Blue Armour

The one thing Cole has over Bertrand atm is his tactical nous to deal with deadly attackers like Robben, Ribery, Ozil or Ronaldo. Even then he would need support from his winger, as he can't cope physically. I think Ryan should be starting in more of the bread and butter games.

History was written by the victors... Its what fascinates me about the past, especially the classical era (Roman and before). We'll never know the full truth...Like the purpose of the great pyramids, the true birthplace and date of birth of civilzation etc...

Can't you tell from the 3 cybernetic implants on his back?

I think him or Schurrle should be nailed-on starters for every match. Direct wing play is crucial to our attacking play.

Which is why I hope we go in for a new CM sooner rather than later. While Lampard has worked hard to change his game to that of a deep lying playmaker, defensively he is suspect. And tbh, with only Mata, Oscar and Hazard playing upfront the only real defensive presence in midfield is Ramires. Its ok if the opposing team is sitting deep like they did in the first half, but when they come out and attack like Newcastle did in the 2nd half, Chelsea's midfield gets over-run. Pardew no doubt realized that, and conveyed it to to his team at half time. I doubt Mourinho is going to drop Lampard just like that, but he will certainly make sure the rest of the starting-line up suits Frank's game when he does play.

Out of the last 7 managers we've had, I don't think there's anyone better than Mourinho in giving the players a good kick up their buttocks after a performance like that.

Hopefully he can pick up where he left off, against Schalke.

True...."Mazacar" simply looks out of place in the current team...It might have worked if Hazard played more like a direct winger but why change his style of play, when he can contribute better in his own way? The worst thing about it, is like you said, is its zero contribution for strikers...the three of them just disappear into their own little world in the final third of the field.

Would have been great if we drew, but these kind of results happen and its best that they happen at this stage of the season than later. We're no closer to Arsenal and Liverpool but that's not important right now. Hope we get back to winning ways in the next game itself. And food for thought... "Mazacar" does better for Eto'o than Torres (who would prefer a more direct attacker like Schurrle playing alongside him). And of course, its been clear for a while now...that Lampard struggles when the team is on the back-foot. We really should go for another CM in January, and possibly give Mikel/Essien some more starting chances.

Thanks for keeping on posting these highlights, guys..Can never get enough of Didier Drogba.

Love Bertrand,...but this guy seems so tailor-made for Chelsea, its a wonder he isn't here already...

? Trickery is more like it.

No doubt about that.

What some people seem to forget, is that Mourinho and Holland are assessing DeBruyne's situation more than anyone on this forum. If he isn't getting enough game time until January, due to strong performances by other squad members, he will go out on loan again. Simple. You have to remember Kevin is not an established player yet. He's young, has time on his side and can wait for his chance with the Chelsea team. If not, then certainly for another club.

Perhaps because he has a higher stamina, when compared to the rest?

I don't think its a mere coincidence that he had his best game yesterday... The break he got because of his injury definitely helped restore his energy levels. I think its good to see more rotation taking place in the LB position.

He needs rest. Rafa used to overwork him at Liverpool and that resulted in him sitting out a lot of matches from injury and fatigue. And if that injury he got when he started against Steua is any indication, I'd say he needs as much rest he can get between big games.

Like Mourinho himself said, he would have considered bringing him instead of Mikel, if both Lampard and Ramires hadn't been yellow carded. He was unfortunate not to play a part today(by coming on for Oscar or Hazard), but in big games like these, small things can influence managerial decisions.

I think Mourinho would no doubt love to field a strong team, but after all the work his players put in today I doubt too many from the city game will start on Tuesday. Particularly the ones over 28+ age limit.

Tbf..I don't think Ramires would give a sh** about who played next to him.....its always full speed or bust for Rambo

True, and let's not forget...both players (including Ramires) were on yellow cards. Jose said that influenced his decision regarding which player to bring on.

I know Hazard can perform in big games...no doubt about that after performances against Bayern and Utd (last season). That said, he was quiet in today's game, although his work-rate was top notch. Of course, it didn't help him or the team, that both Lampard and Ramires were on yellow cards (else Mata might have come on instead of Mikel), so both wide players had to track back to help with defensive duties. Players like Hazard aren't meant to be work horses.

He's a safe option for the run-of--the-mill type matches, against teams that don't feature strikers of the caliber of Benteke or Aguero. Hopefully, his inclusion in the last two matches will serve as wake-up call for Luiz, who when on form is our best option at the back (besides JT of course)

Great pic...our old African crew

Tbh, these days I hardly get any amount of excitement when Chelsea go after a new youngster for the team. Especially after Eddie Newton basically confirmed that most youngsters are groomed so that they could be sold for a profit. Its good business, but hardly exciting stuff as it does nothing for the first team.