robsblubot

Reassuring to see someone in the military saw the obvious threat. https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/29/politics/milley-trump-wannabe-dictator/index.html

I'm not going to dig out my post from 10 years ago again, but Salah had very much World Class written all over; he never dropped a level and was already WC material at Roma, which evidently made Liverpool go all in for him. Our handling of Salah (and KDB) was criminal, IMO. I honestly believe they just have different ceilings as players, and esp, some characteristics make them more or less effective in the PL, as well as more or less effective at a big club (less counter-attacking for ex). There are tons or variables, which makes these assessments difficult, but I ultimately believe Tammy prob reached his ceiling as a player, and there's nothing wrong with that; he's good striker ... never going to be elite tho. Ampadou I never rated, so not sure.

In some ways, our struggles are helping them. Jackson does not dribble that much actually; he makes good runs with the ball. Normally, these runs would be done by the backline, and attackers would be pinned up front as we press the opposition. Nowadays, because we are fair game, we are getting some spaces for counters. This will change when and if the team improves.

Wouldn't say "wasted" yet. He's still 21, and the most disappointing things about his game, like the one-trick-pony head-down dribbling can be fixed. He can learn when to go for the direct play, when to hold the ball, and when to one-twos. He's still 21. Now, top player? nope don't see it. Compare his game to Palmer's for example... I mean if you can.

maybe we now know why he hasn't been playing: he did not look super fit against Brighton to my lay eyes.

Would add that Maatsen looked energetic at times, but once again, in and out of the game, which is totally an age thing. On Mudryk, never seen lack of effort TBH His game is a bit naive at times, and that can be improved with minutes, so I don't think getting a player out of him is impossible. However, getting a top player might be; sorry, I just don't think he has the tools for it. I'd add a big caveat that this was Carabao cup and played at home w/o VAR. Normally we'd be fielding a young team, that nowadays would pretty much have the same average age as our "senior team." 😁

Agreed that Palmer did well, and yes, struggled physically, which is what you'd expect from most young players. Jackson had a fairly poor game, but scored when it mattered (nice assist by Palmer). Colwill was solid indeed. Maatsen looked promising in moments, but in and out of the match. Mudryk was overall fairly poor as usual: poor decisions, couldn't beat anyone either showing too much of the football or his legs, passes straight to the goal line. The effort was there, but not the quality. He can find nice passes at times, but a bit of speed and good passing does not a top PL player make. In the dying moments of the match Sterling was on the left marking someone, possibly Lamptey, who tried to turn around on him; he was tightly marking the player, and ultimately fouled him stopping the match and giving his side precious few seconds off the clock. To my eyes, the difference between what a senior player like Sterling and the younger players do is simply night and day. These types of play won't show in highlights tho....perhaps not even on sofascore.

suspect he was referring to Brighton ("this" match). Hard to say... I think the red was a sure thing, but there or or two PK calls that could get lucky in slo-mo VAR. Regarding Blackburn, good draw to give some players some minutes.

Madueke's probably my least favorite player; just not crazy about his play one bit. It could be that the pace and power of the league causes him enough trouble that he ends up trying to simplify too much. He looks very far from taking a starting XI position, or the whereabouts tbh. Caveat, I consider U21 another sport, so I don't really care what he does at that level. Even prefer Mudryk despite how unclean his game looks.

First half was really poor, but much improved second half. Broja looks pretty good actually; no naive play from him.

Mudryk 🙄

Palmer is by far the best Chelsea player, perhaps player on the pitch.

Brilliant pass by palmer and nice finish from Jackson.

TBf Poch was too close to the sideline and may have distracted Jackson. 😆

heh numbers alone tell he at least *can* score as he has already. Honestly, at this point I'm looking for players producing enough at this level; like dribble, retain possession, defend high, the usual. Most of these young players don't know how to do that.

Pretty incredible to think folks thought Caicedo would *change* our team. He looks pretty average, and honestly that's completely normal for his age and level of experience in the PL. Can he improve in this season, probably, but not going to be that quick

Disagree with the first, agree with the second; they are not mutually exclusive. Unfortunately that's our level right now.

At least now we know why Gallagher starts every match. He's better and more experienced than the other options Pochettino has. These games are good to put things in perspective. Second half, I'd get Jackson out esp to avoid losing him, and move Palmer to #9 with Sterling on the right.

that's a red for me; good the ref is shit.

It's easier to score goals when you apply the finish.... 🙄 Players don't shoot!?

The team can't defend... the defense is merely exposed. Sanchez is making too many mistakes tho, that's on him. Mudryk has to do the first tackle, so he and Chilwell make a 2-line. It's not happening. Same on the other side and middle. The front line is playing in a line, which when bypassed opens up lots of spaces for Brighton to explore.

wasn't that a PK?

Brighton is the better side so far. Our high press is not working at all and is a liability. Either you press high in a block or don't, otherwise the opposition will cause you problems once they break that first line, which is what is happening.

lucky there should've been one nil

Jackson started poorly hope he improves Miscontrolled the football twice now.