Panic

I want to get this post in before the thread turns into a shitshow. Today's performance was bad and there's no doubt about that, but I feel as if people were losing perspective in the match thread. Yes we were outplayed, it's happened before and it will happen again, but this performance wasn't even the worst Chelsea performance under Conte, let alone the past decade. Last years defeat to Arsenal was much much much worse, and not just because it was Arsenal. With that being said, Conte's decisions today do deserve some criticism. But decision making is not as black and white as people make it out to be. Take for instance the decision to not sub on Batshuyai. The team needed an outlet, especially with the way we set up, but does Batshuyai bring that? We've seen enough of him to know that his hold up play is the weakest part of his game. Had Batshuyai been brought on for Morata the game very easily could have played out the same way it did when Willian came on. Of course, Willian has his own weaknesses, and Conte could have subbed Pedro on instead of Willian, but these all have pros and cons. The thing that stood out most today was how city had more attacking talent on the field than we do in our whole squad, plus they were missing Aguero, and they have players like B. Silva on the bench. But we all knew this. We knew coming into this game that City were more talented and in top form. It doesn't excuse the performance, but it sure as hell adds the much needed perspective. Chelsea aren't the most talented team in the Prem and we can't act as if every bad result is the end of our season.

The only bright spot to today's game. He was cool calm and composed while on the ball and while defending. These are the type of performances that will make Conte trust him and allow him to really be in the mix for the first 11 as the season progresses.

FUCK YA LUIZ

It would be hilarious if we nabbed their best player after having Hazard heavily linked to them these past few years. That and the thought of those two playing together gives me physical sensations...

Oh Hazard, it is such a joy to watch him play well. Chelsea look much better when he plays well, but it's still apparent that the team still needs to make changes in the attack. Throughout the match we lacked bodies in the penalty area, as well as having no one making the correct off the ball runs, Costa in particular. There were definitely positives to take from the match but much improvement is needed. Good result nonetheless.

I absolutely love Mourinho, but it is becoming increasingly hard to justify the board's decision to stand by him. The team has failed to make major improvements since he got here. Yes, we did win the title last season, and we came close his first season back, but still, he has not corrected the most prominent issues Chelsea had when he got here. We still need a striker(s), we are still looking for the team to play more attacking and possession orientated football, we still need at least another quality central midfielder, and we are still looking for academy players to breakthrough(Loftus-Cheek is close). The only way for him to save his job would be if the team somehow manages to qualify for the Champion's league, which would mean the team would need ~60 points from the next 27 league games, or we would need to win the Champion's league, and I don't see the team doing either because it requires Mourinho to make drastic(and very risky) changes.

Not at all. The "accommodations" we would need to make for him are what the team needs, with or without him. We need attacking fullbacks, we need another midfielder who is good on the ball, which are things you need to help Fabregas to succeed. Also, many fans have been crying out for Chelsea to play a more possession based game, which would help Fabregas as well as Hazard, Pedro, and Willian. Fabregas' is key to this team as he does things that no other player on the team can.It's vital that the manager makes some accommodations if he wants to change the way our season is going.

Fucking Willian!

double post

What the hell Wilian?

What the fuck?

Hello everyone, I'm a relatively new fan from California. As the sport isn't all too popular in the U.S. I joined this forum in the hopes of being able to discuss this wonderful game, and amazing club, with fellow fans. Although I have only been following Chelsea for a few years, I am passionate about the club and I have watched nearly every match Chelsea has played(including preseason games) since I first began watching 3 years ago. For me, Chelsea is football. Without this club I would have not fallen in love with this wonderful sport and I hope enjoy many wonderful moments with all of you on this forum and I hope we all see this wonderful club grow even bigger(especially its fanbase in the states) in the upcoming years. Thanks for reading.