quickpassnmove

That was an excellent 2nd half performance by our maestro, Antonio. Diego MotM. Damn hero! Impressive win against a tough side. Stay healthy, Chelsea.

This manager is great. He has made the perfect changes. I want Conte to stay for a long time. Diego Costa is a damn hero.

Glad we haven't bought this player.

Two ways to simplify it: 1) we're currently over-achieving due to an excellent management team --over-achieving because we DO lack quality and depth across the formation -AND- because we are only in ONE competition currently. 2) we're not ready to be the side that can play how it wants home/away -AND- with a load of European matches added As for collapsing in the 2nd half of the season: it's possible, but I imagine we get some players in the January window. Tottenham, Arsenal, and ManCity still represent strong competition for the title IMO, but we'll see how well the Stokes, West Broms, Watfords and EVertons hold it together in the 2nd half; usually, they don't.

yes, yes, yes. sign him.

Rumours today about Chelsea eyeing Ox and Alexis. I would like Ox here for a good price and wages. Alexis is good, but he's also a small guy who will be slowing down quickly at age 28 currently. If Hammers find a way to shit the bed, Kouyate is still a very tasty transfer target.

DIEGO COSTA!!! DIEGO COSTA!!! DIEGO COSTA!!! I never expected I would like this player so much. Great win today. Again, I must mention the need for new players in LWB, CB and CM, but it was good to see a little of Chalobah. Maybe things will work out well for Nathaniel at Chelsea this season and moreso next. Back line looking so tenuous on the left and both Luiz and Azpi cannot be expected to compensate so much for the shortcomings on that left side the rest of this season. Nice effort too from Moses on defending. Alonso... nice pass, but this guy cannot be the ongoing starting LWB (there are housebound ppl with greater acceleration than this player). I cannot thank Chef Antonio enough for making me feel positive about CFC again. Long may he reign!!!

Must be the real "Terry" replacement. An upgrade though, because he can DANCE:

IDK about you, but I'm loving Pep losing to our new Italian manager! Long may Chef Antonio reign!

Haha! That look on Mikel Arteta's face!

Costa carrying the team. We need more quality in LWB, CB, and CM --but I guess everyone knows this.

If Matic is out, an away match is a great time to start Chalobah. let him go head-to-head with Gundo and Fernandinho.

interesting transfer proposition according to some participants on this forum. I can't say because I've sharply neglected watching Serie A and other leagues for about 5 or 6 years.

Uncle 'arry agrees on the need for more at LB and CM: http://metro.co.uk/2016/11/26/antonio-conte-told-he-needs-two-signings-in-january-to-turn-chelsea-into-premier-league-title-winners-6285139/#ixzz4R9L3ZvV0 But, the possibility of Virgil vanDijk going to Manchester makes me think we should get 3 signings in January.

superb defender. You cannot overstate it. It's hard to fully appreciate his skill, athleticism, focus and commitment as merely a fan.

still over-achieving with this squad. need more quality in LWB and CM. Best players (again): Costa, Moses, Luiz, Azpi.

I still doubt this will end well. Would be good to gain some momentum with a sub.

agree completely.

Peeeeeeeeeedro! nice curler.

Matic isn't cut out for this challenge. sub, or change formation. First half is Chelsea passing laterally and backwards 50% or more of all their passes and having never enough support going forward. Our counterattack is now officially non-existent.

Time for a new centre midfielder.

-WOW- does it feel nice to pumped for a Chelsea match these days? Well, let me say I'm a little anxious on this one, but if we are focused and organized right, we can give them their 1st loss of the season.

“I could see his potential from the first days of the summer training camp. Moses has important qualities: technique, physical strength, the ability to cover seventy meters of the pitch.” “I find it incredible that someone like him has been underestimated.” -Antonio Conte; source: Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia

You've got it. January, for me is: another LWB (or, Kenedy if Conte thinks he's suitable) and another CM. Alonso just isn't enough for that LWB position, nor does he himself offer enough skill on the ball to add a dimension to our attack; too predictable, slow and one-dimensional. The new CB will have to come whenever possible, I guess. I don't know who would be a great buy for an attacker, but the rumours are still going on that young attacker at Porto: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2673992-chelsea-transfer-news-andre-silva-scouted-amid-manchester-united-rumours# If ManCity take Messi in January, the title race is probably over (along with Yaya playing).

Diego, Dave, David and Moses (for the 1st half) did very well. Kante was OK, but we were overwhelmed by their press many times and it was a rough match for our MF. If they had a quick striker who put shots on target, Middlesborough could be a dangerous side under Karanka despite their lower quality lineup.