BL2blue said:
I thought it was a very good performance by us and a great result. I reckon this season we will improve our defensive record from last season.
Best players for me were Clichy, Kolarov, Dzeko & Kompany. I was a bit disappointed with Jovetic, gave the ball away a few times and also shooting when others were better placed. Probably just trying to impress too much, especially as Sergio looks almost fully fit. If that man can stay fit for the whole season, anything is possible !
Considering the lack of match fitness of many of our players, I too thought it was a very good, professional performance. Newcastle were 'up for it', gave it a real go and harried and pressed our players throughout the match.
Both goals were class. The little backheel from Edin was superb and Merlin took his chance very well. It's nice to see Silva being a bit more clinical in front of goal, and although there's never a bad time to score, it came at a very good time for us, especially as the Toon were threatening themselves at the time.
I said to the Better Half that there are very few players who could have done what Sergio did today; he was back on his feet so quickly and put the ball away with his right after having used his left foot for the initial shot.
I thought Fernando looked very good and he seemingly adapted to the speed of the game very well. I can see all three of Fernando, Fernandinho and YaYa all starting against the mourners. YaYa was very quiet in the first half, but came much more into the game after half-time.
VK and MD were their usual imperious selves at the the back. Mangala will have to be very good to displace either of them, which is very good news.
Stevan looked sharp, though his passing could have been better. If he can stay fit, he will improve and that too can only be a good thing. Edin was great. He was all over the pitch and really looked as if he was out to impress. His MotM award was fully deserved, IMHO.
All-in-all, a good day and we will only improve as the players get more match fitness under their belts. Enjoy the ride, Blues.