Jase

That would be the logical move but CHO must be not doing something right in Lampard's eyes if he can't even get into the XI right now with Pulisic and Ziyech out.

If everyone is fit and available, will Loftus-Cheek even be in the starting XI, even if we play 4-3-3? This is not on you but rather making a general point - I know he came back from a serious injury last season but that was some months ago already. At what point do we say "he has to perform now or he can't be in the XI"? I don't think he has done anything whatsoever since he returned to suggest "yeah, he needs to be in the starting XI". Last night's formation may not have helped his cause, for example, but he was totally useless off the ball, barely tracked back, and did zilch when he had the ball. Even Havertz, who is hardly known for his workrate, showed more desire and actually did more to track back. Also starting to wonder that managers must have had (have in Lampard's case) a good reason to constantly shift Loftus-Cheek around and/or not play him in midfield in the past.

Am not sure if there's any guarantee we will play 4-3-3 in the long run. Lampard already has a penchant of constantly changing formation. He could have easily played 4-3-3 yesterday for example - had the players for it despite some absentees - but chose not to and went with 4-2-3-1 instead.

I wonder if CHO regrets not moving to Bayern. Could have easily been a treble winner by now but instead, he has barely been able to get into the XI and although it was only the first game of the season yesterday, he didn't even start despite Pulisic, Ziyech were out and saw a new signing start on the RW.

MARTIN SAMUEL: Timo Werner is a game-changer for Frank Lampard - Chelsea have been lacking genuine pace up front for years... perhaps his signing is what got under Jurgen Klopp's skin

Assuming that is the case, how long is Lampard gonna play him out wide before moving him to the center? If Havertz continues to play out wide and let's say he continues to not do much, then that could affect his confidence and increase the pressure on him especially after the money we spent on him. The one potential problem I have is with all these options and versatility, Lampard could start overthink things and tinker around too much. I know he wants us to be adaptable, fluid and not be predictable with our attacking play but I am afraid if he starts to tinker around too much, the players won't develop any kind of of understanding and consistency because players are being moved around too much and are not playing in their best position. Be it 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 or whatever the system is, Lampard needs to settle on a formation and start picking the best players that fit into that system - e.g. play the players in their best position.

Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool PRE/POST-MATCH DISCUSSION, LIVE CHAT AND ANALYSIS 2020/21 Premier League Match 2 20th September, Sunday 2020 Stamford Bridge 16:30 Kick Off (UK time)

The thing is, what's the alternative if Ziyech isn't playing? Ziyech is likely to be out for a few more weeks.

I supposed we all wanted to see more from Havertz against Brighton but it's worth remembering that it also took awhile for Pulisic last season to really get going.

FFS! If I see another fella create a Mendy thread at this point, am gonna kick the fella's arse out of here...

Lampard's full quote on Pulisic... This sounds rather familiar with all the "rushing" players back from injury last season.

Oh, finally getting into conspiracy theories now aye, Tomo?

It was a "discomfort" according to Lampard. So had to take a few steps back. Same thing also happened with Tomori, IIRC last season.

Lampard said Werner has got a dead leg but should be fine for the next game.

Okay, he said he'll be okay for Liverpool...

Shit!

Said it in the match thread, it feels like Loftus-Cheek is a system player. If we don't play 4-3-3 and put him in the midfield, there's no place for him in the side. Also, I know he only came back from a serious injury last season but how long can we keep using that as an excuse? It's forgivable to an extent if he's not at his best right now but the least he could do is, do the basics properly, show intent and desire. But he doesn't do that. He's a total passenger without the ball.

I know it was his first game for us and I know he can play in different positions, I hope Lampard will eventually play Havertz in the No.10 role soon - which is arguably his best position - rather than "abuse" his versatility and move him around and not let him develop in his best position.

1. Important to start the season with a win, especially given the circumstances but that was a fortunate win. Once again, dodgy game management from Lampard once again. No changes at HT, allowed the game to almost drift away before individual brilliance and a deflection knocked the stuffing out of Brighton. 2. Including the pre-season game, I swear we've been outplayed each time by Brighton at the AMEX Stadium. 3. Can we have less basketball games this season? Again, we barely controlled the game. Almost wish we're playing the dull Sarriball again! 4. I know it was his first game for us and I know he can play in different positions, I hope Lampard will eventually play Havertz in the No.10 role soon - which is arguably his best position - rather than "abuse" his versatility and move him around and not let him develop into a proper role. 5. Kepa OUT. Mendy needed in for Liverpool. If not, start Caballero on Sunday!

Really? Lampard could have easily played CHO on the RW but decided to play Loftus-Cheek and shift Havertz out wide.