quickpassnmove

well, it's an OK result, but the fact that Chelsea had no link-up play when in transition for all of the 2nd half stinks. I remember that Chelsea did nothing in possession earlier in the season at City, so I'm wondering when Chelsea will do something in possession against the big sides. Inviting all that pressure is not likely a way to win titles in the future even if Chelsea win the league this season. on this topic, I have to ask where the hell Oscar was in this match? and why when Drogba is ready to come on would you not try shoving it straight up their gut with Remy and Drogba up against the two CBs and Hazard behind them at CAM (4312 formation)?

...except that Kevin has high-velocity shots, better crosses, more curve, and most likely better long passes. Oscar might be a little better at some tippy-tappy play but that's debatable. Kevin is a good player, but he's gone now.

Live radio, not posted on the web.

Deal is done according to Talksport with Salah going to Italy.

seems like the player Chelsea need --even after getting a new winger, to win something this season. Jose, what do you say?

Dougy has dubious positioning and low aggression, but good dribbling. Bernard is one of the best dribblers in the game IMHO.

Should mesh well with Loic Remy. quick passes, direct. I like this business all-around because Schuerrle was never quite the guy for me even though he was supposed to be good for counter attacks. At least we're getting someone who can cause more problems for defenders 1v1 and keep momentum going while on the field with Costa, Hazard and Fab.

dump Mikel anywhere, sign him up.

Yes, Pasalic is a Chelsea player. Elche are just one of the worst La Liga sides. To be fair, Barca are now up due to an unusual strike from Pique off a free kick and a crap PK call on a counterattack. Neymar ran into the defender rather than the defender sticking his leg out at the last moment.

Elche have not scored A GOAL against Barca since 1978. Today they are looking dangerous and Pasalic is again a starter. Now in the 27th minute.

anyone watching Pasalic's Elche against Barca for the 3rd time this month?

so, if anyone was actually able to SEE this Chelsea match, I am curious how much of it is the fault of the CM.

yellow card Fernandinho. this looks like it could be a M'brough win.

Lampardo is on.

WOW! unlucky for Tomlin! amazing move.

goal for Bamford. deflection.

yellow card for Kompany.

yeah, and my performances with Real Sociedad last year inspired the hiring of David Moyes

'borough might have a chance in this match, but IDK if Bamford and Jelle Vossen are capable of upsetting the City defence.

P Bamford starting at City of Manchester Stadium

you made yourself laugh. I suppose having one new player, Salah, and Atsu at the same time would be too much anyway so Atsu will go on loan elsewhere rather than stay at Everton. other than the fact that Schuerrle can score when he shoots, I don't see him being anything close to what Chelsea need for a winger. No, I don't rate Atsu either.

so, it's Jason Puncheon for you then? Chelsea need a catalyst on the RW because we don't have a single catalyst at winger aside from one Hazard. I'm selling Schuerrle, getting Atsu back and buying one player. Cuadrado is about as good as it gets in the market right now without Reus --although Yarmolenko still interests me (but I've not seen playing for a while).

Looks good and I'm happy to see more players from the former Yugoslav republics http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2015/1/18/7746663/chelsea-agree-fee-serbian-midfielder-danilo-pantic

Good pressing, good result, but I am with Jose on this team's need for this season: momentum created by cutting, confident counter-attacks and scoring/chances created by more than just Costa-Hazard-Fabregas. Willian hit the woodwork and had some nice passes, but Willian and Oscar need to be better with counterattacking in the next 9 weeks. Jose will keep urging this team to do more not just because he's a demanding manager, but because Chelsea's attack is not as well-rounded and incisive as he nor myself would like it to be. At this moment, I still feel that winning the league depends more upon ManCity injuries or slip-ups than Chelsea's collective ability and confidence on the attack. The coming weeks will decide. Keep pushing.

So adidas just pay some money to Barca and Chelsea don't incur nearly so much cost? None of us could know what happens/what is possible.