Strike

Chelsea had just the one pre-season game vs Brighton. Leicester for example played three. Lot of the defensive improvement is due to Thiago Silva. The other pairings still ooze panic I think. It maybe the second season but it was the same defense that leaked the record number of goals until Chilwell Silva and Mendy came in

Hardly any pre-season, constantly changing backline, Kepa.

I don't see anyone decent offering a starting role. Teams are looking for high-energy fullbacks. He might accept a rotation role here. Lampard has rotated between Azpi and James so far but I expect James to play most league games from here on barring injury

Felt all along it was a great time to part with Willian. He wouldn't be happy sitting on the bench behind Ziyech I feel so its best he moved on.

Unfair criticism earlier and undue praise now I think. Still long to go before I am convinced by this improvement but glad to see the signs are very much there now

English Penalty League

Not worried about Spurs wins. Look like they'll struggle against good teams and breaking down buses like today

I don't think Chelsea handled his situation badly. Just that with Reece around, I don't think he will consider moving to Chelsea.

Not a pen, never a red. What is happening to football?

Good performance. Limited Burnley side but Kante, Silva, Ziyech, Reece bossed it. Timo and Kai need a rest midweek. Pulisic 🤞

As long as he starts games like midweek its okay to leave people out of the bench I think Attack minded benches are more useful

It is the midfield everybody here wanted.

Not under Conte but there was a completely avoidable 2-2 where Hig scored one not two

Agreed. Its frustrating but I think Lampard playing victim here is not a smart move in managing perceptions. He's gotten away with it a bit because he's a legendary player. In 1 year + only autumn 2019 was a decent run of results!

Hmm there were quite a few draws there. Even in the Conte title run, that Higuain double (2-2) seemed like points spilled. But definitely not a bogey team

We have a good record against Burnley. I don't know where this Burnley is tough cliche comes from.

Mental health professionals could be part of football backroom staff.

Pulisic

Ziyech! Deserves it

Lucky pen. Werner taking

One of those calamity at the back games

Ziyech pressing is so good

Gift of a goal. But I'll take it!

Lampard at the touchline there - "Faster".