Blue Armour

The 3 atb is mostly to accommodate Silva. Else we have little experience on the pitch Maybe when James returns, we may see a change in formation. The lack of leaders in the squad is down to the club, not Poch. There's no one to take control of the game and prevent things from breaking down completely. The Caicedo-Gallagher mixup today typifies that. And once a young side goes behind, their heads drop. For now, I'm glad for the international break. Hopefully this gives the squad a chance to reset.

The 3 atb formation is also to accommodate Silva IMO. Bit of a dilemma here, he's our most experienced player and best defender. But his slowing reactions and loss of physicality is being exposed these days Think Poch has to look at dropping him and trusting our younger CBs. They might concede more, but at least we might look a better team moving forward

Yes, maybe Poch shouldn't be so cautious. But what do you expect? The side is very inexperienced. Even with a back 5, it still conceded because of a mixup in central midfield. Those kind of mistakes will continue to happen this season with this lot, regardless of the manager. If anything, you should be looking at the administration that decided it was okay to flood the squad with talented youth and barely any players from the upper age brackets. It's a gamble, which would be excellent if it pays off - but the risks are always there. So yes, you will see more of these see saw performances.

Nottingham are sitting back after scoring the 1. That's another thing to consider. Not just our starting 11

It's the result of having a very inexperienced side almost all over the pitch. Individually, some good players in there. But as a whole - this side lacks direction on the pitch. That fuck up between Caicedo and Gallagher is symptomatic of this

Time to boost that GD

Huh. I wasn't even aware it was Mount. I can't really even see it on the mobile version of the forum. FYI. I haven't selected a favorite player since Hazard left. And the forum doesn't allow you to select ex players, else it would have stayed as Drogba. I'll probably change it when I know we have a player of that quality again.

Think he will slot into the #10 role in place of Gallagher.

Why? Would be a waste. We have Jackson this season, and Palmer/Nkunku (once he returns) are more than enough cover IMO.

IMO 2006-2007 Drogba (which is probably his prime version) is the epitome of a CF. Could create, could score out of nowhere. That's the thing about Drogba. He would bring other attackers into the game, either by occupying opposition defenders or setting up play himself. Remember that cross he gave from the wing for Ballack to head in against United? Typical of the man. I see a few of those attributes in Jackson too.

This. I disagree with your points about Jackson - I think he is fantastic, and his performance since preseason, including today, has made me a lot more optimistic about this season (with hopefully players returning from injury sooner ) But that doesn't mean I should attack you or anyone else for having a different opinion. At the risk of sounding like a hypocrite., this forum has become more toxic, especially after that shite we saw last season. Hope Poch and team can continue with a lot more wins and improve the mood of Chelsea fans everywhere.

True, I would love a more fluid team - but I also don't mind having that focal point to rely on, if only to drag us out of tough spots. Hopefully we are close to getting that player again.

Also, any comparisons to Morata are premature. Morata had a very weak mentality. I don't get any of these vibes from Jackson. He keeps going despite all the near misses.

Think he has a lot more power than Anelka., able to hold the ball up well. And you have to remember he is only 22. You would expect him to develop his physical strength further.

I don't want to exaggerate, but after a long time since Drogba and Hazard left, I'm finally excited to watch Chelsea just to see what a single player does. That player being Jackson. Just a joy to watch even when not scoring. Always seems to know what to do next before receiving the ball, and all this at such a young age. Very good find and signing by the club.

And Nottingham after that. Ideal 3 games to rebuild the momentum we had from preseason. Nkunku's and James being injured at the same time is one of the worst things that could have happened. We would probably be top of the table if not for that.

Hold firm Lukaku. Hold true to your childhood dream of playing for Inter/Juve/Man Utd/West Brom/ Everton

At this point. I can only laugh.

It really is becoming like Arsene Wenger's & Stan Kroenke's Arsenal First team players constantly getting injured, not really competing for trophies. No grit in the squad, mostly filled with youngsters with potential, and endless outgoings.

Jackson getting off the mark will help this team. Not sure from where else a steady return of goals are going to come from with Nkunku (and James) out injured, so we need Jackson in some kind of scoring form.

Well thank goodness this board at least burned bridges with Lukaku. He's never going to play for Chelsea again, and we should move past this conversation.

Not interested in having Balogun here, But what kind of striker is he? Would he play off Jackson or play instead of him?

Agree - but it's also a bit of a double edged sword. If he had missed, then it would add to his anxiety He clearly is a bit nervy in front of goal (for whatever reason) despite his excellent preseason. Hopefully he can get off the mark against Luton town and get his (and our) season up and running.

Cherki - another player with flair, but no real output in terms of goals or assists. We have enough of those. Might as well resign Felix then.

Jackson and Nkunku., but I see your point - we have overspent on several 'prospects' And some, worryingly, on long term contracts