Mission

Were you also saying the same thing when you saw this?

Are you okay?

He was irrefutably poor yet again today. Arguably responsible for the first two goals we conceded and provided toothless product in attack. Some evaluations noted from the game: 1) Ineffectual crosses supplied time and time again, most being blocked or others being too close to Howard. Ivanovic applied anything but passive pressure to Galloway the whole game. 2) You must of all thought if it wasn't for Naismith, Martinez's team might have not won. Incorrect. Before Besic got injured, acres of space were being donated for Everton to play with in the opening stages, and this theme carried itself throughout the full 90 minutes. 3) Ivanovic's lack of awareness and positioning. These deficiencies are constantly being addressed with players running lengths around him, crosses that have been given too much time and consideration leading to eventual goals, and a gaping hole at our goalkeeper's far post. His defensive arrangements are always too central, not tightly tuned enough or completely invisible. 4) The physical condition of the Serb. The pace and stamina required for an offensive fullback are imperatively high; counter attacks need to be appropriately dealt with if you are going to dedicate time in the opposition's area, the presence of a 'wall' needs to remain. This player has relapsed entirely. He cannot afford to sacrifice time up the field, our right flank was ghostly on more than half of Everton's responses. Physically, he seems inept, tired and burnt out. 5) The strain this provides for team as a whole. Ivanovic's weaknesses mean that the rest of the players have to compensate in some way. For players such as Pedro and Zouma, the work load is increased to unnecessary levels and the focus on the fluency in attack is diverted. It is harder to respond to a goal in an away game when you are away that the right flank is so soft and vulnerable, no matter where you are on the pitch. There is no such 'balance of the books', as his offensive avenues are so limited and dissatisfactory. Also, did anyone notice around the 70 minute mark - the best opportunity we had to equalise? Where Branislav had the ball on the break, a clear pass for Hazard to finish on his preferred right side was available, but he chose to supply Diego who was awkwardly positioned instead? That decision was entirely amateur.

It is the club's fault though. Or at least, the board's fault. We failed to establish enough alternatives when bidding for these players. It's not just as simple as finding a plan B, it's about surveying a whole pool of adequate players who would be sufficient to fit into Mourinho's system. A plan C, D, E and all the way up to Z to some extend. It was fairly clear that Juventus weren't in a hurry to let Pogba go - a crop of their players were transferred, players who weren't expendable, and clearly players that produced such quality that the new signings and rest of the team couldn't immediately replenish (refer to their recent results). One of the members on here quite rightly stated that the Chelsea were putting 'all of their eggs into basket'. That's an understatement of what happened. There was no dictation that any of these alternatives were realistically obtainable, in regards to time-scaling or having the counter parties agree on a fee. If the dictation was there, why weren't we making the correct inquiries at the right time? How many games do we have to show intolerable performances in for the board to realize our squad is lacking in certain areas? How many signings do Manchester City have to make before they realize our most proficient competitors are creating a vicious gap? It is seemingly the delusional amount of faith that has proceeded to the underwhelming outcome of this window. You would ascertain from last year's signings and the success of the 14/15 season that the board may have took some comfort and allowed some respite in making many if any strong statements this window. One would question the ins and outs, which players, and what extra progress we made hidden under the blankets of the media. Whatever the case may be however, it clearly wasn't enough to satisfy the distasteful form we are facing at the moment. Distasteful form that hasn't just been from this season, but was leaking through the woodwork of March this year and onward.

At least he recognizes his current deficiencies. "You don't need to know too much about football to compare what I did last season and what I did this season. I'm not as good." "Individually and collectively, we're not up to scratch. Starting with me." "We had a difficult month in August. I hope that the international break will allow me to rediscover my form." "Now we know that every game will be a war. Every opponent will be good against us from now on." So mature and emphatic. It's been like that since day one as well, nothing new. His resurgence is imminent. http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/2594125/eden-hazard-accepts-his-chelsea-form-has-been-below-par

Yup. Cannot understand why people are posting misleading images on here. It's all good though, he has finally signed guys! Ecstatic:

After Ivanovic's goal. The way he shrugs to Phil Dowd is golden.

Eh?

Absolutely. Cuadrado will bring a creative spark of energy to the team. It's almost a certainty that his acquisition will oil the cogs on that right flank. The void that accommodates the lacklustre offensive ability which Willian possesses could finally be relinquished. Not only this, but you sense he has a real urgency to score, to win. He is direct and is almost always ready to pull the trigger. Albeit the corner vs Newcastle, Willian seems to switch off sometimes and can disconnect himself from the game. At times, he comes across as somewhat apathetic. Unacceptable for a team that boasts the current stature of Chelsea. Signing this player is a tantalising prospect which could lead to some amazing things. Fingers crossed.

Left foot as well. Unreal. https://vine.co/v/OTAxPQhtdqz

One would question whether Willian would be less toothless if he didn't have to continually cover for Ivanovic. Nevertheless, no excuses. His final third is way too tame, indecisive, and as some have highlighted in other threads, a tempo killer. Wingers are attacking midfielders, they possess this fantastic ability to cross, beat defenders and in a lot of cases score goals. Three goals and two assists. When you see people complaining about Juan's price tag, get this - Willian cost £32m. Indeed, thirty-two million pounds. A somewhat similiar price the gunners paid for Sanchez. He makes Cuadrado look like ASDA's own brand cornflakes. Equivalent in quality, much better value for money. Cuadrado, as a player who is more directly orientated, would be unarguably favourable for the squad. An extra dimension that would give defenders nightmares, whereby Cesc and Oscar would be spoilt for choice. Of course, he and Willian have similarities and differences. Advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons. That's why Mourinho won't be shifting the Brazilian. He will be exporting the dead wood, and importing raw mahogany.

1) As @manpe has stated, he is bound until 2017. There is no reason to worry right now. 2) You do realise the amount of talks and negotiations that will have to take place? Especially for a young flourishing talent such as Hazard. These things take time to finalise.

It was crazy how Real managed to bag Toni Kroos at a mere 20m. Absolute bargain for a player of his quality.

Pogba just scored the naughtiest goal vs Verona: https://vine.co/v/Oju1j7XgVnH

For those of you who don't like in England, this is what we have to put up with: 'Too fat to work': 26 stone mum and her 17 stone daughter claim £30,000 benefits

He's obviously been playing too much FIFA Career Mode.

Doubt that would happen at all. Cech seems really down to earth and transparent. Aside from that, he also has a great sense of humour:

Jesus Christ. You seem incapable of reading. Nowhere does it say, 'the current Bayern squad is the more complete than it ever has been'. It merely states that right now, Bayern is a great example of a squad that is 'complete'. You think there's an argument for Guardiola's superiority, when in actual fact there isn't. Are you trying to be a devil's advocate? Well done, you pointed out that Heynckes' squad has less weaknesses and could be argued to be the more complete team. That's fine, because no one said it wasn't. What was originally being stated was how close Bayern's current squad was to being a complete team. Just take a minute to comprehend that before you talk some more shit.

What you're saying is still redundant though. Where in this thread does it say that Guardiola's side was better? Also, to derail you a little, what you've said there is irrational. Better results? Guardiola hasn't even finished his second season at the club (in which he remains unbeaten domestically), and you are already making incoherent conclusions like that? I'm actually done.

This is not an debate as to which Bayern squad is better. This is talking about how close to 'complete' their current squad is. Have you monitored Bayern recently? They are colossal. Unbeaten in all domestic competitions.

Whole heartedly agree. Fabregas would be unreal in that central attacking midfield slot as well.

It's also a team that is on course to winning the Bundesliga for the third consecutive year in a row as well as the DFB-Pokal, whilse managing to reach the final of the Champions League four times in the last five years. If you are judging how 'complete' a team is based on a cup final, you need to re-evaluate yourself.

Then you'll wake up?