BlueLion.

Utterly shit. It's a miracle he wasn't sent off. Weak link.

Scores a 1v1 (admittedly Morata would miss it) and his mis-hit shot sets up a goal for Pedro and suddenly he's the best player in the world again. Incredible.

Can't see him leaving a team that's probably going to win their domestic league (and that are dark horses in the UCL) for a top four struggle in the PL.

He's replacable, especially since he only turns up every four-five matches.

Zaha to have his usual god-like performance against us, then do fuck all until Christmas.

100% agree with this assessment. I like Mateo, but I won't be overly worried if we don't retain him.

Got to be honest, and this is no indictment of Kovacic, but I'm not really that bothered if Mateo stays at Real beyond this season, because Ross can do his job - and arguably, he's better at it. Yes, I know they are different players with different skill sets, and yes, they offer different things... but I think Barkley is more suited to the style of play Sarri wants to see. Kovacic is great at carrying the ball and creating space for others with his movement, but this is something Loftus-Cheek offers, too. Ross is just different to the other CMs we have at the club.

Don't underestimate Derby. I've been to see them play three times this season, most recently at West Brom on Wednesday night. They were absolutely brilliant, pressing up from the back and limiting time on the ball for the opposition. We will have to be careful not to play too weakened a team, because this is a potential banana skin and a half for us.

Quality, again. Great signing.

La serpiente

Already a bigger legend than Courtois.

Not injured, just shit.

I haven't watched the game, not seen any highlights at all - I was seeing Bastille last night. Can someone summarise the performance? Any stand-out players, both positive and negative?

I'd quite happily say Jorginho-Kante is the best CM pairing in the league. It's about time we gave RLC a chance; Bakayoko will also improve, Fabregas can still do a job there, and Barkley looks fit and powerful.

Disappointing, however midfield is the area we don't really need to worry about too much. We have umpteen options across the midfield three.

Reina is an outstanding keeper, you are an idiot if you think otherwise. Many people here probably still remember his error-prone final seasons with Liverpool as opposed to his level when he first joined the PL, when he was second only to Cech as the league's outstanding goalkeeper. In his time at Napoli, he has reached those levels again and would not be a horrendous short-term fix, however I would prefer for us to look at a younger goalkeeper that can become a long-term option, somebody like Donnarumma or Areola. However, if we really want a short-term fix, I am astonished we haven't raided Ligue 1 for the likes of Ruffier, Costil, Anthony Lopes, etc.

My mate is a Derby fan and said Mason was sensational against Southampton at the weekend. I actually went to Nuneaton last night to watch Coventry vs Derby in a pre-season friendly. Mason played the second half and looked really assured in midfield, I was also impressed by his confidence to try some tricks and flicks. Many came off, some didn't. He performed well, I think he'll learn a lot from Lampard. Lampard actually spoke to him 1-to-1 for a prolonged period during the interval.

He won't ever play for the first team, barring a catastrophe, and helps fulfil the homegrown quota. A necessary signing, in that sense - yes, we could have kept Blackman or promoted Bulka, but they will benefit from loans rather than being 3rd choice.

I'm concerned that we don't have a goalkeeper kit yet.

Drogba's attitude in his first season was arguably worse, and he was on the floor even more than Morata. Don't forget, fans at Stamford Bridge booed him because of his antics. He needs better management, because if he concentrated on football rather than winning cheap fouls (you can take the boy out of Madrid, etc. etc.), he'd be decent!

I honestly think there are better keepers out there, but Chelsea fans do seriously under-rate him and his contribution to the team. Comfortably the best goalkeeper aerially in the world, even if he is pants with his feet.

Good game from him, it won't be long until Alonso is reduced to being a second-half substitute/free-kick merchant

A goal and three assists for us in approximately 130ish(?) minutes of action; that'll do me for our second striker. His hold-up play was great, and he's looking sharper with every game.

Was at the game last night - yes it was "only Hull", but we were nearly knocked out in Round 3 by "only Norwich", so there's proof you can't expect anything in the FA Cup - especially with our current vein of form. Emerson looked fantastic - very athletic and far more comfortable at carrying the ball than Alonso; his final ball was also more productive. Giroud's hold-up play reminds me of Drogba. Ampadu was sublime; he looks like he's been doing this for a long, long time - can barely believe he's only 17 - what a find he is! Kyle Scott looked very nervous but soon settled down and looked very tidy in possession. Willian was fantastic. Caballero is better than Lev Yashin. Great win.

Easy to blame Bakayoko with the "last one in" mentality, but let's be fair, he's been no worse than any other player in 2018. The whole squad is a steaming pile of piss.