DYC.

Had my doubts about him last season, which is why I didn't agree with the whole 'get him at all costs' narrative that ran through this thread last summer. Even more doubts after the current season. Physically impressive and all but leaves a lot to be desired on a tactical level. Doesn't offer any leadership qualities either in terms of organising the defence. He could be very useful alongside highly tactically astute defenders, but Chelsea don't have those types in their ranks. Someone like Van Dijk is the superior prospect, and even Virgil doesn't fully convince me as a potential top defender. Napoli turning down that ridiculous offer was a blessing in disguise. For me anyway.

I think you're right. I was impressed by his second half performance. I need him to perform like that more.

Thought he was class. Took charge and was producing positive plays with the ball. Little man was a general today. More of the same, please.

Van Dijk's pace over distance is decent. He's no Smalling and I think even (a fit) Luiz is faster than him

Eden Hazard in Chelsea blue is still a bit of a dream. Not your usual Chelsea signing. But it is real and he is indeed playing for my favourite club. Love him to bits. Another great goal. He's just so good. Don't know how else to put it. More Hazard-esque signings, please.

Regardless of Spurs' result tomorrow, win this and the league is won. Chels is never imploding with three home games out of the remaining four games. I do expect Spurs to drop points against Palace though. And they'll drop points for sure when facing the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd, Leicester and Hull away.

Hehehe.

Agree. That was not an easy header to win and to guide it to a team mate made it even better.

Props to Fabregas. He's been magical. Excellent decisions and technique time after time. Good stuff taking the lead. I can see Chels conceding again though so I hope the boys come out firing all cylinders. Gonna need one or two more goals. This back three + the wingbacks is not the future. Definitely not in the Champions League next season against serious opponents.

I've been waiting quite a while to say this. Waiting to see whether it was a bad patch of form or a bad stroke of luck. But let's be honest, Chelsea's isn't strong enough defensively. Luiz is good but isn't a top defender. Same goes for Azpilicueta as a CB because of his lack of height and power. Cahill is a decent defender. Both Moses and Alonso have their deficiencies, the former tactically and the latter physically. There seem to comunication problems as well. No one there to organise. And more weaknesses might be exposed in the CL next season.

The man loves experience so no surprise in Aké not starting. Playing it safe by playing Cesc instead of Pedro rather than putting him in Matic's spot. Cesc in a free role out wide against tired legs has worked very well. Let's see how it works from the go. Missed the last two games so I'm looking forward to this. Expecting a win. It's at home, it's off the back of a Spurs win and it's about the title. Dazzle me, Eden.

O ye of little faith. Brown undergarnments everywhere because of big, bad Spurs. Had to miss the game, sadly, but taking the lead twice before finishing it off by a two goal difference couldn't have been too bad. Bring The Double home, boys. It's property of The Bridge.

A fit and in shape Costa offers a physical and aggressive presence up top. Constant motion, working the channels, very quick to react to loose balls and makes threatening runs and taking up dangerous attacking positions. With his pace he also presents a problem for opposition defences when launched. While he's also the man to initiate the pressing game, and he does it pretty effectively. That's what makes him very useful outside of his goal-scoring. But the problem with Costa is how he slows down as the season goes on. And I'm convinced I'm not imagining it. Currently he's a step slower, slower to react and he doesn't offer that energetic presence in attack. In this condition he's like Lukaku. Only exerts himself in bursts here and there. Simply low energy in energy. Lazy if you will. So when you don't score, you become an annoyance. It was the same in 14/15. Don't think he has the body of a true athelete.

I'll never understand that argument. Whether they're young and developing or mature and established, imports rule the PL.

Buffon, yes. He's an institution. Simeone, nahh. He had his chance. Twice. Don't care anymore. But I've been behind Monaco all season. A team like them winning the CL in the current football climate would be huge. Not only are they underdogs, they play a brand of football which is very easy on the eyes. Love this team.

I think Bakayoko, Fabinho and Silva are off. Anyone thinking they'll (practically) sell their first XI is dreaming. That's not how you run a football club.

MONACO Loving this CL run. Hope they draw Atletico next. Up to the final.

Mehh, squad player. Nothing against the lad but I don't miss him the slightest.

Best PL defender of the past 15 years. Best centreback of his generation in a low block system. And I've never witnessed a better captain. Not just for Chelsea but anywhere. A colossal leader of men. Only Puyol compares. I'm convinced I won't see a more fitting skipper. I am of course biased but I don't care. Cech Ferreira/Ivanovic Carvalho Terry(c) Cole/Gallas Essien/Ballack Makélélé Lampard Cole/Duff Drogba/Anelka Robben/Malouda All gone. Madness.

GK: Courtois, Begovic*, Eduardo CB: Luiz, Azpilicueta, Cahill*, Zouma, Terry* WB: Moses*, Alonso, Aina, Aké* CM: Kanté, Matic, Fabregas*, Chalobah* WF: Hazard, Pedro, Willian, Loftus-Cheek* ST: Costa, Batshuayi * = HG Begovic and Terry will most likely be off in the summer. Same goes for Batshuayi. Aina and Aké have been non-factors so I can't imagine them having a future at the club either. A wholesale of changes in the summer is extremely unlikely. I think we can expect the following areas to be strengthened in the summer looking at the squad: GK CB or the return of Christensen Two WBs ST (two if Costa leaves) That's 3-5 new outfield players. It's hard to imagine Chelsea buying more than 5 outfield players. If Christensen returns and Costa stays, there could be room for a new centre midfielder and a wide forward. But the club would also have to deal with the HG requirements so 1 or 2 players might need to be sold. It's gonna be a weird summer, Chelsea fans. Don't think it's going to be what a lot of us hope it will be.

Only saw the final three minutes of the first half in the end so I can't comment. Judging by the brutal reactions, missing today's game was a blessing in disguise.

Can't help but feel the same. Courtois can save a shot like that and make it look like very routine. As if any decent GK could do it. Apparently not.

Just tuned in. Doesn't look good. So Ake was truly brought back just add a number to the HG roster. Sad. Even worse, no wingback was added in the winter. Big mistake considering the importance of their roles in this system. Costa continuing making himself popular I see. Bats must be a horrific option. I hope Conte switches to a 4-3-3 in the second half. But then again, he already brought in Zouma...

It was the late Tito. Karanka is his sidekick. The way he just walked up to him and did it. Vile doesn't even come close to describing that action. It's a game of football. And there were actually people defending him and turning a blind eye when he did it. Couldn't believe it. Cult is indeed the right word.

Their good form and the Spurs wankfest will only make winning the title in the end sweeter. The boys will bring it home. How I hope Chels slap them lot back to reality in the FA Cup as well.