Clockwork

haha what are we doing, why are we giving out a new contract to a soon 30 year old FB that doesn't fit our current team.

Quite of a contrast between us and Arsenal, early results in the season made Sarri conservative and reluctant to make many changes to last years side. On the other hand early poor results for Arsenal, forced Uni to make changes to find his best side. We have stagnated while they have improved.

Hopefully this is the beginning of the end for Alonso as LB#1. At what point do you give a preference to RLC over Kovacic. RLC has performed remarkably well when given the oppertunity, and quite frankly we have seen enough of Kovacic to know what he offers and i would not purchase him. He maybe better suited to play Kante role, he simply does not have attacking instinct to play the LCM role. Most importantly one is a Chelsea player and the other is not, at this point you are investing a lot of time and resource on a player you don't own. My stance would be different if Kovacic made us much better, and clearly he does not in the current role. It has been quite evident since the beginning of the season that this major weakness outside of striker is our FBs, Emerson should get his oppertunity if he doesn't cut it go out in January reinforce that position. Azpi continues to show that he does not fit this side.

He has poor awareness and decision making always been the case.

I think he is a very good player, but his intelligence and decision making will prevent him from being a great player. Maybe in a system like Sarri he could thrive, but i am not sure he has the discipline to buy in.

He really is useless now that his Goals and Assists have ran out, which was always predictable.

Every game he has started he has been arguably the best player, based on merit he definitely deserves more playing time. Think Kovacic, Barkley, and RLC all are playing well. Think Kovacic should be in more of competition with Kante.

Despite his large statute it always impresses me how quick RLC is with his feet. He can improve a lot still, but first needs to stay healthy.

Ferland Mendy is growing on me, i think he can be better than City's Mendy.

FBs are a huge concern neither Alonso or Azpi are good enough in the buildup against competent oppositions.

Its a bit of a two street sure we will improve our play under Sarri, on other hand so will the opposition, they will figure out our weaknesses and area of exploit.

My gawd the right side of Azpi-Kante-Willian is atrocious, clear plan for opposition force us to play on that side, couldn't connect passes to save our lives.

He deleted his tweet; something like "I am not injured, i am fine.....great team victory." Hard not to see him forcing a move in January, Nevermind not playing, but not even on the bench in any of the games this season. May even not be second choice at LB for Sarri.

Alonso is basically a poacher from the LB. The only thing he does well from an attacking standpoint is make runs into the box. He can't beat anyone 1 on 1, can't cross, can't overlap, and can't create width. His general link up is quite poor only effective when he is an attacking area, try do a one-two in the buildup when he has to move his slow ass forget it. I really don't believe Sarri believes it, he is quite complimentary to everyone. I think one thing is clearly highlighted after the Newcastle and Bournemouth game is our inability to create width and exploit them when they play very narrow. Something has to give with our FBs.

Kinda think is Kante really necessary for games like this. Think games like this is the perfect game for Cesc when he comes back.

Had a bit of brainfart there you are right. But i am quite confident Sane will be tremendous on the right also. Unfortunately i see him ending up at Bayern, perfect replacement for one of Robbery.

Between kovacic, Hazard, and Pedro for me.

Not even on the bench, forget that scrub Martial this is the guy we should be after from our rivals. Left footed and plays the position we desperately need upgraded.

I am not impressed at all by Alonso, he can't take any defenders on, not providing width or overlap. Just occasional runs of the ball there and there. Need much more from our FBs.

Barkley is much more likely to be sold, with Kovacic getting the nod over him it is only matter time before he is sold and gets impatient. Could see him being sold in January. Better to keep RLC anyway, younger and higher potential.

I liked what I saw from him in preseason he brings a lot of energy and width to the flank. wonder if Recce James will be ready to backup Azpi next year. Given how frequently Azpilicueta will play. I think with so many competition, it is ideal playing time to introduce a youth player into the senior squad.

Alonso is not a good attacking FB, credit to him for his end product. Watch him for 90minutes he doesn't really attack well unlike other attacking FB. Other attacking FB put the opposition on their back foot and make them cautious attacking on their side. Alonso is a weakness and other teams target him.

Also this from the Financial Times.

Games like this is when you need super attacking FB.

I don't think so, for a title challenge yes. For top 4? not in my opinion. Arsenal and United are our big challenger for top 4, both have a loss already. In Arsenal case 2. I think City and Pool are shoe in for top 4, Spurs are most likely getting in. And than you have Arsenal and United as threats to the top 4.