Chelsea Thread 2014/15

[manimanc]

gutted for the lad,do you think he was/will/would have been first choice strier this season?

No Costa certainly will be, he looks brilliant and seems to be a perfect fit for us (though he's been in 3 confrontations in 3 games so far). Drogba looks his age but he's still been more useful than Torres. Now we're in the precarious position of 1 injury/suspension to Costa away from being back to Torres up front.

I think costa has got a nasty streak in him but in a good way,he seems to play on the edge all the time and looks like he`ll explode but he`s a beast and knows where the net is,whoever stays fit the longest between him and aguero will determine where the trophy goes this year.

 

[Castiel]

gutted for the lad,do you think he was/will/would have been first choice strier this season?

No Costa certainly will be, he looks brilliant and seems to be a perfect fit for us (though he's been in 3 confrontations in 3 games so far). Drogba looks his age but he's still been more useful than Torres. Now we're in the precarious position of 1 injury/suspension to Costa away from being back to Torres up front.

I think costa has got a nasty streak in him but in a good way,he seems to play on the edge all the time and looks like he`ll explode but he`s a beast and knows where the net is,whoever stays fit the longest between him and aguero will determine where the trophy goes this year.

No kidding. He's a great striker but his reputation isn't exaggerated. I expect him to pick up a few suspensions this season. Interestingly he never got a red last year, but they don't do retrospective bans in Spain. He hasn't done anything crazy for us yet but he seems to get into regular arguments. He plays like he has a grudge against the opposition, and I think that's part of what makes him a good striker.

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuSeBgdugao[/video]

Problem is we have no depth to back him up. He could easily pick up a Suarez level ban if he loses it one day and then we're fucked.

 

[manimanc]

No Costa certainly will be, he looks brilliant and seems to be a perfect fit for us (though he's been in 3 confrontations in 3 games so far). Drogba looks his age but he's still been more useful than Torres. Now we're in the precarious position of 1 injury/suspension to Costa away from being back to Torres up front.

I think costa has got a nasty streak in him but in a good way,he seems to play on the edge all the time and looks like he`ll explode but he`s a beast and knows where the net is,whoever stays fit the longest between him and aguero will determine where the trophy goes this year.

No kidding. He's a great striker but his reputation isn't exaggerated. I expect him to pick up a few suspensions this season. Interestingly he never got a red last year, but they don't do retrospective bans in Spain. He hasn't done anything crazy for us yet but he seems to get into regular arguments. He plays like he has a grudge against the opposition, and I think that's part of what makes him a good striker.

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuSeBgdugao[/video]

Problem is we have no depth to back him up. He could easily pick up a Suarez level ban if he loses it one day and then we're fucked.

I noticed when you lot played atletico in the first leg last year that him and terry was having a bit of a nibble at each other,i thought then what a nasty bastard he was and terry looked a bit shell shocked which is rare...
I wonder if they`ve re-aquainted themselves on the training pitch...:)

 

[Stoned Rose]

I see the bookies have Chelsea as favourites.

I see several pundits saying the same because 'the have the best squad' and have 'strengthened the best'.

Really?

They've bought in Courtois. Better than Cech? is he fuck.

They've brought in Fabregas (who's clearly a very good player), but have lost Lampard (also a very good and also very experienced player) and Luiz (good enough to go for 50m and can play in 2 positions within the 'spine'). I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Costa (in reality he's had one good league season in his career and his league goals per game ratio is a shade under 1 in 3 which in fairness is pretty average). They've lost Eto'o and Ba. They've bought in 36 year old Drogba who looked fucking shit and well past it in last season's CL.They are now reliant on a one season wonder, an old has been and the completely 'gone' Torres. I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Felipe Luis at left back. Better than Cole? Not a chance. Better than Azplicueta? probably slightly. He'll also have to 'adjust' to the prem so won't be at his best for 2-3 months. Strengthened? Not sure.

The pundits are talking shit imo. Putting a 'story' in front of the facts.

Our squad and first team are now clearly stronger than they were in May. Don't think I can say the same for this mob.

 

[sam-caddick]

I see the bookies have Chelsea as favourites.

I see several pundits saying the same because 'the have the best squad' and have 'strengthened the best'.

Really?

They've bought in Courtois. Better than Cech? is he fuck.

They've brought in Fabregas (who's clearly a very good player), but have lost Lampard (also a very good and also very experienced player) and Luiz (good enough to go for 50m and can play in 2 positions within the 'spine'). I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Costa (in reality he's had one good league season in his career and his league goals per game ratio is a shade under 1 in 3 which in fairness is pretty average). They've lost Eto'o and Ba. They've bought in 36 year old Drogba who looked fucking shit and well past it in last season's CL.They are now reliant on a one season wonder, an old has been and the completely 'gone' Torres. I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Felipe Luis at left back. Better than Cole? Not a chance. Better than Azplicueta? probably slightly. He'll also have to 'adjust' to the prem so won't be at his best for 2-3 months. Strengthened? Not sure.

The pundits are talking shit imo. Putting a 'story' in front of the facts.

Our squad and first team are now clearly stronger than they were in May. Don't think I can say the same for this mob.

Courtois has been better than Cech in the past few seasons in my opinion, last season definitely.

Felipe Luis was one of the best left backs in Europe last season.

Costa is better than any striker they have had since Drogba was in his peak and fully expect him to get 20+ goals next season, I still think they need another striker though.

Fabregas is still on of the best midfielders in world football and if on form he will get you 15 goals a season and plenty of assists.

Rumour they are getting Benatia as well.

 

[Alex - City Matters]

I see the bookies have Chelsea as favourites.

I see several pundits saying the same because 'the have the best squad' and have 'strengthened the best'.

Really?

They've bought in Courtois. Better than Cech? is he fuck.

They've brought in Fabregas (who's clearly a very good player), but have lost Lampard (also a very good and also very experienced player) and Luiz (good enough to go for 50m and can play in 2 positions within the 'spine'). I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Costa (in reality he's had one good league season in his career and his league goals per game ratio is a shade under 1 in 3 which in fairness is pretty average). They've lost Eto'o and Ba. They've bought in 36 year old Drogba who looked fucking shit and well past it in last season's CL.They are now reliant on a one season wonder, an old has been and the completely 'gone' Torres. I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Felipe Luis at left back. Better than Cole? Not a chance. Better than Azplicueta? probably slightly. He'll also have to 'adjust' to the prem so won't be at his best for 2-3 months. Strengthened? Not sure.

The pundits are talking shit imo. Putting a 'story' in front of the facts.

Our squad and first team are now clearly stronger than they were in May. Don't think I can say the same for this mob.

Courtois has been better than Cech in the past few seasons in my opinion, last season definitely.

Felipe Luis was one of the best left backs in Europe last season.

Costa is better than any striker they have had since Drogba was in his peak and fully expect him to get 20+ goals next season, I still think they need another striker though.

Fabregas is still on of the best midfielders in world football and if on form he will get you 15 goals a season and plenty of assists.

Rumour they are getting Benatia as well.

The Benatia thread would be hilarious if that happened.

 

[Stoned Rose]

I see the bookies have Chelsea as favourites.

I see several pundits saying the same because 'the have the best squad' and have 'strengthened the best'.

Really?

They've bought in Courtois. Better than Cech? is he fuck.

They've brought in Fabregas (who's clearly a very good player), but have lost Lampard (also a very good and also very experienced player) and Luiz (good enough to go for 50m and can play in 2 positions within the 'spine'). I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Costa (in reality he's had one good league season in his career and his league goals per game ratio is a shade under 1 in 3 which in fairness is pretty average). They've lost Eto'o and Ba. They've bought in 36 year old Drogba who looked fucking shit and well past it in last season's CL.They are now reliant on a one season wonder, an old has been and the completely 'gone' Torres. I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Felipe Luis at left back. Better than Cole? Not a chance. Better than Azplicueta? probably slightly. He'll also have to 'adjust' to the prem so won't be at his best for 2-3 months. Strengthened? Not sure.

The pundits are talking shit imo. Putting a 'story' in front of the facts.

Our squad and first team are now clearly stronger than they were in May. Don't think I can say the same for this mob.

Courtois has been better than Cech in the past few seasons in my opinion, last season definitely.

IMO he hasn't.

Felipe Luis was one of the best left backs in Europe last season.

So was azpilicueta. Cole was the best. Luis isn't 'better' than either of those 2.

Costa is better than any striker they have had since Drogba was in his peak and fully expect him to get 20+ goals next season, I still think they need another striker though.

He's scored 20+ league goals once in his career so what are you basing your prediction on?
Also if he gets injured they're reliant on an old had been and a younger has been.

Fabregas is still on of the best midfielders in world football and if on form he will get you 15 goals a season and plenty of assists.

Agree he is an excellent player. I haven't got time to check his stats but I can guarantee you he doesn't consistently score '15 goals' in the league. He just doesn't. Him coming in doesn't make up for lampard and Luiz going out.

Rumour they are getting Benatia as well.

We can consider this if they get him. Until then it's irrelevant IMO mate.

 

[Matty]

I see the bookies have Chelsea as favourites.

I see several pundits saying the same because 'the have the best squad' and have 'strengthened the best'.

Really?

They've bought in Courtois. Better than Cech? is he fuck.

They've brought in Fabregas (who's clearly a very good player), but have lost Lampard (also a very good and also very experienced player) and Luiz (good enough to go for 50m and can play in 2 positions within the 'spine'). I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Costa (in reality he's had one good league season in his career and his league goals per game ratio is a shade under 1 in 3 which in fairness is pretty average). They've lost Eto'o and Ba. They've bought in 36 year old Drogba who looked fucking shit and well past it in last season's CL.They are now reliant on a one season wonder, an old has been and the completely 'gone' Torres. I wouldn't class this as 'strengthening'.

They brought in Felipe Luis at left back. Better than Cole? Not a chance. Better than Azplicueta? probably slightly. He'll also have to 'adjust' to the prem so won't be at his best for 2-3 months. Strengthened? Not sure.

The pundits are talking shit imo. Putting a 'story' in front of the facts.

Our squad and first team are now clearly stronger than they were in May. Don't think I can say the same for this mob.

Whoever finishes above Chelsea will win the league, in my opinion.

They've addressed the vast majority of their weaknesses, I still think they need another striker, just not a front line first choice one, and the depth at fullback isn't quite there. Ivanovic, Felipe Luis and Azpillicueta are great options, but we've 2 for each position, who is their 4th option? Centre half needs some depth too, Terry isn't getting younger, and with Cahill and Zouma as the other options I feel they're a man short there too in terms of depth. However that's about it. Their midfield looks really strong, both attacking and defensive (Matic is a brilliant option to provide defensive cover, and with the likes of Hazard, Schurrle, Oscar, Fabregas, Willian etc in there it's arguably the strongest midfield in England).

Cech is a top quality keeper, but Courtois is younger and, for me, marginally better. Plus hes got room to improve.

Lampard was past it, and will only be an occasional option for us. Luiz was a liability and they've robbed PSG blind getting £50m for him. Fabregas is a better option than either of those players.

Costa needs to prove himself in the Prem, but his physical style, combined with pace and skill is perfectly suited to English football, he'll get 20 goals minimum this season. Drogba is a 1 for 1 swap for Eto'o as both are past their best, Ba might as well have not been there last season he was used so sparingly.

Cole is still a good player, but he wasn't the player he once was, and Felipe Luis is at least his equal, probably better given the stage in his career he's at.

For me Chelsea need a couple more bodies defensively, and cover up front, but their starting 11, and to be honest their top 17 or 18 players, are up there with City's as the bets 2 squads in the Premier League. Chelsea are the team I fear this season when it comes to retaining the title. Liverpool have to survive the loss of Suarez whilst building a squad capable of coping with the added stress and games a European campaign brings. Arsenal haven't addressed the defence too much, or the lack of midfield defensive cover. United are involved in a major rebuild and need a lot more than a new manager, a left back and a midfielder. Everyone else is an irrelevance when it comes to the title.

 

[yeah whatever !!]

No Costa certainly will be, he looks brilliant and seems to be a perfect fit for us (though he's been in 3 confrontations in 3 games so far). Drogba looks his age but he's still been more useful than Torres. Now we're in the precarious position of 1 injury/suspension to Costa away from being back to Torres up front.

I think costa has got a nasty streak in him but in a good way,he seems to play on the edge all the time and looks like he`ll explode but he`s a beast and knows where the net is,whoever stays fit the longest between him and aguero will determine where the trophy goes this year.

No kidding. He's a great striker but his reputation isn't exaggerated. I expect him to pick up a few suspensions this season. Interestingly he never got a red last year, but they don't do retrospective bans in Spain. He hasn't done anything crazy for us yet but he seems to get into regular arguments. He plays like he has a grudge against the opposition, and I think that's part of what makes him a good striker.

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuSeBgdugao[/video]

Problem is we have no depth to back him up. He could easily pick up a Suarez level ban if he loses it one day and then we're fucked.

He looks like the baddie from' A fist full of dollars'. ;)

 

[superseiyan]

They've addressed the vast majority of their weaknesses,

So have you.