Afternoon all
Horrible result yesterday, still recovering from it. This is what comes of under-estimating opposition at this level. Hoping for a strong response against Genk and Rovers
Anyway, my thoughts
First of all, much as I've been impressed with AVB he got it tottally wrong yesterday. Playing this open against a team like Arsenal is suicide, it was painful watching them carve us open. Every attack of theirs looked like scoring
This defence is really starting to worry me, we're conceding too many stupid goals. 1 clean sheet in the League, 4 in all competitions is a worrying stat. Our overly attacking style is imo leaving us far too exposed
I do feel however that this situation has been exacerbated by some poor performers in this department. Alex has looked well below par all season, and Ivan at CB is looking an accident waiting to happen. Playing him against an in form Van Persie is suicidal
Forget what clowns like Jamie Redknapp have to say, Luiz is easily our best defender, was exactly what we needed to nullify Van persie. Has pace and a good reading of the game, but more importantly, will close down players. Remember how well he frustrated Rooney in March? Don't know what we were thinking in playing an off form Ivanovic and thinking he would keep RVP quiet
Having said that, the fullbacks have hardly looked too convincing. Cole has been seriously below par since that World Cup shambles and I am really not a Bosingwa fan. He has decent pace and his buildup play is decent, but he can't cross to save his life. As for defending-I'd like to see some! Ancelotti and Mourinho's downfall lay in their untouchables policy. AVB was brave enough to show this initiative with lampard, think more is needed here. I honestly think we could do alot worse than give Bertrand a start against Rovers
As for the midfield. That was unbelievably poor show. Ramires-Mikel-Lampard was the combination that was failing us so miserably last season. No offence to Arsenal but given their recent form we should have been looking to win that battle. As it was Aaron Ramsey, a player who has looked well below par this season, was running rings round us
I'm struggling to see just what Mikel brings to this team. Against the more physical teams, the Villas, the Evertons and the Sunderlands, he may may be a decent option but against fluid, fast passing teams like Arsenal he's little boy lost. Wasn't protecting the defence and offered nothing going forward. Shoudl have been Meireles at DM (or even Romeu, could have seen the guy coping well yesterday)
We needed a strong level head in that midfield and imo Meireles was badly missed. For my money i think he sould have started at DM. I can excuse Ramires to an extent given he'd just returned from injury. Lamps was very underwhelming as well, although his goal seems to have made everyone gloss over this
Torres cut a damp squib as well, and it is just our luck that he picks up a suspension just as he looks to be returning to form. With the Drogs looking finished and Torres still looking rickety I think the fear factor other teams had when playing us is really in decline. I'm still irritated at our decision not to register Lukaku for the CL, with the dodgy form of these 2 we need to be getting this guy as much first team action as possible
Feel free to agree/laugh at/dissect this as you will
My thoughts
posted on 30/10/11
I don't want to start scapegoating players but yesterday was proof that we have one or two players who just aren't good enough.
Bosingwa had a terrible game and his defending wasn't just bad it was non-existent. We need to strengthen at right back this January.
Mikel provided little to no cover for the back four and he looked out of depth against Ramsey and Arteta. Sorry but Mikel is no more than a squad player and should only be starting if everyone else is unavailable.
Very worried by Ashley Cole's performance yesterday. Awful and he kept getting skinned by Walcott down the right.
These players weren't the only ones to have a poor game but for me Bosingwa and Mikel are squad players at best and I worry when I see them on the teamsheet, especially in big games.
posted on 30/10/11
To be fair mate bar yesterday he has done well against Arsenal in recent years, it was after he got clattered at The Emirates we fell apart there last season.
Luiz should have played, i would go as far as saying goal 1,2, and 5 would have been prevented. Not just that he should have been brought on instead of Malouda
I don't understand why AVB is throwing Lukaku in the deep end, i guess he just assumed he would do a Drogba V Arsenal.
posted on 30/10/11
I honestly think we could do alot worse than give Bertrand a start against Rovers
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posted on 30/10/11
I honestly think we could do alot worse than give Bertrand a start against Rovers
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I think I'd agree with that. Cole was poor and deserves to be dropped for the next game.
Ivanovic for Bosingwa at right back and drop Mikel for either Meireles or Romeu.
posted on 30/10/11
for excusing Ramirez base on injury is bias, nobody thought it to be a bad idea when 99% of fans on this board have him in their selection without thinking about injury. He contributed nothing to the game yet we expect the Mikel to perform magic when Lampard is all scoring goal and contributing little in the defence.
AVB was wrong to have started Ramirez instead of Meireles, Mikel as well as other players were poor, no need scapegoating a certain player for the team failure.
posted on 30/10/11
We need a consistent starting 11 play week in week out,I don't think AVB has found his perfect 11 yet. Once that is sorted we will find form/consistency to push us forward. For me Mikel should be on the bench like he has always been throughtout his Chelsea career. Can't wait for the bison to return.
posted on 30/10/11
*throughout his Chelsea career
Cole needs to be dropped he needs to know he has competition that's the only way he will get better. Also anyway I think he is due a rest he has played every single game barring the carling cup games,he's not getting any younger.
Bosingwa should never be in the team for EPL/CL games.
posted on 31/10/11
Mikel is a toad. Simple.
posted on 31/10/11
Mikel
posted on 31/10/11
is awful