Chelsea (H) Post Match Thread

nmc said:
In the first 10 minutes I watched Higuain running around doing a solo press and thought - good luck if you want to do that for 90 mins. He went through the motions for 3/4 of the game and 9 other outfield players were happy to watch him wasting his time. I bet he thought the EPL was a doddle after Huddersfield but I suspect he’s reappraising his views and can’t wait to go back to Italy and play at walking pace.
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Higuain is class - he'll score tons for Chelsea. But yeah - forget about him pressing.
 
CityInWashingtonState said:
Without meaning to be overly critical...

Zinchenko dribbled himself into trouble/turnovers on several occasions. He clearly isn't as skilled as the rest of the City players on the pitch. I don't think he'll be with us next season.

Gundo - whom I really like - switched off in the 2nd half - making very poor passes back-to-back leading to turnovers. Gundo needs to up his concentration and play well throughout given how talented our midfield is.
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Zinchenko was outstanding and Gundo had a good game. Gundo showed how far Foden has to improve to be a first team starter.
 
Tim of the Oak said:
Zinchenko was outstanding and Gundo had a good game. Gundo showed how far Foden has to improve to be a first team starter.
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Zinchenko did OK - against a side that can't press and yet tried to do so.

Gundo played well - but switched off at times.

I think that Gundo has a future with us - he's very good. And excells when played in a deeper role without primary defensive responsibility.

Zincheko could remain in our side - if he's willing to accept backup roles. He's got enough talent that I suspect he'll leave. Zinchenko will never be a regular starter in our side if other players are fit.
 
tolmie's hairdoo said:
Chelsea looked very dangerous towards the end of the half and Ederson made some fantastic saves.

Was a little concerned how easy they were able to attack down the middle, running off the back of our midfield. Luiz managed to pass between the lines a little too easily.

Arsenal had a similar 10 minute patch.
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And yet... isn't this inevitable in Pep's system?

Our primary defensive tactic is to win the ball back quickly following turnover.

Should we be unsuccessful in this tactic, we're exposed due the the failed press for a short window - in which talented teams have the opportunity to create scoring chances.
 
Just watched tunnel cam from yesterday - who was the chappy who came out at half time and who Pep was talking to at the end?
 
tolmie's hairdoo said:
Chelsea looked very dangerous towards the end of the half and Ederson made some fantastic saves.

Was a little concerned how easy they were able to attack down the middle, running off the back of our midfield. Luiz managed to pass between the lines a little too easily.

Arsenal had a similar 10 minute patch.
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I'm sure Pep will work on that but the upside was that the back four did a great job of providing a final hurdle that was barely breached. Eddie made one excellent save rushing off his line but his other notable save was a shot from distance.
 
tolmie's hairdoo said:
Can I also add, Jesus continues to look razor sharp?

It's like something has clicked for the lad, looks so dangerous when on the ball and can see some of the tricks he was known for in Brazil.

Perfect timing.
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With all due respect - I'm not sold on Jesus as a first choice striker.

Sure he can score goals.

But does he have the out-of-nowhere goal in him on a semi-consistent basis like Aguero showed for his first?
 
CityInWashingtonState said:
And yet... isn't this inevitable in Pep's system?

Our primary defensive tactic is to win the ball back quickly following turnover.

Should we be unsuccessful in this tactic, we're exposed due the the failed press for a short window - in which talented teams have the opportunity to create scoring chances.
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Probably, but I saw it more a case of us retreating closer to our own 18-yard-box yesterday, rather than direct ball turnover. Perhaps we were inviting it on, playing the counters with four goals to the good, but you have to be nigh on perfect when the likes of Hazard and Pedro are still looking for give and go's.

Strangely, our turnover only came about when De Bruyne, Fern or Gundo played stupid high percentage balls across the middle, rather than direct forward passing.

For me, we don't win that game half as comfortably yesterday without Bernardo's willingness to get back in and make up the numbers.
 
tolmie's hairdoo said:
Probably, but I saw it more a case of us retreating closer to our own 18-yard-box yesterday, rather than direct ball turnover. Perhaps we were inviting it on, playing the counters with four goals to the good, but you have to be nigh on perfect when the likes of Hazard and Pedro are still looking for give and go's.

Strangely, our turnover only came about when De Bruyne, Fern or Gundo played stupid high percentage balls across the middle, rather than direct forward passing.

For me, we don't win that game half as comfortably yesterday without Bernardo's willingness to get back in and make up the numbers.
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It was definitely a tactic. Just look at the left, we regularly allowed them on to us centrally and then would work a quick release to Zinchenko from either Laporte or Fernandinho..
 
CityInWashingtonState said:
With all due respect - I'm not sold on Jesus as a first choice striker.

Sure he can score goals.

But does he have the out-of-nowhere goal in him on a semi-consistent basis like Aguero showed for his first?
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He showed he had those goals for Brazil and in Brazil. He showed it against Burnley 2 weeks ago.

He obviously deferred to working hard and "playing the system" when he first got here and was getting to grips with the move, but the last month he's looked like he's got that score out of nothing ability and at 21 it's only going to happen more often.
 
domalino said:
He showed he had those goals for Brazil and in Brazil. He showed it against Burnley 2 weeks ago.

He obviously deferred to working hard and "playing the system" when he first got here and was getting to grips with the move, but the last month he's looked like he's got that score out of nothing ability and at 21 it's only going to happen more often.
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What he said ;)
 
CityInWashingtonState said:
With all due respect - I'm not sold on Jesus as a first choice striker.

Sure he can score goals.

But does he have the out-of-nowhere goal in him on a semi-consistent basis like Aguero showed for his first?
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Sergio doesn't do it very often. Once a season maybe. What Jesus offers that Sergio doesn't is blistering pace. The finishing is there (although his heading needs work.) The confidence is coming back too. I think he is ready now. It's just that Sergio's form is keeping him out.
 
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