Blue Armour

Is it possible Mourinho tried to rile up Lukaku just before the United game?

Players like Frank and Ashley need to remain fresh to boost their performances,...the latter more than the former. I'm sure Cole will put in a good performance like Frank did today, the next time he starts.

I'm pretty sure people were complaining about service prior to this season. And its not just about Torres...Fact is when we lacked a target-man of Drogba's quality, or a hard worker like Anelka or Eto'o, there is little productivity from the forwards. The only other forward who bucked the trend for a while was Sturridge playing out of position, and out of his skin to secure his starting eleven spot.

Brilliant.

Well the service excuse was there for a reason...when a former sharp shooter like Ba ends up struggling to score despite being surrounded by a midfield technically better than Newcastle's, you have to wonder...Things are better this season,though. This.

True...I think people are over-reacting to that one back pass. While the rest of the first half wasn't too great for Essien, you have to remember this player who has almost zero match practice with the team in recent weeks, was brought back to the first team against a tough opponent. Mourinho said the reason why he subbed Essien at half time was only because of his early yellow card. I think he can still do a job as a squad player this season. He wasn't too shabby against Arsenal when playing in the Carling cup, so there are still options to play him.

I think the three combined would have worked against teams that press high up the pitch and leave gaps for the three of them to exploit. (Like Arsenal/Tottenham). Provided they have the stability of defensive Central midfield behind them (Ramires+Mikel)...It would have been a good lineup for todays game if we hadn't gone a goal down and needed an extra striker to break down the withdrawn Southampton defense. I personally prefer a pure winger in place of an AM, just to give a different dimension in the build up play.

That's true..and I'm happy that all three strikers put in a good shift when called upon, despite knowing their starting spots are not permanently secured. I just wish they could get better service though. The best chances today were the one which Mata tried to cross into the box, and when Ramires set Ba through,...we need to see more of that coming from midfield. It also helps when there are pure wingers like Schurrle in the team.

Played well today, and could have scored. Just like Ba, was a very hard worker for the team. I've said it before, but I'm really happy how all three forwards are doing their best despite the average service to them from midfield.

I remember in 09-10 Carlo's Chelsea cruising through the group stages, while Mourinho's Inter struggled to do the same... But when the knockout stages came...well you know the rest..

No doubt about that. Also, like Sidzeret posted earlier, Mourinho felt guilty for not making more changes earlier in the second half. When you look at who's been in and out of the playing eleven, the squad seems largely underutilized. I think this is something Mourinho might be looking to change in the coming weeks, especially with games coming thick and fast in December.

True...I'm just glad we don't have to worry about the last CL group game.... unlike the previous two seasons

Really odd that...would have expected him to start most our matches AND playing on the LEFT wing

Chelsea really need him to get back to the form he showed against Spurs....there are not too many attacking players besides Oscar and Ramires right now stepping up in crunch situations.

Maybe this result may change Jose's mind about Mata...from the recent lineups and substitutions it almost looks like he has developed a phobia of seeing Juan in the playing 11. I didn't see this match, but when I heard about the 4-3-3 lineup the first thing I wondered was why Oscar was being tossed out on the wing, when Mata can do a better job than him over there. Oscar plays better in a central role, and it would have made more sense to play Mata on the wing especially on the right hand side.. With Ramires and Ivanovic to provide cover, there would have been minimal risk to the defensive setup.

Not getting into your argument with Phil, but its clear from the way Mourinho has set up his starting eleven this season, the the only threat to Lampard's spot in the team is Lampard's form (and it will have to be really, really bad), until we added more creative CM's to the squad.

Agree with that...there are still so many ways Mata's situation can pan out.

I think they got in Fellaini more so due to lack of other options. They were really struggling to attract names this past summer,..They brought him just to give some variety to their midfield, and nothing more.

Still wish he and Ivanovic could exchange roles...Maybe its just Jose feels Ivanovic won't be able to contribute anything in attack when playing from the left.

True. If anything I saw Oscar on the right wing more than Ramires...it was more of 4-3-3 today than 4-2-3-1.

I hope Mikel fares better this time around if he does start...Diame went past him easily in the same fixture last season.

Apologies. The way you worded it suggested otherwise.

Don't think that's possible. Southampton are playing really well and will want to finish the season high up the table. There's no way they'll want to make a drastic change midway through the season.

Agree with that. He did show his capabilites in against Bayern and Schalke... Against average PL teams that sit deep and play a physical game, he tends to get bogged down. I think he should be more aggressive against such sides, BUT it would really help him if some of his fellow Attack mids would engage in better movement and release him into better positions.

No doubt about that! I really hope we go in for at least one of Shaw and Clyne...preferring Shaw of course.