OhForAGreavsie

Remembering that we’re talking about quality of close control specifically, and not necessarily about overall impact, then, in no particular order; Henry, Bergkamp, Suarez, Ibrahimovic, Van Nistelroy, Van Persie, Zola, Gudjohndon, Aguero. I did think about it for a few minutes, but I’m sure I’ve missed more than one who I would include in my list if I was reminded about them.

No it isn't. He is a professional footballer. All pro players are capable of great things and The Drog certainly was and is. There are many, many examples of outstanding control throughout his Chelsea career but there are more of poor touch. Look at Rom. His supporters could make a long highlight vid featuring moments of great technical excellence, yet all people who have watched him play know that such a video would give the wrong impression of Lukaku's overall standard. The Drog over Rom all day, everyday, but was his close control among the Premier League's best ever? Absolutely not.

Glad you are aware of my balanced fair minded approach. I’ve been supporting this club for more than half a century and I recommend it.

No idea what was said today but I’m a big fan of Gary Neville. He’s insightful and fair minded. The same can’t always be said about us when it comes to Chelsea.

I know you weren't really suggesting we should hold out hope for Kennedy but here goes even so. It has taken Kennedy twenty years to get where he is now. He isn't going to complete the journey ever, never mind in a matter of weeks. He is 100% not a wingback. No chance. None. If there are genuinely people who want to believe that the blame lies with Antonio then they are as deluded as those who were blaming Jose.

I've only watched highlight reels so far so haven't yet moved on to the all touches videos. Fekir is an obvious talent. It's clear to see why you like him but I have to say I prefer the other player mentioned a lot in the last few pages, Malcolm. He just seems a bit slicker, a bit more two footed and a bit sharper with his passing. A lot to claim to gauge from just highlights I grant you.

Ah, I see. That kind of acknowledged. Thank you.

What did he say?

Yes, it’s a strange comment from Antonio. If N’Golo is ‘nearly’ ready then you might look for the right moment to put him in the team. If he’s actually ready however, he starts surly.

OK, I’ll check out YouTube for a ticket.

He didn't say he expected it. He said he hoped for it, and I bet you do too. I know I do.

Without the fans, not a single one of them would be getting a penny. Not a player, not a referee, not a physio, not a commentator, not a commercial director, not a manager, and not a journo. None of them.

Even?

And likely Champions League last sixteen qualifiers.

Jed won't be playing that's for sure. He was on the bench for Birmingham yesterday.

I don't know if heplayed for Flumanense thius season. I presume that he did but, if he didn't, I wouldn't be against a move for him in January.

According to Transfermarkt, our net spend is less than £3m. That result includes their guesstimation of loan fees, but the numbers are within a margin of error so the net figure could even be in surplus. In other words, we may have made a profit this summer. Those are the facts. What the reason might be is up for debate and speculation.

Can’t argue with you about much of this. We win trophies frequently but the mentality and spirit Jose brought to the club thirteen and a bit years ago always plays as big a part in those triumphs as does the outright talent of our players. Those attributes are now being shaped by Antonio’s own brand of brilliance, but Chelsea’s reliance on this, and on the failings of our competitors, cannot go on. We simply have to address our quality deficit, and must try to begin doing so in January. Stating this requirement is the easy part however. Making it happen is a different matter. The difficulties, including the fact that high calibre players are in no hurry to join us, are well known but solutions have to be found. On a brighter note, I’m on my way to watch the ladies play Bayern in the European Cup. Based on recent history their chances aren’t good but surely they’ll produce a less frustrating display than the men did on Saturday. Good luck girls.

Wow. And don’t forget we averraged easily more than two games a year against them in that time. Indeed, didn’t we play them five or six times in just one of those seasons? That’s pretty much as often as Petr’s lined up against them for Arsenal, in total.

Morning KF, Cant read it. Would you try again, or post a link please?

Well he couldn't have gone Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (which would have been a proscribed recovery day) and, even if the act he wanted to see was still gigging, he obviously couldn't have gone on Friday or Saturday.. Thursday seems like his best, and probably only, shot.

No, it's definitely not just paper talk. Monaco's president told the press that Mendy had said that to him. It was reported in quotes so the president definitely said it and, if he was lying or misrepresenting Mendy, you'd expect the Man City man to have commented about it publicly. Mendy has not denied the claim however so I think we have to take this as fact.

I think he should retire. If he continues, he runs the risk that even his remaining believers will come to see the truth.

He's a young, fit, multimillionaire with dark Latin looks. Given half a chance, I doubt your daughter would give you much say in the matter. 😊😊 Fortunately, or is that unfortunately, my daughters are spoken for. 😊

Didn't see Saturday's game so can't comment specifically on that performance but I think your analysis about Willian being best in the middle third is spot on.