The Skipper

Whenever he plays, the rest of the team completely lose it defensively it seems these days. It's time to call it a day and realise that you're over the hill Gary. Another pathetic, gutless, leaderless performance where he just hid. He looks like a fish out of water. Ivanovic-esque decline incoming (if not already started), and if Conte doesn't see this, then well his days will be numbered because we clearly have competent replacements.

Conte has to bench him man, not acceptable. Has gone down several levels from his Monaco days, and with this poisonous environment at the club at the moment he risks becoming an expensive flop. Needs to start from scratch again, doesn't deserve to be in the 11 at all at the moment. The problem is his replacements aren't that great either.

One of the most serious questions I’ve always had about Conte. He seems on his way out but I thought they’d be professional enough to finish the job of securing top four before mutually departing. Not happening though it seems...

Doucoure is who we wish Bakayoko was...

Can anyone tell me why Cahill still starts?

Bakayoko looking terrible out there tonight. Head’s not in the game whatsoever and it’s not like his confidence is sky high already. Would be a HT sub for me.

That’s my problem. Weird player man.

I don’t think he’ll ever be an elite attacker though. Hence why it should be paramount for him to learn the defensive side of the game, as he could be a good LWB/LB in my book.

It’s what you were insinuating. Each to their own anyway. Conte doesn’t need sound logic or reasons to play players let’s be honest (see Gary Cahill). It’s not really a meritocracy here. Will never forget Conte’s treatment of Michy when Costa basically went missing for 6 months.

Our LWB Alonso basically plays as a striker anyway. Kenedy did ok in the few games he played at LWB imo. To be honest, the LWB role is more comparable to an old school LM role.

You and @Jason actually think Michy was treated fairly here? Has Michy ever even started 3 games in a row here? We know his weaknesses, but let’s not pretend Conte’s been fair with Michy.

It’s why PEA thrived. Michy more than capable of filling his boots as he is also a very good finisher.

Well, he’s absolutely tearing apart the level he plays in at the moment. Have a look at his recent record Of course you can never tell in football how well a player will develop but CHO is one of England’s talents atm. Can’t say that we shouldn’t be too excited about a 17 year old academy gem. Of course, be excited with realism.

I’m finished.

I would like to hear your opinions on him. He’s one of the best young English talents out there, right? Hence the superstar nickname.

Young superstar doesn’t have a thread so here we go.

This guy is our captain but is clearly our worst CB. What the actual fuck. One of his worst performances in a Chelsea shirt. At fault for all three goals and the general naffness and nervousness of our back three.

Hope tonight is the last time I see him start. He's awful. Seriously hope Conte wakes up because he won’t have many more chances after today.

Cahill has been one of the worst players on the pitch, probably the worst. Whenever he plays that CCB role we look absolutely naff defensively. His presence alone there makes our overall defending much worse. Not gonna excuse him just because the team haven’t looked that great in general.

Come on dude... Cahill just lost Aké again for the 3-0 goal. Pretty much played a huge part at fault for all three goals in my book.

Lol.

I’m not surprised we’ve conceded two soft goals with Cahill in the middle of the 3 tbh mate.

Cahill beaten by a 1-2 again. Imagine my shock.

I respect your opinion as always of course, but I can’t agree that Cahill is a better defender than Rüdiger simply because of things like concentration and positional sense, things that defenders get better in as they age. Cahill isn’t exactly world class in these areas either. Apart from that, Rüdiger is superior in almost every sense imo. Better at reading the game, better athlete, better footballer in general. We’ll just agree to disagree and leave it there obviously.

Honestly Wilson’s run wasn’t that impressive, that goal doesn’t with a defender who can read the simple run he’s making. Cahill has no proactive bone in him.