Mohammed Seif

But it was only Schurrle who made the runs in the second half, unless I am mistaken? Oscar was more defensive

But do you think there was a significant change in the players' performance or was it because the game changed tactically after we scored our first goal?

Well Sunderland scored . Maybe it could happen mate

Well I understand why you would say that and I do respect it a lot. But we pretty much dominated the first half as far as I remember. I think it was only Dempsy's header that posed some threat ( but still of target). Their midfield and defense were just a mess.We constantly put presssure on therm, forced them to lose the ball quickly and create nearly no chances. Torres should have scored at least once. I just think that after we scored our first goal, Fulham was forced to open up because of their critical position in the league table and with their weak defense we were able to exploit the gaps they left behind as they tried ti move forward yet failed. I think the only player who improved in the second half significantly was Schurrle, not because he scored three times, but because he made great runs and created space for himself. I don't recall any great difference in performance from any of the players. I am not saying they were bad. I am just trying to say that they were good tactically from the first half but it all payed off in the second. I might be wrong but that is how I kind saw it.

Error...sorry

Why was the first half poor?

Yeah it is working. I just tried it again now. Going to the forum's tab and it loaded. Keep trying it should be working

Working now mate Try it

Works now for me mate. Thanks

Absolutely no clue. But whatever it is someone needs to fix it. Enjoy

ok....Go to URL and type forum.talkchelsea.net/(whatever history you have, like the fulham-chelsea match) That should get you on the website That is how it worked for me, try it and give me your feedback

Try this: http://forum.talkchelsea.net/forum/5-chelsea-football-club/

can u explain?

Same problem here. As if there is a server error or update going on. On my pc and my mobile. I can't access the site.

A lot of people seem to undermine the unseen stuff. The pressing, the pressure and support in positioning. He is clearly not on top of his offensive form but he is not doing a bad job. Good analysis of that build up leading to that goal mate

This was a great game. It shows the kind of team spirit this squad has. I think the first half was not a bad half at all. We pressed in midfield well, controlled the pace of the game, and our our goal was hardly threatened. We could have also scored atleast one goal. We weren't great in the final third but never the less a good performance given that a lot of players are so fatigued and a lot of concerns were there for those players and today's performance. So considering all that we were doing a good job as a team. Second half we played exactly the same in my opinion except for Schurrle we committed to more runs in depth and to me that was key. The moment Schurrle exploited their defense with some good runs we started looking more dangerous. And the after that first goal the game as a whole became a much easier one. Fulham was desperately looking for points and had to open up. Their game play was poor in the first half and continued throughout the second. Scurrle continued his runs through their defenses and created space for himself.Torres should have making that run to the near post in the second goal and Schurrle to the far or center, but he came all the way from the right to and cut in. Good pass from Hazard and Schurrle capitalized. Yes some players could have done better but I still take nothing from them. They all put in their best as team, despite what they are going through and prevailed as team. Great game in my opinion. Great character from the players too.

On Chelsea's official site it said 6 a.m!

I agree with you but my concern is that Salah doesn't have that chemistry with guys yet. I am worried he would be lost on the field if you know what I mean. Like the way he would connect with others on the field and gives support. Skill wise I have confidence in him. But I guess he has to start some day.

If I may, another aspect that is involved with tactics is the mental capabilities, especially at the early stages of learning or implementing a new tactic. Tactics can be easily expressed by broad headlines like " Containing", " Full field pressure", "Counter attack", Man to man covering"....etc. However a lot of people underestimate that in order to implement a tactic efficiently, players must be always be aware of their positions, their movements and their teammates' and their opponents. It is never random counter attacking movement. It is never random support from midfield or the wings...etc. It is always about who should move where and when and what is expected from other teammates when that happens. I think it is fair to say that when your body is physically exhausted, concentration levels drops a lot and executing simple tasks become more challenging than they are when in the body is fresh. Shooting becomes a challenge, passing accurately, moving into space, awareness in the field of everyone's position all seem at a certain point harder, because during times of fatigue, body-mind synchronization is not at its optimal levels. In the beginning of having a new tactic, I think it is hard both physically and mentally. However the more you understand it ( I am talking about the players ) the more you will be able to perform better with less physical effort or stress. You will be able to be at the right position at the right time, or executing something at the right time instead of exerting energy all of the time. It definitely helps when all players are on the same page and have a good chemistry. I am not talking about being friendly with each other but are aware of each others' movements and attributes. Ofcourse that comes by time. The more they work on it the more they will be able executed with ease and by wasting less energy. I am glad we have a relatively young squad. Because being young suggests that those players still do have a fair amount of flexibilty to adjust parts of their game in order to suit and better execute different tactics. How much flexibility and adjustment ofcourse differs from one player to another. It also means that in general that they have a faster recovery rate from fatigue, but doesn't state that that recovery period will necessarily by 1 week or 2 weeks. Again that varies from a person to another. Some recover in a weeks time others need a month. I think the beginning of next season will be very interesting to watch. Most players will not have a proper break this summer because of the World Cup. How it affects them both physically and mentally is something yet to see next season.

I dunno if starting Salah is a good idea, Schurrle was played a very good half in good form. I we should capitalize in that and let hem start with that form

He has definitely earned it. Couldn't agree more. I respect than guy

Well any Barca fan well not find it boring. They would call it pure dominance which is a fact and I respect it so much. But someone who is not a Barca fan would argue that there is no excitement and that they would rather see a much more open game from both sides where there are a lot of opportunities created like in the EPL. Others would prefer a match where it is more individualistic and players have great dribbling skills and would take on 2 or 3 defenders like in Latin America. Others again might like a slow pace game but very tactical and patient building plays are required. At the end of the day we can agree that everyone sees the game from a different prospective like every team/style of play tries to win according do a system they are comfortable with. Barca has always been my favorite team in Spain ever since Romario, Stoichkove where there. Still are my favorite team in Spain. I kind of liked their system when Rijkaard more.

Respect, it is just funny how the subject became an issue in a Chelsea match. I can't even remember who started it to be honest , but coming from a family of engineers and teachers I can see how it would bother a mathematician

loooool. That mathematical issue is really funny

Well if you are a Galata fan than I expect nothing from you other than what you said and keep your spirits and hopes up. We will get to know the final result in a couple of weeks time But I faith in anyone who puts on that Chelsea shirt and a lot of confidence in Jose Mourinho you is jsut building a team for the future and haven't reached the level that he is looking for YET.