Sadly Azpi is shot to pieces...needs dropping or playing in a back three...even then I'm not convinced
Zooms has limitations...if we stick with him we get what he brings, he's not going to improve
Re Lampard...unsure what you are expecting with in- game management and decision making, he's still learning & will improve
Feel you're being harsh to zouma, I was very critical of him the two opening games, but believe our CBS have actually been good the last 3 games. it is too easy atm for teams to get in dangerous positions, getting in behind our defence and getting dangerous balls in behind our cbs. For the most part our cbs have been a sole backline at times. Mostly due to azpis poor form and lack of kante and screen in front of them.
Having said that zouma is zouma, and will not be good enough as he's not athletic enough in the sense of balance, agility and doesn't have the skill at this level. He is an athlete in terms of power and speed.
Azpi needs to be replaced by Reece James. I think we can all accept this by now. Zouma hasn't looked overly convincing. Tomori looked a lot more self-assured than him at the weekend.
I'd say it's between Tomori and Christensen as to who partners Rudi at CB.
As for Lamps I think you're being harsh. In hindsight bringing on Gilmour might not have been the right decision but Lamps has also done a lot right as well.
He's shown faith Tammy and Mount and they've paid him back. Can remember the first day of the season you had people like Jose sticking their oar in saying that the likes of Tammy and Mount shouldn't have been playing. Well between them they've scored all our PL goals so far this season.
Under other managers like Jose they wouldn't have seen the light of day this season.
Looking forward to when we're at full strength when the likes of Rudiger, Kante, Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and eventually Loftus-Cheek are all back in action because at the moment we're nowehere near full strength and have nearly half our potential first team injured.
Azpi has played more minutes than any other player in Europe over the last five years (top 5 leagues).
Needs a break + not particularly suited to playing fullback anymore.
Frank already prepping RJ to come straight in (hence the constant talking up about how big & important he is) and wouldn't surprise me If he's appointed captain long-term.
Leadership qualities are well-known to Jody.
Leadership qualities were also obvious at Wigan.
Wigan manager would have undoubtedly appointed him captain in his debut senior season, if that move was permanent. Leads by example.
Will teach Azpi a thing or two about playing at fullback and leadership.
Like Mount & Cal, qualities belong at the top.
Elite amongst their respective age groups.
There doesn't need to be a set time or age to appoint a captain.
As long as they show the qualities to be a fit for captain at high-level which RJ displays in abundance. Good enough, old enough.
RJ is the type that thrives under responsibility.
Management know that to be the case as well.
That said I wouldn't be against Jorginho (or Emerson) being captain and RJ vice.
As for Tammy...I'd say 18-20 (the way he's going, well on-course for that)
He's set his target at that and when he sets targets (puts his mind to it) he usually hits them, in line with the growth and progression that we'll see.
The entrance of Cal, RJ and perhaps Loftus will help him achieve those goals.
Eagerly anticipating the academy graduates CL venture and development the most.
Competing, performing and scoring on that stage will be a sight to behold.
Tammy's influence on the game will be stronger, once the whole crew that he''s grown with, played with, connected with, complemented for years take to the pitch and I'm looking forward to it.
Keep progressing Tammy
Franks commitment & faith in youth, selecting on merit and level-playing field is admirable...should keep at it.
His invested time in (standout) academy graduates will pay dividends...they are the ones that will ultimately take to his methodology like duck to water, through the course of the season.
the spirit and environment Frank is creating to build a young (successful) core. They deserve it!
Was listening to a podcast yeaterday and they were discussing Chelsea, football weekly I'm sure it was, anyway they made an interesting point, that the most important part of the game now is how teams react in transition, and that the transition from attack to defense is more imporant than defense to attack.
Lampard is a player who never really had to be the player to react to the transition, so he never looked at this as a vital part of the game, he had a well constructed unti with top players doing this behind him, so is it a shock that his team is struggling with this? And it won't just be Lampard, Gerrard for example could well suffer similar at Rangers, it's a generational thing and players who now are managers not ivesting time in these vital parts of the game.
Thought that was interesting.
We'll get the state where we are defensively solid, with personnel like RJ and especially Kante returning.
Problems don't just lie with the defensive line, starts higher up with midfield. Too Passive and/or slow.
Order of importance: Kante, RJ, Rudi
Kante is huge (world class) for the team and he's only played 1 match (half-fit, if even that).
People seem to overlook that when critiquing our defensive performances.
Kante''s all-out high-octane and energy play sets the tone from midfield.
comment by Chelseamf™®© (U1677)
posted 45 minutes ago
Kante is huge (world class) for the team and he's only played 1 match (half-fit, if even that).
People seem to overlook that when critiquing our defensive performances.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I mentioned it above
Really good article. Rarely star rate articles on here but that's 5 from me
I've got faith in Zouma & Lampard. Zouma looks very nervous this season, don't think he expected the opportunity in the first team so quickly (Luiz's sell may have taken him by surprise), but he's worth persisting with over Tomori. His pace and power combination is a rare find in a CB even at this level, and given the way Lampard looks to be attempting to play going forward Zouma's gunna be necessary even if only as a squad player going forward.
Agree with the Lampard criticisms but if people expected anything else four games in they're fools. The jump from Championship level to the Premier League is massive for a manager with one years experience - if he'd have looked like he belonged from day one frankly I'd have been stunned. But his mentality as a player gives me 100% confidence that if he has it in him for top flight management he will find it if we give him time and space.
Good article
The good - Tammy and Mount
The bad - Azpi and our defending
Downright awful - Not turning up in the 2nd half of games
What I found most interesting is that Frank mentioned AC & RJ as midfield cover options (post-match Sheffield United), in case there's a shortage or emergency.
Not surprised by AC, Frank played him briefly at DM in pre-season and sometimes plays DM for Denmark (with hindsight perhaps could have done that against Sheffield United, instead of Willian).
Jorginho is two away from suspension, having already picked up three. Kovacic injury doubt.
One of AC & RJ may have to reprise midfield role, very soon.
Moments like against Sheffield United is precisely why I would have kept Ampadu around (cover midfield & defence over Tomori) but it is what it is...understand the reasoning for loan, were as a result of being screwed over by the predecessor.
He'll go on to play a lot at Leipzig, even if gametime doesn't look promising at the moment.
An interesting and thought provoking article, although I personally think a bit harsh on Lampard.
Not only is the team young, experienced and developing but also the manager - inevitably he will make mistakes as he progresses as will the players.
However was his introduction of Gilmour such a poor move? The players on the pitch had hadn't shown any signs of stemming the 2nd half pressure from the visitors during the previous 40 minutes and certainly not filling me with confidence they could protect the lead until the final whistle.
Blaming the introduction of a young 18 year old may seem a legitimate target for critisism but a study of the bench shows no other square peg for a square hole available and further examination shows no other specialist midfielder available in the squad either.
I think it was obvious that fresh legs were needed to help hold out those final few minutes so could Lampard have done any thing else? Christensen maybe but bringing on a CD into a midfield with only one other specialist CM would have also bought critisism if it had gone wrong.
We could have kept more experienced players like Drinkwater and Bakayoko at the club but they were deemed, by the club and majority of the fans (myself included), to be not good enough and surplus to requirements, so we can't be be suprised we're so light in CM.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing and personally I think Frank is between a rock and a hard place here!
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
(with hindsight perhaps could have done that against Sheffield United, instead of Willian).
---------------------------------
hold on, willian played DM against sheffield utd? when?
It also can't be understated how much we miss hazard too when the game gets stretched. The way he could slow down the game and take pressure away from the team was vital for us.
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Overall I think the start has been bad results-wise but has shown progress in terms of the way the team plays. Defensively the team needs to improve and we're way too soft when under pressure. But Lampard should get more time before forming any judgements either way.
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The good, the bad and downright awful!
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posted on 4/9/19
Sadly Azpi is shot to pieces...needs dropping or playing in a back three...even then I'm not convinced
Zooms has limitations...if we stick with him we get what he brings, he's not going to improve
Re Lampard...unsure what you are expecting with in- game management and decision making, he's still learning & will improve
posted on 4/9/19
Feel you're being harsh to zouma, I was very critical of him the two opening games, but believe our CBS have actually been good the last 3 games. it is too easy atm for teams to get in dangerous positions, getting in behind our defence and getting dangerous balls in behind our cbs. For the most part our cbs have been a sole backline at times. Mostly due to azpis poor form and lack of kante and screen in front of them.
Having said that zouma is zouma, and will not be good enough as he's not athletic enough in the sense of balance, agility and doesn't have the skill at this level. He is an athlete in terms of power and speed.
posted on 4/9/19
Azpi needs to be replaced by Reece James. I think we can all accept this by now. Zouma hasn't looked overly convincing. Tomori looked a lot more self-assured than him at the weekend.
I'd say it's between Tomori and Christensen as to who partners Rudi at CB.
As for Lamps I think you're being harsh. In hindsight bringing on Gilmour might not have been the right decision but Lamps has also done a lot right as well.
He's shown faith Tammy and Mount and they've paid him back. Can remember the first day of the season you had people like Jose sticking their oar in saying that the likes of Tammy and Mount shouldn't have been playing. Well between them they've scored all our PL goals so far this season.
Under other managers like Jose they wouldn't have seen the light of day this season.
Looking forward to when we're at full strength when the likes of Rudiger, Kante, Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and eventually Loftus-Cheek are all back in action because at the moment we're nowehere near full strength and have nearly half our potential first team injured.
posted on 4/9/19
Azpi has played more minutes than any other player in Europe over the last five years (top 5 leagues).
Needs a break + not particularly suited to playing fullback anymore.
Frank already prepping RJ to come straight in (hence the constant talking up about how big & important he is) and wouldn't surprise me If he's appointed captain long-term.
Leadership qualities are well-known to Jody.
Leadership qualities were also obvious at Wigan.
Wigan manager would have undoubtedly appointed him captain in his debut senior season, if that move was permanent. Leads by example.
Will teach Azpi a thing or two about playing at fullback and leadership.
Like Mount & Cal, qualities belong at the top.
Elite amongst their respective age groups.
There doesn't need to be a set time or age to appoint a captain.
As long as they show the qualities to be a fit for captain at high-level which RJ displays in abundance. Good enough, old enough.
RJ is the type that thrives under responsibility.
Management know that to be the case as well.
That said I wouldn't be against Jorginho (or Emerson) being captain and RJ vice.
posted on 4/9/19
As for Tammy...I'd say 18-20 (the way he's going, well on-course for that)
He's set his target at that and when he sets targets (puts his mind to it) he usually hits them, in line with the growth and progression that we'll see.
The entrance of Cal, RJ and perhaps Loftus will help him achieve those goals.
Eagerly anticipating the academy graduates CL venture and development the most.
Competing, performing and scoring on that stage will be a sight to behold.
posted on 4/9/19
*I'd say 18-20 PL goals
posted on 4/9/19
Tammy's influence on the game will be stronger, once the whole crew that he''s grown with, played with, connected with, complemented for years take to the pitch and I'm looking forward to it.
Keep progressing Tammy
Franks commitment & faith in youth, selecting on merit and level-playing field is admirable...should keep at it.
His invested time in (standout) academy graduates will pay dividends...they are the ones that will ultimately take to his methodology like duck to water, through the course of the season.
the spirit and environment Frank is creating to build a young (successful) core. They deserve it!
posted on 4/9/19
Was listening to a podcast yeaterday and they were discussing Chelsea, football weekly I'm sure it was, anyway they made an interesting point, that the most important part of the game now is how teams react in transition, and that the transition from attack to defense is more imporant than defense to attack.
Lampard is a player who never really had to be the player to react to the transition, so he never looked at this as a vital part of the game, he had a well constructed unti with top players doing this behind him, so is it a shock that his team is struggling with this? And it won't just be Lampard, Gerrard for example could well suffer similar at Rangers, it's a generational thing and players who now are managers not ivesting time in these vital parts of the game.
Thought that was interesting.
posted on 4/9/19
We'll get the state where we are defensively solid, with personnel like RJ and especially Kante returning.
Problems don't just lie with the defensive line, starts higher up with midfield. Too Passive and/or slow.
Order of importance: Kante, RJ, Rudi
posted on 4/9/19
Kante is huge (world class) for the team and he's only played 1 match (half-fit, if even that).
People seem to overlook that when critiquing our defensive performances.
posted on 4/9/19
Kante''s all-out high-octane and energy play sets the tone from midfield.
posted on 4/9/19
comment by Chelseamf™®© (U1677)
posted 45 minutes ago
Kante is huge (world class) for the team and he's only played 1 match (half-fit, if even that).
People seem to overlook that when critiquing our defensive performances.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I mentioned it above
posted on 4/9/19
Really good article. Rarely star rate articles on here but that's 5 from me
I've got faith in Zouma & Lampard. Zouma looks very nervous this season, don't think he expected the opportunity in the first team so quickly (Luiz's sell may have taken him by surprise), but he's worth persisting with over Tomori. His pace and power combination is a rare find in a CB even at this level, and given the way Lampard looks to be attempting to play going forward Zouma's gunna be necessary even if only as a squad player going forward.
Agree with the Lampard criticisms but if people expected anything else four games in they're fools. The jump from Championship level to the Premier League is massive for a manager with one years experience - if he'd have looked like he belonged from day one frankly I'd have been stunned. But his mentality as a player gives me 100% confidence that if he has it in him for top flight management he will find it if we give him time and space.
posted on 4/9/19
Good article
The good - Tammy and Mount
The bad - Azpi and our defending
Downright awful - Not turning up in the 2nd half of games
posted on 4/9/19
What I found most interesting is that Frank mentioned AC & RJ as midfield cover options (post-match Sheffield United), in case there's a shortage or emergency.
Not surprised by AC, Frank played him briefly at DM in pre-season and sometimes plays DM for Denmark (with hindsight perhaps could have done that against Sheffield United, instead of Willian).
Jorginho is two away from suspension, having already picked up three. Kovacic injury doubt.
One of AC & RJ may have to reprise midfield role, very soon.
Moments like against Sheffield United is precisely why I would have kept Ampadu around (cover midfield & defence over Tomori) but it is what it is...understand the reasoning for loan, were as a result of being screwed over by the predecessor.
He'll go on to play a lot at Leipzig, even if gametime doesn't look promising at the moment.
posted on 4/9/19
An interesting and thought provoking article, although I personally think a bit harsh on Lampard.
Not only is the team young, experienced and developing but also the manager - inevitably he will make mistakes as he progresses as will the players.
However was his introduction of Gilmour such a poor move? The players on the pitch had hadn't shown any signs of stemming the 2nd half pressure from the visitors during the previous 40 minutes and certainly not filling me with confidence they could protect the lead until the final whistle.
Blaming the introduction of a young 18 year old may seem a legitimate target for critisism but a study of the bench shows no other square peg for a square hole available and further examination shows no other specialist midfielder available in the squad either.
I think it was obvious that fresh legs were needed to help hold out those final few minutes so could Lampard have done any thing else? Christensen maybe but bringing on a CD into a midfield with only one other specialist CM would have also bought critisism if it had gone wrong.
We could have kept more experienced players like Drinkwater and Bakayoko at the club but they were deemed, by the club and majority of the fans (myself included), to be not good enough and surplus to requirements, so we can't be be suprised we're so light in CM.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing and personally I think Frank is between a rock and a hard place here!
posted on 5/9/19
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 5/9/19
(with hindsight perhaps could have done that against Sheffield United, instead of Willian).
---------------------------------
hold on, willian played DM against sheffield utd? when?
posted on 5/9/19
It also can't be understated how much we miss hazard too when the game gets stretched. The way he could slow down the game and take pressure away from the team was vital for us.
posted on 5/9/19
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 5/9/19
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 5/9/19
Overall I think the start has been bad results-wise but has shown progress in terms of the way the team plays. Defensively the team needs to improve and we're way too soft when under pressure. But Lampard should get more time before forming any judgements either way.
Page 1 of 1