Pizy

Expecting the typical flat performance against a stubborn side out of an international break.

Still a dream target for me. He'd walk into our team. Or any other side in the PL for that matter,

Probably true. Honestly, the only spot Zouma could probably play in our back 3 is on the right side. Unfortunately for him, he has the best defender in the league in Azpi to compete with there. He's not nearly comfortable enough on the ball currently to play the other two spots. Cahill already struggles on the left in possision and he's probably a bit better on the ball than Kurt. Rüdiger offers about the same physicality and athleticism as Zouma does but is far better on the ball and can also fill in as a fullback in emergency situations. I'm glad he's on our books long term and can definitely play for us but I don't see how he'll be a first choice CB for us any time soon.

Still not better than any of our CB options other than Cahill. Like RLC, we were absolutely correct to send him on loan.

Let's at least see him make 10 or so appearences for us before we declare that, mate! Anyways, I don't foresee midfield being a problem for us assuming Kante stays fit. It's our attack that needs upgrading.

It's been so obvious for ages that he's the prototypical #8. A midfielder who bursts forward with pace and power and uses his supreme physique and athleticism like a prime Yaya Toure. Why Conte tried to use him as more of a forward still confuses me to this day. We were right to send him on loan because he's still raw and needs to play every week. Seeing lots of kneejerkers on Twitter (mostly from non-Chelsea fans) saying we we idiots for doing so. If he continues to develop like this he'll be a huge asset for us next season and our midfield options will be insane. Imagine a midfield 3 of Kante, Baka, and RLC. We'd bully everyone off the pitch. Goes without saying that now we have Drinkwater and have RLC to return next summer we have zero need to still be after Ross Barkley. Would be a total waste of money.

Each and every time our players go on international duty and speak with their country's media we get these quotes. Morata, Hazard, Courtois. Over and over again. In Hazard's case, hasn't there been talk of us offering him a huge new contract for months now? What's the hold up? Give him 300k a week and end this Real Madrid talk once and for all.

I think he's pretty average and wouldn't be anywhere near the Brazil side if he wasn't made to look better than he actually is in the City side. He's also a bit of a prick and a thug on the pitch. Can't stand him. Similar to Ander Herrera.

Another one of those super talented kids who was overhyped. Don't think he'd be an improvement on Willian or Pedro. Doubt we'd even be interested.

Both Arsenal stars look totally disinterested currently. Alexis especially looks completely detached from his teammates and just sick of languishing in mediocrity under Wenger. Can only imagine how frustrating it must be to put forth so much effort for so long while having teammates and coaching that are a level below you. He deserves better. Honestly, I'm not even sure a move to City would be best for Sanchez if he wants a guarenteed starting spot. Sterling is in the form of his life and is a Pep favorite, Sané is continuing to improve and Aguero/Jesus are already rotating. Here he'd be a huge upgrade over Willian and Pedro for us and would take our attack up a level. Probably on equal footing with City and the other elite European sides. Wouldn't say no to Özil either, though I'm not sure he'd fit nearly as well as Sanchez. Just cannot see Arse selling to us. They probably feel like selling to City is easier to stomach. Hope we at least try. See if they'd turn down a big sum in January when it's already clear they ain't winning anything this season. Keeping him is pointless.

If he was English, ourselves, City, and United would be after him and asked to pay £45-50m. We're very fortunate to already have him and even more fortunate that he isn't yet another youth product who went out on loa and either stalled/failed or got discouraged by not getting a chance here and walking. Also very fortunate that Mourinho is no longer here because he wouldn't get a sniff. Whats his contract situation looking like? Everything possible should obviously be done to make sure he stays for a long, long time.

Woah! Hopefully we can poach a director from another top club.

The cameraman also deserves lots of credit at the end there showing Mourinho standing there like a fool while you see Conte in the background just completely ignoring him and going on to the pitch to celebrate. José was like "uhhh, what do I do? Guess I'll just go shake these guys' hands." 😂😂😂

I loved it. Mourinho has been sniping at Conte with veiled shots non-stop for a while now and Conte has refused to get caught up in yet another battle José has tried to wage with a rival. Yesterday's refused handshake was the perfect "your pettiness doesn't matter to me" moment from Antonio. Mourinho has shown no respect for Conte and got none in return because of it.

Crazy how he can miss a month through injury and come back and dominate Manchester United in his first game. Not only that, he instantly made Cesc and Baka look like world beaters as well. Exciting to have our full selection of CM's now. I think Drinkwater will be fantastic with Kante out there, too. The thing that always amuses me and makes me just smile is when tiny little Kante runs full speed at someone twice his size, bullies and harasses them, and wins the ball cleanly. Incredible player. Getting way better carrying the ball and getting forward as well under Conte's coaching.

So Bilic finally sacked. I think Moyes will be an absolutely dreadful appointment for them as well. Failed miserably in his last 3 jobs.

Really hope this is another storm in a teacup that's made way worse in the media than it actually is. Especially for someone like David who is a huge influence in the locker room. He is a player who everyone else in the team seems to love so falling out with him can probably spread discontent throughout the squad. His skill set is totally unique in our team and we need him back 100%.

That first half flew by. Thought that was arguably our best half of football yet this season. Couple of little defensive mistakes aside ( by the same two players of course in Cahill & Alonso) we dominated them. Kante was a beast and Bakayoko looked like the player we've hoped for. Morata and Hazard were very solid and Cesc was completely freed up to be dangerous. Really, really have to remain just as vigilant defensively. Would be super demoralizing if we continue this way all second half and they pip us at the end due to a mistake.

HOW WAS THAT FOUL!? This ref is taking the piss!

This ref!!!! OMG! 😂😂😂

Don't have alternatives to Alonso, tbf.

Cesc surely has to realize that now Drinkwater is fit and available he has to put in a huge performance here or he will get dropped. At least I hope that's Conte's mentality. Showing massive faith by starting him in a match this important after that shambolic performance against Roma.

Tap in merchant Jesus scores again, inevitably. Offside as well.

Luiz's decision making has been a bit suspect recently so not super surprising that he's been dropped. Should hopefully motivate him to come back next game in better form.

Biggest matchups for me to be concerned with are seeing if Andreas can deal with the strength of Lukaku and if Zappa can deal with the extreme pace of Rashford. As long as Kante is close to full fitness I'm confident in our midfield.