DYC.

It was a composed and disciplined performance though not very impressive by Cesc until he played that pass. That's what top players do, provide you with that moment of magic. Happy Costa finished it.

Eden had on his dancing shoes today. The way he just skips past players, the way he slows down only to turn it up in a instance with opposition players eating his dust. It's just too bad Chelsea did so little to create chances because the way he was playing, he could've destroyed them. It's just every time he was looking for a quick 1-2 or to play someone through on goal or something, no one was there. So he ended up keeping it safe most of the time. But anyway, great performance. Showed great technique and awareness today.

Amazing performance. He was a step ahead every time Arsenal tried to play, made some crucial defensive plays and kept possession well most of the time. The attacking players didn't have many options up front so it's hard to fault them for not creating chances. But in Chelsea's set up today, he was absolutely brilliant. Watched him play with a smile on my face.

Really don't understand how Luis is still a bench player. Come on Mourinho, he's easily the best LB in the team. Anyway, expecting a win today. It will be interesting to see the game plan.

Thanks for posting this. I love hearing/reading Neville talk about football. The likes of Pirlo, Xavi etc. and players of that type have an influence on matches that can't be meassured by stats. But they are invaluable.

The poor finishing made Patricio look good. The poor pitch played a part to be fair but that was some awful, awful finishing. It was the same against Schalke, although not as bad.

Has really taken it up a notch these past few games. I'm pleasantly surprised. Shoud've scored though.

Schurrle providing a performance called 'How not to play football' for all the young kids all over world. Awful game.

The funny thing about the 'potential' move to PSG is how they act as if it would be a step up for Hazard. Or that PSG could get Hazard if they really want him. Real Madrid I can understand but PSG? Get out of here. The only way Hazard is joining PSG is if Chels decide to get rid of him. In other words, not happening jack.

Neymar truly is a brilliant talent, bar the diving. Brazil Neymar beats Hazard for me, the best offensive talent definitely. Ability wise there's not much of a difference, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. But at the end of day, it's about the impact the player has on a match and there's where he beats Hazard. He hasn't been able to replicate that kind of form at Barca. But it was his first season and he made a very big move. He's starting to get there though. Neymar and Hazard in the same team would be amazing btw.

Did this new Bent swallow the old Bent whole?

Saw the same old Willian in the first half. But he really stepped it up in the 2nd half. Didn't slow down play nearly as much as he usually does. Really wished that attempt by Costa would've gone in though. Willian eventually putting it in should do a lot of good for his confidence though.

That was a lot more like the old Os. Looked fresh and sharp, showed urgency. Fine performance

Don't even understand how this is up for discussion. I can already imagine City's directors holdng up a contract with a couple of armed thugs standing behind them..

It's all a game though. They say those things because that's what fans want to hear. I never believe a word any footballer says when it comes to these matters. It's all about their actions.

Fergie isn't exactly known for his brilliant offensive philosophy is he? If he is, I'd seriously disagree. I always thought his Utd teams were just like Mourinho's. Not all. And I personally don't have anything against defensive football. Counter-attacking football can be absolutely brilliant to watch. But it's performances like the one I saw yesterday that I will never agree with. That's too much for me.

Nothing wrong with being cautious, nothing wrong with football (slightly) on the defensive side. It's very understandable even. But this exceeds caution. And I don't understand these 'or do you want to get destroyed' comments.. If Chelsea play anything but very defensive football, they will loose. Not only does it guarantee a loss, it means a big loss. If so, I don't understand how this team is anything remotely close to a top team.

Like iseah100 said, Hazard turned out a bargain. Chelsea got robbed on the Willian deal but that's not Willian's fault.

If people expect Eden to shine in big games, the game plan has to change. No player in the world can produce top performances with little to no support. Football is really simple when it comes to these matters. If you play offensive football, offensive players shine and defensive players don't look as good. If you play defensive football, defensive players shine and offensive players don't look as good. Barcelona, Bayern, Real defenders get a lot of stick but they have acres of space behind them and don't receive a great deal of protection. I can't imagine Terry and Cahill in such circumstances. Their attacking players look absolutely fantastic though. And personally I thought Hazard did well considering the circumstances. Costa and Willian looked much worse, which was not surprising.

I've been saying this since last season and it hasn't changed. He lacks imagination and as attacking player at this level, that's unacceptable. Really need either Oscar or Schurrle to step up.

Completely agree. I was thinking the same thing during the game Benatia was such a missed opportunity. Zouma is very poor on the ball but he's a real athlete. Would be nice if he pulled off' 'a Varane'.

Can't stand these super defensive performances.. Very poor game but how did Chelsea not win that game against 10 men after taking the lead? To make it worse, they still looked the better team. Disappointing stuff. Can only hope for much better in the next big game.

Nobody's expecting all-out attacking football. But all-out defensive football isn't good either. Go out there and show this is a team filled with quality.

Willian always slows down play. That's how he plays. Holds on to the ball far too long. He can't do much today, I agree. But I just don't see anything special about Willian whenever I see him play. At this level, he's decent at best imo.

Step what up haha? 0 attacking intent out there today. Everytime he gets the ball, it's in awful positions with 0 support.