Lovebitesandeveryfing
Well-Known Member
Good to see that there are many sensible posts on here, that recognize what has to be recognized: we were comprehensively outplayed by the better team on the night. Hazard in particular had a terrific game , Zabman simply had no answer to him. But it's up front that the team has got to ask itself some questions. The statistics say that we had more possession, more corners, more shots. In this case, the statistics tell us absolutely nothing. Chelsea, with their fewer shots, hit the woodwork three times, and brought at least two terrific saves out of Hart (one of the meagre consolations to be taken from this match - Joe is back to something close to his best, and no mistake). Our shooting was simply woeful. I'm not going to single out individuals, nobody was any good, with the possible exception of Jovetic (I don 't say he was good, but as soon as he was on there was a sense of things happening up front. He is the other decent thing to take from this match, because he will only get better). You cna't help wondering, with the likes of Samir, Sergio, Ferny, would any of those chances gone in? Or at least been on target? Because - and this is what's unacceptable - I don't remember Cech having to actually make a save for the entire first half.
Well, the measure of a team that wins trophies is the way it bounces back. It's an old, dusty cliche, and it happens to be true. I have no doubt whatsoever that we're going to come roaring back against Norwich. But players need to ask themselves about their finishing, because against a team like Chelsea, you get one or two clear chances, and that's it. I'd also like to know why we're so completely toothless on corners. We got a cartload of them, and we were beaten in the air every single time. And that's not just Chelsea, it's been true all this season and last. Right, onward to Norwich, pick the whole thing up. Others will slip up - Chelsea already did, against the Hammers. By God, though, I'd love us to start one match with our clear, first-choice line-up. I can't even remember when it last happened.
Well, the measure of a team that wins trophies is the way it bounces back. It's an old, dusty cliche, and it happens to be true. I have no doubt whatsoever that we're going to come roaring back against Norwich. But players need to ask themselves about their finishing, because against a team like Chelsea, you get one or two clear chances, and that's it. I'd also like to know why we're so completely toothless on corners. We got a cartload of them, and we were beaten in the air every single time. And that's not just Chelsea, it's been true all this season and last. Right, onward to Norwich, pick the whole thing up. Others will slip up - Chelsea already did, against the Hammers. By God, though, I'd love us to start one match with our clear, first-choice line-up. I can't even remember when it last happened.