That is a must win. If we do not, then we have problems. Why? Because United go to Anfield and City host Arsenal at the Etihad next weekend too. Crucial that we get the 3 points because at least 2 of them are gonna drop points. And the other reason is because we face Arsenal at the Emirates in two weeks time.
Some people are forgetting that the team we have been playing this season are generally the same as last with Hazard being the only exception. Can't just suddenly expect us to play open expansive football when most of our players are yet to even being fully integrated into the first team.
Face it. We are bound to have a poor game like this, it just so happened that it came in the derby against QPR, which caused most fans to be rather mad. Should just be happy with the point, as we could have easily lost it, and move on. RDM's tactics weren't the best today and it's up to him now to get it right ASAP. Wait and see what happens over the next few games first before jumping to a firm conclusion over him.
Agree. Had a great game. He even surprisingly kept things simple at times during the game! As you said, the question now is whether he can keep it up with this kind of performance. That's going to be his challenge right now.
Yes, RDM may be a gamble but even then, don't you think it's still too quick to judge him after just 1 poor result?! It was only in the last league game that most of us, including me, were made to look like fools after we won convincingly for questioning his selection against Newcastle prior to the game.
Deary me. Seriously, judging by how some people have reacted here recently with the results and players, you would have thought we are still yet to win this season!
1. So, we are gonna thrash them 4-0, 5-0, 10-0 eh?? 2. A very average performance. QPR looked far the better side and probably should have won it. Have to take this result as a point gain. 3. RDM may have gotten it right with the lineup in previous matches but he really has to take the blame for this one. Why went with such a defensive lineup to begin with? I know he wants to play Bertrand or Ramires to give a better balance to the team but why play both? Ramires has been useless at RW and for whatever reason, RDM continues to persist with it. I would rather play Bertrand on the left all the time as that LW at least looks more natural to him. Could have gone with Bertrand on the left and start Moses on the right! 4. Torres's attitude after being taken off was just pathetic. Getting really tired of his inconsistency. He look interested in some games and others, he just doesn't seem to bother at all. Just can't believe we are stuck with him(and Sturridge) till January at least. Sturridge did more in 10 minutes than Torres in the previous 80! 5. Why use only two subs when you're allowed three and need to get the three points?!
Ask him, not me. Just trying to think of reasons why he went with the lineup today. Won't be surprised if he goes with this starting XI against Juventus. RDM is an Italian after all...
Suspecting RDM is using this game to test out Bertrand and Ramires at LW & RW respectively (again) in preparation for the Juventus game, to deal with their wing backs.
Here's a stream link to the game. http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/140770/1/watch-queens-park-rangers-vs-chelsea.html Nothing is up yet but will when the match nears kick off.
Supposed the plan today is being defensive, as the lineup seem to suggest, you can't just change from that to offensive like switching on the tap water. It's not easy to just change the mindset.
Yes, I get your point it's an away game but we're playing QPR here, not Arsenal, City or United. Not underestimating QPR but as I said, we should let them worry more about us than the other way round. And the fact you said that(words in bold) means even you are not 100% confident in the lineup.
Which is kinda the point isn't it? We are more concerned with their attacking threats than letting them worry about us. Can understand if you play one of them but both?! Don't expect too much wing play from us today if the past performances of Bertrand and Ramires at LW and RW respectively,attacking wise, are anything to go by.
Sinclair starts for City against Stoke at the Britannia and here, RDM refuses to play Moses or even Sturridge out wide and takes the cautious approach.
Chelsea team: Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires, Hazard, Bertrand; Torres Ivanovic at RB, again. Lampard in the double pivot, again. And Ramires at RW, again! How predictable... Bah. Beaten to it, again!