Center Forward position.

I thought Morata didn’t do too badly, considering how Newcastle set up, they had two banks of defensive lines for the entire match, thus making it very difficult for him to find spaces between their deep defensive or run behind their defensive line. This is why we saw him often drift wide to receive the ball, and he is not that kind of striker to dribble his way through their solid defensive line up.

When the opposition sit that deep neither Morata nor Pedro are as effective as they would be against the teams who prefer to play a high defensive line. We should’ve started with Willian who like Hazard likes to drop deep to receive the ball as he likes to play with the ball at his feet using his dribbling skills and speed to run at the defenders. Also, Giroud would have offered that physical presence that Morata can’t , thus creating space in and around their box inviting the likes of Hazard and Willian to attack the ball. Ideally, Morata and Pedro (especially the latter) prefers to play on the shoulder of defenders, run behind the defensive line by timing his run perfectly. Probably Sarri didn’t think Newcastle would sit deep for the whole match, this why I think both Morata and Pedro started yesterday.

The likes of Tammy, RLC and CHO will get their opportunities, be that in the group stages of Europa league, league cup and FA Cup run. I just don’t think he is ready to lead our line yet. Hopefully he’ll prove himself on those competitions. Although I think CHO should be making the bench as he is another one who has shown in the pre season that he is a threat.

'How often do we see our wide players get into good positions on the wing but no one in the box to pass to!'

Absolutely!!!

That's what slightly worries me - dazzling interplay in the final third, but to what end? The true aim seems to be blurred - a bit like Arsenal, but quicker. I do like to see a dynamic spearhead - the clear intent of the whole team to get strikes on goal.

I hope that's Sarri's and Zola's aim - not just to play blinding interplay, but to produce champions.
i.e. follow the Chelsea Way.

Early days Brummie!!

I think most strikers would have struggled against Newcastle. No width or support from out wide, apart from Azpi making a couple forays forward second half. And centrally our play was too slow and unimaginative to cut through their deep block.

if we are to try a false 9 i dont want it to be Hazard id prefer it to be Pedro as he is by far the best finisher out of Hazard Pedro and willian. Dont know what odoi is like at finishing yet

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But it is about Sarri Brum,he's the one who picks the team and who's job is on the line.We have to have faith in his observations of players, and the drills conducted on the training pitch,as well as the tactics he wants to play.
Hopefully, the young guns will get a chance over the next few games to give Sarri a welcome headache ,,i'm sure thats what he would like.

comment by harlequinHebdo (U16981)
posted 27 minutes ago
But it is about Sarri Brum,he's the one who picks the team and who's job is on the line.We have to have faith in his observations of players, and the drills conducted on the training pitch,as well as the tactics he wants to play.
Hopefully, the young guns will get a chance over the next few games to give Sarri a welcome headache ,,i'm sure thats what he would like.
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I think you're missing the point harle. This is speaking hypothetically and not what Sarri SHOULD do. If Morata isn't producing, or Giroud, then what are the pro's and con's of using Tammy instead, bearing in mind he probably won't be any worse!

Personally speaking, I'd give Morata another half dozen games and take him out the firing line if he doesn't improve - but now I'm going off my own topic!

Well first things first Sarri needs time to understand the league - and hopefully he can address the 1st problem; which is Giroud vs Ultra defensive/deep defensive teams and Morata Vs the rest. After that and if the 2 still continue to misfire then I'm all for Tammy and can't see any real negatives.

Morata is too weak and infective to be top striker at a big club like Chelsea.

Still don't understand why we loaned out Bats. Not saying he's a world beater but Morata was always unlikely to make the grade this season.