Blue Armour

And there we go. Exactly the problem I mentioned. We are screwed if either one of Chalobah or Tosin are out. Fofana hasn't played for months. It's unfortunate, but the club should save face and either hand Veiga a lifeline or forgo the Garnacho transfer and focus on a defensive reinforcement.

These are the little things that worry me. Manager wants one thing. Club seemingly has sometbing else in mind. When they refused to reinforce in the winter window, we struggled. In the end, top 4 was secured after the late season comeback. I understand the club's predicament in this case though. A new CB was probably not in their minds. Especially if they're banking on the likes of Badiashile and Fofana to reach top levels.

Worried about this. Might be okay with our opening fixtures this month, but once we start adding Champions league into the mix, I'm not sure how consistent we'll be in the backline. A lot depends on how the likes of Hato and Fofana can step up when needed. If an extra CB is what Maresca wanted, and he isn't getting it, he should look at making amends with Veiga too.

If UEFA FFP rules are going to be a stumbling block, I hope the club at least takes a good look at the loan market or free agent list to add a quality CB to the ranks. Problem is that we really need a starting quality CB. Tosin and Chalobah can do a job, but I wouldn't yet back them week and week out against tougher opposition. The only one that comes close to that when fit (besides Colwill, if he keeps his form up), is Fofana and even he's a big question mark.

I'm okay as long as he doesn't influence the rest of the squad in a negative way. What we have building right now with Palmer, Pedro, Caicedo & co. is special. The sooner Garnacho realizes that his shenanigans won't work here, the better.

From a financial perspective, I can understand why...need to move out more players. Especially if they still plan on going for both Garnacho and Simmons. Where's Wesley Fofana? Guy seems to have disappeared entirely.

Nice to have two different types of strikers in Pedro and Delap. For different defenses.

Delap 2

Hato coming on

Delap scores

Chalobah seemed to be walking fine at the end. Hopefully will be fit for the opener. But we absolutely need a new CB. An injury to either him or Tosin., and we are vulnerable

Penalty

The old shape was the best. The new CWC logo being round distracts from the club badge, which is also round. Should maybe just move it to the shoulder instead.

True. How many other CL playing clubs are in for him. Also, if we complain about Madueke and Jackson about their attitude, how does Garnacho become any different? Garnacho IMO is way worse. You have his own team mates berating him during the game. Even without the off field antics.

Reminds me of swole Torres.

Personally., CB ahead of keeper for me. If Colwill is out for any period, there's still a question mark about the best CB pairing. A top CB will really solidify this team as a consistent unit.

Chelsea is the anti-Tottenham. We win and play our best when people challenge us.

Glad it was not more than a precaution. This is how it's going to be from now on, it feels like. Better this than an extended spell on the sidelines

Happy reunion with Thiago Silva 😊

Almost a good goal for Pedro!

Pedro with another great setup, this time for Madueke.