The Skipper

Just watching the game again and ok he dwells on the ball a bit too long sometimes but he dominated their midfield with Kante. He slowed down Atletico’s attack numerous times, then started our own, always looking to find a player in an advanced position. Bar the penalty mistake, another very positive performance again for me. Not surprised to see that we’re playing much better in big games with him in midfield. That’s what he was brought in for, people forget this. We already look way better in midfield. Kante’s performances are becoming more interesting too because Tiemou is his partner in midfield this season. Mentally, just knowing you have an absolute wall behind, it’s almost like his shackles has been released. License the hunt the ball up the pitch has increased even more. Kante position was often at RF at times in the game.

Wouldn’t say we dominated possession, we were just way more effective with the ball than Atletico. Think possession ended up being 50/50.

He was the best player on the pitch before his red card against Arsenal.

That flick for the final goal bamboozled everyone in the Atletico defence, lovely stuff. Really underrated technically by players it seems as well.

This is what I know he’s capable of. He’s only just been back as well. Big season incoming, Hazard is coming for the throne!

Yep, Henry explained how difficult that finish was perfectly. The finish was the most outstanding part of the goal, difficult to execute. What I’m finding is that Alvaro is very efficient in his shots - so it’ll be interesting to see whether he can go up a level in the future and maybe grab like 40 goals in a season - that’s what he should be aiming for, he has the capabilities to. We just need to get creators in the team with him (Hazard, Cesc). Seems like the speed of the PL might actually suit his development as a player perfectly.

He’s barely played CM for them and this is without Coutinho and Keita being available. What a stupid, stupid move.

Cahill would be the first out of the first 11 for me but I do feel some of the abuse is a bit ludicrous. If anyone should get abuse it’s Conte for consistently picking him no (which would be considered as sacrilege by some of the same who go over the top with Cahill)? Either way, it’s over the top man. Don’t like Cahill as a player but you can criticise without abusing.

Man, I'd love to raid Juve and get Sandro and Dybala.

Courtois seems to be quite funny, I remember when people used to say he didn't have personality.

Azpi - AC - Luiz maybe? I think AC can comfortably play as a RCB as well... they could all interchange depending on match ups etc.

Willian is a player that’s great in the 2nd third of the pitch, bringing the ball into the final third. After that though his brain freezes. He didn't destroy anything imo because he literally just wasted the ball almost every time he got into the final third.

Our weak attacking prowess in the first half had more to do with Willian and Pedro tbh. Saying that, Baka essentially helped create the first goal with Azpi also.

Bakayoko/Kante/Fabregas/Hazard/Morata needed.

He has no final third brain. Lovely technique, great close control, just no vision. Shame.

Yeah he was hot and cold today, but can’t expect 9/10 performances or cameos all the time. He’s still getting used to the league’s pace in my opinion. Several times the ball got nicked from him from behind - Stoke’s press from their front three was quite good this game. Something for him to work on - he doesn’t have as much time on the ball as he thinks.

What a player. Privileged. Don’t see players like Azpi around too often these days.

Forget Pedro and Willian. We should be playing Hazard & Morata with Cesc.

Brilliant 2nd half performance. Could've finished the game with 5 goals, really unlucky not to. Looks like he's passed the away at Stoke test ladies and gents...

Iheanacho Abraham Iwobi Ndidi Mikel Moses A very nice front 6.

Well, this means we’ve actually not spent a penny this summer. Quite impressive tbh.

Scary thing is he didn’t even have a pre season.

If you look at it objectively it’s the best move he can do. Nigeria are actually building a very good side. No he won’t, the ACON has been moved to the summer now.

Nobody will talk about how cleanly he won the ball for our fourth goal (Michy’s 2nd). Immense composure to start that move off.

I love him. Already my favourite CFC player I think...