Strike

Things have changed since City won. The pressure of winning points is spread out over more games now in UCL and that’s where we can afford to rotate The lower teams in PL have spent a ridiculous amount of money (even compared to seasoned CL teams like Atleti or Barca or Inter). We are looking at a very different schedule and difficulty levels between league, Europe compared to even 2-3 years ago You don’t see Liverpool or Arsenal - the two best teams in the league right now - rotating a lot in their league games, even against lowly opposition

That approach won’t work. The quality of the English league is too high - we cannot afford to play passengers for a league game I would argue Europe is still where we need to play a lineup like the one today

even before we have built any momentum with our gameplay

What is Maresca playing at?

Had a good game today. He was already showing here that he was a very useful weapon vs low blocks. Arsenal unfortunately look like they have a squad to compete this year. Pace, power and dynamism across the pitch

Glad they are being careful with Lavia, Fofana and Reece

I’ll take it - fifth choice midfielder got injured in internationals week. Could be lot worse than that

A bicycle tap-in

Daniel Levy steps down at Tottenham

Only explanation for backing out of the deal

Emergency GK can be drafted in case of injury

Josh doesn't need to be named I believe

We are signing the Strasbourg captain Emegha in a year I believe. Facundo is just a stop-gap to give options in attack

In a year, there will be new GKs who force their way into the reckoning you'd hope The board are gambling on Sanchez ironing out his game but I do see the GK market this summer was pretty middling. City have signed two keepers for good money but I'm not convinced by either signing

Unlike Arsenal and Liverpool, Chelsea have not demonstrated they are good enough to come close to 85-90 points.

I watched two average performances benefiting from referees chalking off goals. I expect a healthy gap between us and Arsenal/Liverpool by November. We have good depth but we are short of genuine attacking quality in the XI, especially if Delap is out for a while

West Ham didn't show up. I wouldn't read anything into that game. We've struggled vs Fulham and Palace.

The loan fee is nearly half the transfer fee we bought Jackson for. Will get a permanent deal elsewhere next year whether or not it's Bayern imo. He's a good player and we looked much worse without him last year. He's got a lot of useful tools needed in attackers.

CB Igor's move to Palace has collapsed. Liverpool waiting to see if Guehi can complete move now - dependent on Palace signing a replacement

And we are not closing the gap anytime soon by becoming a player trading vehicle so how can we say the "club is fine"

They canceled each other out but they looked a level above Chelsea to me. Pace, power, dynamism across the pitch even with key players missing

Standing still is going backwards in the Premier League. Look at Arsenal and Liverpool's spending and their attacking options. Are you seriously suggesting Chelsea are close to Arsenal/Liverpool right now?

We were on the right track picking up Delap Pedro and Hato but I think we are a couple of players short to put together a 80-90 point campaign. Not enough quality in attack to overwhelm teams

We have a game every three days or so for a stretch - I'd say Jackson is first change in the league games and starts the CL games with Guiu coming on