DYC.

It has everything to do with the level of opponent they face compared to the starters.

Yes, yes, yes. Definitely worth a go. I like this guy more than Pulisic. He’s explosive, direct, hungry for goal and a dog. He makes runs in behind, looks for 1v1’s and likes to shoot. A natural left winger but actually comfortable on the right as well. He’s a diver, which can be annoying, but that’s just part of the package. I like the idea of this. Bring him in. This month if possible.

I was referring to Lacazette.

Killjoy. Let me enjoy myself in this beautiful reverie of mine.

Aubameyang is first choice. That’s what makes it possible for me. His situation is somewhat similar to Welbeck back at Utd and Milner at City. Or more recently, Oxlade leaving Arsenal for Liverpool. All searching for a first XI spot. If the money is right (transfer + wages), it’s possible.

Think Arsenal would seriously consider a 50-60 mil bid. It would allow them to invest in a winger. Lacazette and his camp know the money at Chelsea is good and will realise the #9 position is up for grabs. Fellow countrymen in Kante and Giroud at the club to help ease the transition. I think this is a very plausible transfer.

Target Lacazette.

Kante will never shine in a possession-based team. Leicester and pre-Sarri Chelsea played a completely different game. Same with France. I do think he will get better though. This is a significant change for him and he hasn't been terrible. He'll be better next season.

Hazard hasn't become big-headed. He's always made comments like that. The level he's playing at right now and the worldwide adulation he's been receiving of late (heavily) increases the impact of these kinds of comments. But they've always been tongue-in-cheek. He's a joker. I do agree with the fact that this is much. I've never had a problem with him being open. I don't have a problem with any player being open. But the frequency has gone up and it's a bit much now. He needs to be smarter. As for the transfer rumours, I anticipated this. When he signed, I never expected him to stay to the end. He's not British and these kinds of talents are wanted all over the continent. I'm sure he used to fantasise about playing for a couple of top teams. Real Madrid representing the peak of the mountain. A move after a few years at Chelsea was always the most likely route. But something obviously changed. He likes his current situation. It's possible he even loves it. So does he stay at Chelsea? He's happy here so a move away isn't necessary. If he leaves he might end up even happier. But he could also leave and not feel as happy as he does at Chelsea right now. Dreams don't always match reality. It's a very difficult decision. So I understand him. But right now it's a bit much with the Real talk.

Although he opted not to open negotiations over a new deal last season, he will resume formal talks when Chelsea are ready. “I could talk now,” he said. “If they come to me, then I will talk. I don’t want to say that I am not talking with the club or the owner. I am talking a lot with them.” For all his admiration of Madrid, Hazard hinted that Chelsea might not have to do much to convince him to stay. “I am happy and I don’t need anything,” he said. “It is not trophies. Of course, when you play, you want to win but I just want to enjoy things on the pitch, like I am at the moment. Then I am happy.” Keep a Sarri-like style of football and make him the best paid player in the league.

Not good enough in the attacking midfielder role. He lacks the raw talent for that position at this level. But he might prove useful as an alternative to Kante. The physical potential is definitely there. If he works on his fitness and stamina, but more importantly his tactical awareness and his ability to effectively use his body in duels. That's a big if though.

Never seen a Chelsea player touch the ball as much as Jorginho today.

Cahill-Luiz in 2018. Who would've known?

Hmm, was actually hoping he'd add Morata up top with Giroud... Kante and Kova have been ineffective. Bring on Cesc and Barkley.

Kovacic hasn't looked good bar his first (sub) appearance. Need him to perform much better. Hazard and Willian have not been good enough. And WHU have packed the centre, turning Giroud into a ghost. Kante still searching for what he's supposed to be in this new style. Rudiger and Luiz... just not feeling them. There's always something. Weird CBs. Jorginho has been good on the ball. Team's not playing well. Trying to force things through the centre when WHU obviously won't let them. Need to attack the flanks.

Hazard needs to go for the hattrick. Pedro should get a goal as well. Disappointed by the midfield today. Not surprised by defence.

Same story, different season. Youngsters will most likely barely feature during the season. Whoever is in charge of Chels will always have more interest in producing results rather than developing raw youngsters and academy products. The Chelsea way is to go out on loan, greatly impress and you might get the chance to come back and be a part of the squad. Only a Messi level talent has a shot of making the jump from academy to first team regular or first XI. The only way I can see the dynamic at the club changing is if the coach has four or five full seasons under his belt, feels comfortable in that manager seat and wants to create a legacy.

Not enough love for Alonso's first touch. It took out any chance of Bellerin dispossessing him or clearing the ball away. Perfect control.

So strange to see a Chelsea manager say he wants one centre midfielder and two wingers on the bench. I love it. This also confirms Moses is a winger in Sarri's eyes and (most likely) ahead of Hudson-Odoi in the pecking order.

(Check the *EDIT) He'll improve defensively when Chelsea manage to keep the team compact. It's less of a problem in the Serie A or La Liga but he'll always struggle when there's too much space between the lines in English football. He'll be fine in Europe though.

He plays in front of defence but he's a playmaker. He wasn't bought for his defensive ability. When the club signed him I already mentioned his defensive weaknesses so I'm not surprised. EDIT: He'll improve defensively when Chelsea manage to keep the team compact. It's less of a problem in the Serie A or La Liga but he'll always struggle when there's too much space between the lines in English football. He'll be fine in Europe though.

Pedro is never a striker for me. Definitely not in a possession team. He does not possess the awareness to move in the centre. He needs to face the goal at all times. He doesn't know how to play with his back to goal and make the right decisions when receiving the ball in the centre of the pitch. He needs to play on the flanks. Hazard is a better fit in the centre but Chels become a too nice up top. Not enough willingness and urgency to get the ball in the goal. And it also makes the team a bit too short overall without playing Morata or Giroud. Becoming a lot more vulnerable in dealing with set-pieces.

Luiz is an enigma. He's very important when Chelsea are in possession as his passing game gives Chels an edge offensively. But his defending is suspect and he can let you down from time to time. Christensen is the better defender (though he lacks that physicality Luiz brings) but doesn't offer that edge Luiz does, making Chelsea weaker offensively. If Christensen manages to get that weight up, he'll force himself into the team.

When Hazard and Kovacic enter the starting line-up, Giroud has to play. Especially in home games. Morata is slowly getting better but not there yet. I think Giroud with his target man abilities is more useful to the team right now. And I think Morata could prove to be effective off the bench. But I'd go for Morata in most away games. You want more mobility and speed in away games (Chelsea not being one of the fastest teams in the league).

Excellent second half performance. Chels were suffocating Arsenal. I was just waiting for Chels to score. It took a while but it eventually happened, and it was completely deserved. Alonso was a beast. His late runs into the box are a problem. When Chelsea control the ball and get forward, he will be a very useful asset. And he was good outside of the goal and assist. Good touch, calm and clever passing and really covered that left flank well. Jorginho's positioning is fuxking excellent. I love midfielders who know how to move. He's always in the right positions, providing passing options. Body constantly in the correct direction to turn into space. Accurate and strategic passer. Very intelligent in his decision-making. Knows when to keep it simple or when to go for the forward pass. Never afraid to play an early ball in behind or ping a through ball. The sight of this type of midfielder in a Chelsea kit makes me so happy. Hazard is a boss. A game changer. He was bloody unstoppable. His timing when going for the burst and dribble was impeccable. His control over the ball simply too much to handle. They were shaking in their boots only a minute after he entered the pitch. There was no way he wasn't going to influence the score. Kovacic showing very encouraging signs. Moved into the right spaces and was very confident on the ball. Nice instant chemistry with Hazard. I'm excited about the prospects of that Jorginho-Kovacic-Hazard link up.