jack was because Jeremy was still running at people in the last 30 mins. I know the end product is not what we want but his ability to be an outlet is really important. People forget he is only just 22.
These guys aren't satisfied and that's a huge credit to them. Feeling more confident Pep could be staying.
You forgot the biggest - Rodri!I think Doku was a little bit green at times today - like early in the first half I think he fancied his chances of scoring in the far top corner instead of lobbing the ball to Haarland at the far post and another couple of chances where the wrong decision was made but he is learning. 100% effort and commitment.
The whole team was outstanding from Ederson through to Erling
Considering it was the first game of the season today was in my opinion an superb 100% team performance and we had no weaknesses anywhere on the pitch. I think we are looking the strongest we have ever looked at this point in the season... ever. As well as Kovacic Lewis and the evergreen DeBruyne, Savinho was mega impressive for a debutant. Don't forget our non starters included Stones, Walker, Foden, Bobb, Ake.... plus those I have forgotten* and a plethora of other up and coming youngsters. Premiership - BEWARE we are coming for you with vengeance.
EDIT - *Sorry Jack!
Outstanding lads... well done.