lionsden

Most people agree that 1. Our midfield is the weakest it has ever been since Roman took over the club. It lacks creativity and fluidity. 2.Lampard is on a downward slope and can no longer deliver brilliant/decent and consistent performance. 3. Early signs (this season so far) are not positive regarding youth development at the club as it has been for the past 7 years Now the important question is what are we currently doing to address all these issues.

It's hard to deny that AVB's team selection so far has been very questionable When a fading 33 year old is preferred to Josh against one of the weaker teams in the league and Drogba, who had been poor in previous games, gets the nod ahead of Anelka, arguably our best performer in the WBA game. at RWF. my assertions can therefore be considered reasonable until AVB proves otherwise. No?

You cant blame me after witnessing 3 disappointing performances in a row by the team, I had to take the frustration out on something/someone

Welcome to Chelsea Davila

THIS. btw does anyone know when kakuta will return to training?

Because he's no longer a Chelsea player. wouldn't it make more sense to dedicate our attention on current players and those we are being linked to in the transfer window at least for now. we might as well celebrate and bump old threads whenever every player that has ever worn the blue jersey score at their respective clubs.

We are now being linked with a washed up winger. Fantastic. I am still trying to make sense of the Pereira fiasco and now THIS.

No offence but will dead threads be resurrected every time ex Chelsea player score for their respective clubs. He's no longer with us so let's move on.

AVB will never bench Lampard for Josh . so be prepared to see less of it this season and don't be suprised if he opts for Drogba or Malouda on the right wing instead of Sturridge on a consistent basis.

Add Drogba and Torres to that list and exclude Anelka. . . in regards to ball control and retention.

I prefer Carlo's defensive tactic better. . . .that high line simply isn't working as our defenders are too slow to react to counter attack. We wouldn't get away with it against stronger oppositions

Hilario

I haven't noticed any change to our style of play and team selection from last season. . . .not even a slight change

I agree with some of your assertion particularly the highlighted part. How does he expect his philosophy to be implemented and translated on the pitch with virtually the same players as last season. They lack movement and quality as the key players are old and sharply in decline. For that reason, a huge slice of the blame must be credited to the manager who fails to recognise the deficiency and stumbling block in the team that is glaring to every observant. Until he changes his non adventurous and predictable approach to team selection. nothing will change as you cannot teach an old dog, new trick. We saw how mata and Lukaku changed the dynamics of the game when they came on and you wouldn't confidently bet your mortgage on AVB starting them in the next match. Let's see if he has the balls to drop under-performing players like Lampard, Torres, Drogba and Malouda

What have you made of the manager and his performance so far?

While that may be true, Lukaku's superior and intelligent movement and link up play over his competition can never be doubted. The difference was as clear as daylight.

Lukaku made more useful impact in 20 mins than Drogba and Torres managed in 60+ mins. His movement and link up play made a significant difference. It brought Bosignwa, Anelka and Ramires into the game and enable us dominate Norwich's final third. That is what we have lacked with Torres and Drogba in the last 9 months or so. people complain about lack of creativity but they completely ignore the fact that it's difficult for the midfield to offer creativity if the attack is static and lacking in genuine threat and quality. . . How many times did Lukaku receive key passes from the midfield in just 20 mins with his decisive moevemnt today?.

Sums it up nicely. . .I couldn't have said it any better. Mata, Lukaku and Josh/Benayoun in for Malouda, Torres and Lamaprd from now on. . . . . . .. . . .. .. . . .Mikel . . . . . ..Ramires . . . . . . . . . Josh/Benny . . . . . . Sturridge. . . . Lukaku. . . . . Mata

I absolutely agree with you there. .. . .AVB is yet to convince me he's any better than Carlo with his team selection and tactics that made our defence extremely vulnerable against a poor Norwich side and thanks to Hilario, the scores line totally flattered us.

AVB would be a fool not to start both players henceforth

You saw how the game changed completely when Mata and Lukaku came on. Their movement and link up play was/is absolutely brilliant, that's one thing Torres lacks atm

That was a nasty fall by Drogba. . .wishing him speedy recovery

Cech who????

Bose needs to calm down before he picks up 2nd yellow

Norwich were by far the better team and deserve to be ahead in the 1st half Malouda, Drogba and Lampard have been awful. Torres has been quiet and Hilario and Bose have been top class.