I Got The Blues - Detailed player scout and tactics analysis: Cardiff

[Barbara 15,149]

I Got the Blues
Chelsea 4 x 1 Cardiff City – English Premier League

Following Chelsea's victory at home against Cardiff City the contextualized stats showed that the team progressed in the transitions to attack, finally had one of their strikers to score after a very busy match by Samuel Eto'o and showed that Hazard is finally continuing from where he stopped last season, being the player with the highest score. It’s the first time an attacker is the best rated player since this analysis started three matches ago. Against Steaua Bucaresti and Norwich David Luiz was the player with the biggest scored, followed by other defensive players such as John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic or Ramires. With a 63 positive score, Hazard got the second for an attacker in the three matches showcased so far[Oscar got 67 against Steaua]. It should be mentioned though that the defenders had considerable dips in their final positive scores compared to matches against Steaua and Norwich [Luiz 104, 61, 28; Ivanovic 72, 50, 18; Terry 45, 54, 49], offering less stability against Cardiff. Despite the sloppy defending on the goal conceded, Luiz still was the second best defender in positive contributions [behind only Terry] while Ivanovic was the worst. Juan Mata and Fernando Torres had forgettable matches, taking part in few plays and making too many mistakes. Ryan Bertrand, on the other hand, proved to be more than a viable alternative for the left full back, showing consistency and offering options to the attack and beating Cole at all possible stats in both matches the titular played.

Following the detailed stats and analysis to the match. This week we feature four specials: Cole vs. Bertrand; Eto'o’s performance as a striker, Luiz casual defending and we carry on analyzing attack transitions.

PLAYERS RATES

total amount of contributions (amount of positive/negative contributions); +rate; -rate

§ Petr Cech: 4 (4, 0); +16, -0
§ Branislav Ivanovic: 11 (5, 6); +18; -18
§ David Luiz: 12 (9, 3); +28; -11
§ John Terry: 17 (15, 2); +49; -6
§ Ryan Bertrand: 8 (8, 0); +27; -0
§ Ramires: 11 (7, 4); +27; -11
§ Frank Lampard: 15 (11, 4); +41; -12
§ Juan Mata: 13 (6, 7); +20; -16
§ Willian: 16 (12, 4); +44; -14
§ Eden Hazard: 15 (14, 1); +63; -3
§ Samuel Eto'o: 12 (11, 1); +44; -4
§ Oscar: 6 (6,00); +24, -0
§ Fernando Torres: 4 (2, 2); +8; -6
§ Cesar Azpilicueta: 4 (3, 1); +12; -3

TEAM CHEMISTRY

§ Six plays showcased, all of which positive, summing a total score of 30.

TEAM WORK

§ Eleven plays were showcased – nine of which positively. Total rates: 41 and -8.

INDIVIDUAL HIGHLIGHTS

§ Hazard has the best positive score (63) presenting himself to link up plays more often than seen before this season. Another positive change in the Belgian’s game is the shots on goal, three this match, all of which on target, resulting in two goals. Before the match the attacking midfielder talked to the club’s official website saying he needed to find a way to get passed the double marking he’s been receiving on Premier League and with that in mind Hazard was a man in a mission. He went for dribbles and takes-on, adding pace and acceleration to the match, especially in the second half.
§ Terry took Luiz’s position as the most reliable and efficient defender in the team having contributed more than any other player to the match (17) and also having the second highest positive score (49).
§ Willian and Eto'o also contributed a lot to the match, the Brazilian 16 times and the Cameroonian 12 times. Both were constant presences in the attack, but also helped the defense tackling, clearing up crosses in the box and intercepting balls. Willian was particularly good in the second half when Cardiff offered Chelsea counter-attack chances. More often than not the counter-attack passed through the Brazilian’s feet.

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS

§ What’s the Mata? The Spaniard had more negative than positive contributions in the match (6, 7), although when he appeared he was better rated than when he detracted (+20, -16). The fact remains that Mata is still to have a high level performance this season [although he’s played well in previous matches against Tottenhan, Steua and Norwich] despite having now played four consecutive matches in the starting eleven. The player showed clear progress in the work-rate and defensive responsibilities, but Mata is yet to step up into a match for the Blues in the season. Starting six matches and coming as a sub twice since Mourinho has taken over Chelsea, Mata has only one assist and is yet to score.

§ Make your pick. Ivanovic had ups and downs during the match, having six negative contributions to five positive and having the same total score for both (+18 and -18). His substitute Azpilicueta had three positive and one negative contribution and maybe it’s time for Mourinho give the Serbian a well-deserved rest as Ivanovic starts to oscillate too much.

§ Reliable. Oscar continues to backup Mourinho’s confidence on him. Coming in at the 58 mark, the Brazilian started the play for Eto'o’s goal, finding Hazard at the edge of the box, who then assisted the Cameroonian and a few minutes later Oscar scored a goal of his own. Breaking down his six contributions to the match, in addition to one goal and actively contributing to another, he took part of three counter-attacks and found Hazard inside the box in a perfect pass for the Belgian.

§ Time for a break? Ramires carried on his descending curve into the match, showing that his double duties this season after he was recalled for Brazil’s NT may be taking a toll on his fitness. In the match against Steaua, Ramires had 18 contributions, only one of which negative (5%). In the following match against Norwich he had 17, seven of which negative (41%). In the match against Cardiff he only took part of play 11 times, 4 of which negative (36%).

SPECIAL STATS & ANALYSES

§ Bertrand x Cole attack contribution. Ashley Cole has been showcased in Chelsea's last match [against Norwich] as the player with worst contribution to the team and his displays this season have been irregular, alternating good and bad moments. Because of a back injury Cole wasn’t selected and Bertrand proved to be useful and trustworthy. The Englishman had eight contributions in the match, all of which positive. In addition to that he made ten transitions to attack [all of which successfully] and linked up play in the attack eleven times – most of which with Hazard, but also finding Eto'o running down the opposition defenders at the edge of the box repeatedly. Defensively the full back was also flawless and depending on how long Cole takes to recover from the pain in the back he might have to fight his way back into the starting XI.

§ David Luiz’s casual defending. Luiz’s presentation offered a field day for English press who seems always so eager to criticize the Brazilian international. His casual and sloppy actions during Cardiff’s goal and a couple of other mistakes – showing distraction and sloppiness – eclipsed his good contributions to the match [which surpassed his negative considerably]. It’s questionable though, how much the player was tired after crossing the world twice in the time span of ten days, playing twice for Brazil NT and playing 90 minutes on his return to Chelsea. Still this kind of casual play has been showed by the Brazilian during his Chelsea career from the start, although it happens less and less often. Such occurrences justify partially the apprehension and lack of trust on him from fans and football media. He could use a rest after a couple of tiring weeks, but will Mourinho want to risk a change for such an important away match against Schalke 04? Or giving Luiz a rest became a blessing in disguise?

§ Attack transitions – visible and tangible improvement. A comparison between in transitions to attack done by defenders (center-backs + goalkeepers) vs. full backs + midfielders in the matches against Norwich and Cardiff shows that there’s little variation in the accuracy by both sectors. Against Norwich defenders were successful in 66,6% of their attempts to build attacking plays, while full-backs and midfielders were successful in 85% of their attempts. Against Cardiff the numbers are respectively 64,7% and 86%, showing minimal variation. The numbers prove that full-backs and midfielders are 31% more accurate on building attack and counter-attacks than the defenders are and therefore should be responsible for most transitions in the team. While against Norwich the team didn’t reach the target, using the better players for the job in only 43,3% of their transitions, the performance against Cardiff was more than satisfactory as Chelsea used their full-backs and midfielders in 71,6% of their transitions to attack. With only 12 bad transitions out of 60, the team proved to be effective in 80% of their attempts to build-up attacking plays while against Norwich they had 75% of success rate.

§ Eto'o blossoming. Eto'o movement, dribbles and takes-on were showcased and given special rating as a way to evaluate how useful and how hard the striker worked in the match he finally started the count for Chelsea's strikers in the Premier League. Every time Eto'o’s movement proved to be useful to teammates distributing theplay or when he unmarked himself fromCardiff’s tight defense, he received a special rating to evaluate his work as a striker [his contributions on defense weren’t count in this special feature]. As a result in addition to Eto'o’s 12 contributions in the match, the Cameroonian took part of attacking plays 16 times (15 positive, one negative). His total special rate was an incredible 100 score where his movement, linkup play, chances created and assists were assessed. The goal scored was the perfect – and fair – payoff for all hard work done by Eto'o throughout the match.

I Got the Blues is an analysis that contextualizes statistics. The feature rates players’ individual contribution – positive and negative – in all relevant aspects of the match. As an attempt to identify players’ and tactics’ weaknesses and strengths, negative and positive contributions are rated separately instead of being deduced from one another. Rates vary from 1 to 5 [positively or negatively] and are given to players individually. The same stat [for example an interception] can be given different rates depending on its importance in the match. Team work and team chemistry are rated as a way to assess the team’s evolution and Mourinho’s work. One of the biggest differences between the stats provided in this feature and usual stats is that contributions that don’t produce real impact during the match whether positively or negatively are completely disregarded. Many times dry stats count the player’s touch in the ball producing tackles, interceptions, takes-on, chances created numbers regardless of what followed said touch, creating misleading stats. In this feature those actions will only be rated if they are 1) purposeful; 2) effective [positively or negatively]; 3) consequential. The objective is to provide stats that really tell the players’ history in the match.
For attack transitions readers should consider it as the final pass or movement that will make the ball move [and stay] in the attacking half or final third. Most transitions aren't rated, only showcased because normally this is just another pass in the match and rating them would be counter-productive. Every week a special analysis is done, showcasing different aspects of the game that are normally overlooked. Suggestions about the special stats & analyses section can be requested by PM or in the post-match threads – as long as the author is mentioned in the post.

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[CHOULO19 24,332]

Brilliant as per usual. I would've liked if Lampard's contribution was highlighted because I thought it was his best game for us this season. He was much more disciplined, his passing, which has been way off so far this season, was miles better as he tried to keep it simple of going for the Hollywood pass most of the time. His overall work rate was better as well.

A minor note about Bertrand, he was our leading passer in the final third! Most of them were to Hazard as you mentioned but 8 of them were to Eto'o which highlights both Eto'os good movement yesterday and Ryan's attacking contribution.

Oh, and I thought Luiz should have got at least -50 for the goal!

[TrippingStep 336]

Brilliant as per usual. I would've liked if Lampard's contribution was highlighted because I thought it was his best game for us this season. He was much more disciplined, his passing, which has been way off so far this season, was miles better as he tried to keep it simple of going for the Hollywood pass most of the time. His overall work rate was better as well.

A minor note about Bertrand, he was our leading passer in the final third! Most of them were to Hazard as you mentioned but 8 of them were to Eto'o which highlights both Eto'os good movement yesterday and Ryan's attacking contribution.

Oh, and I thought Luiz should have got at least -50 for the goal!

Steve Holland mentioned it in the chelsea tv interview after the match. As the fullback was always keeping with Hazard in his movement, Eto'o could move there in the space the fullback was leaving.

At Lille, it was a play often used, as Hazard would be double marked, when a players would push out of position to follow him, there would be a diagonal run to the zone that Hazard was leaving.

[Barbara 15,149]

Data summary:

First Half – please discount 55 seconds from the time stamp below

01:09 - Terry wins aerial duel in defense. Terry 4

01:52 - Ivanovic makes a successful transition to attack

01:52 - Eto’o un-marks himself as Chelsea passes the ball around trying to find space. Eto'o special rating 4

02:54 - Willian concedes a turn over. Willian -4

03:14 - Bertrand intercepts ball in defense. Bertrand 5

03:24 - Ivanovic makes unsuccessful transition to attack and concedes a turnover. Ivanovic -3

03:31 - Willian, Eto'o and Mata press the opposition leading to Chelsea winning a throw-in. Team work 5

04:09 - Ivanovic wins aerial duel in the midfield. Ivanovic 1

05:05 - Terry clears the ball from the edge of the box. Terry 4

05:17 - Hazard transition to the attack

05:19 - Eto'o movement to receive the ball behind the defense. Eto'o special rating 4

05:44 - Luiz unsuccessful transition to the attack

05:48 - Lampard interception in the attack. Lampard 3

06:16 - Ivanovic successful tackle in defense. Ivanovic 5

06:26 - Willian + Bertrand combo to transition to attack

06:26 - Bertrand long pass to Eto'o. Eto'o movement behind the defense line. Bertrand 5, Eto'o special rating 4

06:30 - Eto'o takes on opponents, passing by two and then drawing a foul near the edge of the box. Eto'o special rating 5

07:22 - Ramires poor pass in the attack concedes a turnover. Ramires -3

08:06 - Ivanovic unsuccessful transition to attack

08:22 - Bertrand interception [followed by incomplete pass]. Bertrand 1

08:29 - Mata and Lampard high press in the midfield leads opposition to concede throw-in. Team work 4

09:19 - Ivanovic incomplete pass in the attack. Ivanovic -3

09:24 - Eto'o presses two opponents leading to a turnover by opposition. Eto'o 4; Eto'o special rating 5

09:33 - Bertrand successful transition to attack. Bertrand 4

09:33 - Eto'o movement to receive the ball behind the defense lines. Eto'o special rating 5

09:39 - Eto'o precise cross for Mata who fluffs the chance. Eto'o 5, Mata -5, Eto'o special rating 5

09:45 - Ivanovic has the rebound, but finishes poorly. Ivanovic -2

10:27 - Sloppy defending by Luiz concedes a goal. Luiz -5

11:44 - Luiz successful transition to attack. Eto'o good movement, but poor pass. Eto'o special rating -3

11:51 - Eto'o successful tackle in the attack. Eto'o 4; Eto'o special rating 5

12:02 - Luiz unsuccessful transition to attack

13:03 - Luiz unsuccessful transition to attack. Luiz -3

13:14 - Lampard poor pass in the defense concedes a turnover. Lampard -4

13:38 - Mata successful transition to attack

14:06 - Ivanovic successful transition to attack. Willing poor ball control concedes a turnover. Willian -3

14:18 - Luiz interception inside the box. Luiz 2

14:28 - Mata successful transition to attack

14:30 - Bertrand movement in the flank and good pass for Eto'o at the edge of the box. Bertrand 3, Eto'o special rating 4

14:39 - Mata incomplete pass in the attack concedes a turnover. Mata -3

14:48 - Willian presses high in the pitch leading the opponent to concede a throw-in. Willian 3

15:06 - Bertrand carries the ball to make successful transition to attack and passes to Eto'o positioned behind the defense line. Eto'o special rating 4

15:11 - Eto'o dribbles and passes through two opponents, entering the box, but is blocked in the cross. Eto'o special rating 4

15:50 - Mata successful cross into the box for Ivanovic. Mata 2

16:20 - Terry anticipates the opponent and recovers possession in the defense. Terry 4

16:55 - Luiz successful transition to attack

17:02 - Luiz successful transition to attack

17:10 - Mata unsuccessful transition to attack

17:12 - Willian presses the opponent and regains possession in the attack. Willian 3

17:50 - Good corner kick by Mata and Terry almost scores. Mata 5, Terry 2

18:22 - Terry wins aerial duel in the defense. Terry 3

18:31 - Willian successful transition to attack

18:35 - Bertrand links up with Hazard

19:18 - Eto'o presents himself to receive the ball when Chelsea can’t find space and links up beautifully for Willian in the right flank. Eto'o special rating 4

19:35 - Mata poor pass in the attack. Mata -1

19:41 - Ramires presses in the attack, near the corner and leads to a bad pass by opposition recovering the ball. Ramires 4

19:49 - Ivanovic successful transition to attack

19:25 - Dangerous foul by Terry near the edge of the box. Terry -3

21:05 - Brilliant save by Cech from the free-kick while the defense allows opponent to be poorly marked in the box. Team work -4, Cech 5

22:15 - Quick counter-attack set-up by Ivanovic and led by Willian that ends with unsuccessful cross by Mata. Team work and team chemistry 5. Ivanovic 4, Willian 5

23:45 - Willian and Hazard press the opponents in the defense field, delaying their attack attempt by conceding a throw-in. Team work 3

24:04 - Willian and Mata set up a counter-attack. Mata 3, Willian 4

24:40 - Willian anticipates opponent in the midfield recovering possession. Willian 3

25:18 - Luiz + Ivanovic combo successful transition to attack, but Hazard has poor first touch. Hazard -3

25:44 - Terrible cross by Ivanovic. -4

26:53 - Lampard clears the ball in the edge of the box with a header. Lampard 3

27:00 - Luiz interception. Luiz 2

27:04 - Lampard successful transition to attack

27:08 - Hazard + Bertrand linkup play in the attack

28:28 - Defense allows opposition players to win four headers inside the box in a row. Team work -4

29:13 - Terry successful transition to attack

29:15 - Hazard + Bertrand linkup play in the attack

30:12 - Hazard penetration into the box. Hazard 2

30:35 - Bertrand wins aerial duel in midfield. Bertrand 2

30:40 - Bertrand anticipation in the midfield. Bertrand 3

30:52 - Bad ball control by Lampard in the midfield concedes a turnover. Lampard -3

31:23 - Lampard wins aerial duel in defense. Lampard 3

31:28 - Double pivot presses in the midfield, recovers possession and starts counter-attack. Ramires 3, Lampard 5

31:33 - Eto'o presents himself for counter-attack, but can’t reach the ball. Eto'o special rating 3

32:13 - Bertrand successful transition to attack. Bertrand + Hazard linkup in the attack

32:20 - Quick one touch passes exchange in the attack between Hazard, Lampard, and Mata. Team work and chemistry 5. Mata, 4; Lampard, Hazard 5

32:43 - Hazard creates good chance for Mata who’s blocked by opponent in the shot. Hazard 5, Mata 4

32:57 - Eto'o anticipates the goalkeeper, stealing the ball and passing to Hazard who assists Eto'o. Eto'o has poor ball control, but Hazard scores. Eto'o 5, Eto'o -4, Hazard 5, Eto'o special rating 5

34:55 - Terry successful transition to attack

35:42 - Luiz + Lampard + Bertrand successful combo transition to attack

36:02 - Mata successful transition to attack

36:13 - Willian finds Eto'o inside the box, but the cross is blocked. Willian 4, Eto'o 4, Eto'o special rating 5

37:20 - Luiz successful transition to attack

37:30 - Terry + Ramires successful transition to attack

38:25 - Luiz successful and smart transition to attack. Luiz 4, Eto'o 2, Eto'o special rating 4

38:31 - Willian presses the opponent in the attack regaining possession through a throw-in. Willian 3

38:48 - Eto'o good movement inside the box, but Mata’s pass doesn’t reach him. Eto'o special rating 5, Mata -1

39:05 - Terry unsuccessful transition to attack

40:01 - Lampard successful transition to attack

40:29 - Luiz successful transition to attack

40:41 - Luiz interception in the midfield. Luiz 4

40:47 - Mata is tackled and concedes possession in the attack. Mata -2

41:41 - Luiz clears the ball away from the box with a header. Luiz 3

41:51 - Bertrand successful transition to attack. Bertrand + Hazard linkup in the attack

41:55 - Interesting pass exchange in the attack between Willian and Hazard. Bertrand helps Willian and he crosses to Ramires who’s blocked by the opponent. Team work and chemistry 5. Willian, Hazard 5; Bertrand, Ramires 4

42:45 - Terry wins aerial duel. Lampard wins aerial duel. Terry 3, Lampard 2

42:55 - Ramires poor transition to attack. Ramires -2

44:26 - Hazard passes by two opponents before shooting to the goal. Hazard 3

45:11 - Willian wins an aerial duel in midfield and sets up the counter-attack. Willian 4

Second-Half – no discount in time stamp

45:22 - Poor passing by Willian in the final third. Willian -3

45:56 - Ramires anticipates an opponent in midfield and recovers possession. Ramires 4

46:00 - Mata is dispossessed in the midfield. Mata -2

46:13 - Mata presses opponent who has poor ball control. Mata 2

47:00 - Bertrand successful transition to attack. Eto'o well positioned behind the line. Eto'o special rating 3

47:13 - Eto'o shot on target. Eto'o special rating 4

48:38 - Ivanovic successful transition to attack

48:48 - Luiz poor passing concedes turnover in the attack; unsuccessful transition. Luiz -3

49:25 - Willian successful transition to attack; sloppy pass by Ivanovic in the attack. Ivanovic -3

50:35 - Eto'o clears corner kick with a header. Eto'o 3.

50:56 - Cech clears the ball from the box in a corner kick. Cech 4

51:30 - Terry successful transition to attack. Terry 3

51:39 - Eto'o deep ball to Hazard inside the box and good cross by him. Eto'o special rating 5; Eto'o 4, Hazard 5

52:36 - Good cross by Hazard, but Mata mis-hits it. Hazard 5, Mata -2

53:40 - Bertrand successful transition to attack

54:28 - Eto'o crosses the ball into the box. Eto'o special rating 4

54:39 - Terry successful transition to attack with a long pass. Terry 3

54:50 - Terry + Bertrand successful transition to attack

54:55 - Eto'o dribbles his way into the box, but is blocked. Eto'o special rating 3

56:27 - Ramires unsuccessful transition to attack

56:42 - Luiz interception recovers ball possession in defense. Luiz 4

56:46 - Sloppy first touch by Ramires concedes turnover in midfield. Ramires -4

57:03 - Terry clears cross in the box with a header. Terry 4

57:30 - Hazard + Mata successful transition to attack

59:20 - Eto'o successful tackle inside defensive box. Eto'o 4

59:42 - Ivanovic wins aerial duel in midfield. Ivanovic 4

60:17 - Bertrand carries the ball into the attack in successful transition

64:40 - Sloppy ball control by Torres concedes a turnover. Torres -3

64:48 - Lampard + Eto'o pressing. Eto'o successful tackle recovers possession in the attack. Eto'o special rating 4; Eto'o 4

65:45 - Oscar links up with Hazard who assists Eto'o who scores. Team work and chemistry 5. Oscar 4, Hazard and Eto'o 5. Eto'o special rating 5

67:22 - Terry incomplete pass in defense. Terry -3

67:28 - Lampard + Hazard press the opponent and Hazard intercepts the ball. Lampard and Hazard 4

70:58 - Cech unsuccessful transition to attack

71:24 - Luiz blocks cross inside the box. Luiz 4

71:29 - Willian incomplete pass. Willian -4

71:36 - Terry clears cross inside the box. Terry 4

71:40 - Hazard makes transition to attack and sets up counter-attack. Hazard carries the ball and passes to Torres at the edge of the box, but the shot is blocked. Team work 4. Hazard 5, Torres 3

74:12 - Ivanovic loses aerial duel inside the defending box. Ivanovic -3

74:22 - Great save by Cech. Cech 5

75:36 - Luiz clears long pass in the defense with a header. Luiz 2

76:31 - Ramires intercepts the ball in the defense. Ramires 3

76:43 - Terry intercepts the ball at the edge of the box. Terry 3

76:48 - Willian carries the ball and makes successful transition to attack

76:58 - Torres concedes a turnover in the attack. Torres -3

77:15 - Ramires intercepts the ball in the attack. Oscar receives it and scores a screamer. Ramires and Oscar 5

78:55 - Lampard clears corner-kick with a header. Lampard 4

79:00 - Oscar tackles the opponent successfully and sets up counter-attack with Hazard who assists Willian, but his shot is saved by the keeper. Team chemistry 5. Oscar 5 and Hazard 5, Willian 3

79:39 - Oscar finds Hazard inside the box. Oscar 3

81:20 - Ramires intercepts the ball in the midfield and links the counter-attack. Successful transition to attack. Ramires 4

81:31 - Lampard successful transition to attack and linkup play with Hazard, who passes by the opponents and scores. Lampard and Hazard 5

82:40 - Ramires is tackled by opponent in the defensive field and loses possession. Ramires -2

83:15 - Cech clears a corner-kick. Cech 4

83:17 - Willian takes the rebound and links the counter-attack with Oscar, but Lampard’s pass is incomplete. Willian 4, Oscar 2, Lampard -3

84:00 - Ivanovic wins aerial duel inside the box, clearing a cross. Ivanovic 4

84:20 - Willian blocks a cross, after Azpilicueta concedes a turnover. Azpilicueta -3, Willian 3

84:37 - Terry clears a cross inside the box. Terry 3

85:30 - Terry makes an interception. Terry 3

85:37 - Lampard + Oscar press an opponent, Oscar successfully tackles him and Hazard links the counter attack with the rebound. Oscar links up with Torres, but a foul by Oscar is called. Team work 5. Lampard and Hazard 4, Oscar and Torres 5

86:21 - Azpilicueta clears a cross with a header. Azpilicueta 4

87:32 - Lampard anticipates the opponent and recovers possession. Lampard 3

88:00 - Lampard unsuccessful transition to attack concedes a turnover. Lampard -2

88:23 - Clearance by Terry inside the box. Terry 3

88:37 - Clearance by Terry inside the box. Terry 3

89:38 - Luiz successful long pass to set the counter attack. Luiz 3

91:21 - Terry holds a cross into the box. Cech 3

91:30 - Oscar + Hazard successful transition to attack

92:44 - Azpilicueta intercepts a ball at the edge of the box. Azpilicueta 4

92:48 - Azpilicueta successful tackle at the edge of the box. Azpilicueta 4

[Barbara 15,149]

Brilliant as per usual. I would've liked if Lampard's contribution was highlighted because I thought it was his best game for us this season. He was much more disciplined, his passing, which has been way off so far this season, was miles better as he tried to keep it simple of going for the Hollywood pass most of the time. His overall work rate was better as well.

A minor note about Bertrand, he was our leading passer in the final third! Most of them were to Hazard as you mentioned but 8 of them were to Eto'o which highlights both Eto'os good movement yesterday and Ryan's attacking contribution.

Oh, and I thought Luiz should have got at least -50 for the goal!

I actually missed the word 'repeatedly' when I wrote "In addition to that he made ten transitions to attack [all of which successfully] and linked up play in the attack eleven times – most of which with Hazard, but also finding Eto'o running down the opposition defenders at the edge of the box"

I actually meant that although most times Ryan linked up play with Eto'o, most of his transitions were passes finding Eto'o just behind the defensive line. It happened repeatedly in the first half.

And I'm one of people who dislikes Ryan's football the most, but I must say he played a very good match and I had to eat some of my words about him. I watched the game while distracted by my boyfriend and with only 3h of sleep on me, so only when I re-watched the match to do the scout I was able to see how good Bertrand was for us. I hope with all my heart that he continues to progress and proves my assessment of his value wrong. That was without a doubt the best match I've seen from him all things considered. He's normally very good defensively (sometimes only decent though), but normally he's terrible, below criticism attacking and I think he linked up way better than Cole did.

To be honest I've been thinking about having a special rate for such messes as well as for formidable plays/goal, like a 7 rate. I'm still judging if that won't make the whole thing biased though. Opinions on such thing as welcomed.

As for Lampard, I even bolded his name, but I do a top three total score and his was 4th, but I agree it was one of his best matches for us. He was solid and didn't make some sloppy mistakes as much as he did in previous occasions this season. But to be fair, Hazard, Terry, Eto'o and Willian were far superior to Frank (maybe Willian was the same level or slightly better, but the other four were far superior).

Steve Holland mentioned it in the chelsea tv interview after the match. As the fullback was always keeping with Hazard in his movement, Eto'o could move there in the space the fullback was leaving.

At Lille, it was a play often used, as Hazard would be double marked, when a players would push out of position to follow him, there would be a diagonal run to the zone that Hazard was leaving.

I think Eto'o dragged players with him as well, but I agree, Bertrand provided that for Hazard, although I don't think Ivanovic did the same for Willian.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I actually missed the word 'repeatedly' when I wrote "In addition to that he made ten transitions to attack [all of which successfully] and linked up play in the attack eleven times – most of which with Hazard, but also finding Eto'o running down the opposition defenders at the edge of the box"

I actually meant that although most times Ryan linked up play with Eto'o, most of his transitions were passes finding Eto'o just behind the defensive line. It happened repeatedly in the first half.

And I'm one of people who dislikes Ryan's football the most, but I must say he played a very good match and I had to eat some of my words about him. I watched the game while distracted by my boyfriend and with only 3h of sleep on me, so only when I re-watched the match to do the scout I was able to see how good Bertrand was for us. I hope with all my heart that he continues to progress and proves my assessment of his value wrong. That was without a doubt the best match I've seen from him all things considered. He's normally very good defensively (sometimes only decent though), but normally he's terrible, below criticism attacking and I think he linked up way better than Cole did.

To be honest I've been thinking about having a special rate for such messes as well as for formidable plays/goal, like a 7 rate. I'm still judging if that won't make the whole thing biased though. Opinions on such thing as welcomed.

As for Lampard, I even bolded his name, but I do a top three total score and his was 4th, but I agree it was one of his best matches for us. He was solid and didn't make some sloppy mistakes as much as he did in previous occasions this season. But to be fair, Hazard, Terry, Eto'o and Willian were far superior to Frank (maybe Willian was the same level or slightly better, but the other four were far superior).

Ryan has had a few excellent games for us, tbh. I remember the one against Arsenal under Robbie where he was MOTM IIRC. Also the match against united last season when Ash was injured, I distinctly remember he was one of the best players on the pitch. But I do agree that he often comes out short offensively, which is a shame because I think he has the ability to be good in that respect. I think technically he's not bad and he's one of our fastest players and a good crosser (when he misses the first defender) so he can cause some damage. But honestly, I don't mind his offensive weaknesses. He is our back-up LB after all and what I want from him is to not make defensive mistakes which Ryan very rarely does.

Agree that Frank was not in our best three players, but it was his best performance for us this season (what does that say about his previous performances?! ). But I just wonder if it's something that Jose has said to him because his approach to the role seemed different to me. His passes were simpler and his forward runs where very much limited which is the opposite of what you'd expect against a team like Cardiff.

[Barbara 15,149]

Ryan has had a few excellent games for us, tbh. I remember the one against Arsenal under Robbie where he was MOTM IIRC. Also the match against united last season when Ash was injured, I distinctly remember he was one of the best players on the pitch. But I do agree that he often comes out short offensively, which is a shame because I think he has the ability to be good in that respect. I think technically he's not bad and he's one of our fastest players and a good crosser (when he misses the first defender) so he can cause some damage. But honestly, I don't mind his offensive weaknesses. He is our back-up LB after all and what I want from him is to not make defensive mistakes which Ryan very rarely does.

Agree that Frank was not in our best three players, but it was his best performance for us this season (what does that say about his previous performances?! ). But I just wonder if it's something that Jose has said to him because his approach to the role seemed different to me. His passes were simpler and his forward runs where very much limited which is the opposite of what you'd expect against a team like Cardiff.

Well, I compare Bertrand to Arbeloa from RM, so that's how low I rate him

I think Lampard changed a bit his game because it's clear for everyone who wants to see it that Ramires is a tad tired and under-performing a bit for his own standards, so Lamps actually have to make up for that and the easiest way for it is trying to making things simpler. I do think we should rest Ramires if we don't want to exhaust him or worse, lead him to pick a muscular injury... I feel like he's on his limit right now because it's still sort of early in the season and no one is at their 100% fitness already, although they're all fit.

I don't remember those matches you mentioned by Ryan, but then again I don't remember what I ate two days, so this isn't me disregarding his contributions, just my memory sucking overall

I do remember watching some matches when he couldn't properly give a 2m pass, and only passed backwards. Nothing drives me crazier then a full-back that can't properly link up with attackers because that's also part of the job description. Crosses are a little bit more complicated, so I normally cut some slack to most FBs.

The thing is his a back-up player now, but Cole has been even worse than Lamps this season, actually it's sort of offensive to even compare both. I read somewhere that his back pain was something he was carrying before the Norwich match, so maybe the pain was partially responsible for his dip in form, but among all veterans in the team (including Essien) I think he's the worst - form wise.

If Azpilicueta was a LB I'm positive he'd be playing more often because even though Iva was pretty bad against Cardiff imo, he's been pretty good at all other matches. We all know he isn't going to offer much offensively and he's been really good defensively, which I suppose is what Mourinho expects the most from his FBs and that exactly why I think Cole should be dropped more often from the main team.

I don't remember which match it was (Everton I guess), but it was becoming embarrassing for Cole how the opponents winger and FB were outrunning him in every single run. He just couldn't keep up and it cost us some dangerous attacks by the opponents... and Ryan is decent defending and I agree he's one of the fastest players we have in the squad now. In a match like tomorrow when Draxler has a engine in his boots, it's a blessing in disguise we'll have Ryan and not Cole. It's not even funny to imagine the field day he would have if Cole was the one defending there. That Ushida guy is as fast as Japaneses get (which is a lot) and he'd have a walk in park (more like a sprint, but you know what I mean) if he was up against Cole.

I hope Ryan can perform better for us because right now I feel like we should slowly start making the Cole's transition into a squad player simply because I feel he can't keep up with the physicality of playing week in and out and he's become much slower and it seems like age is factoring on his performances.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Well, I compare Bertrand to Arbeloa from RM, so that's how low I rate him

I think Lampard changed a bit his game because it's clear for everyone who wants to see it that Ramires is a tad tired and under-performing a bit for his own standards, so Lamps actually have to make up for that and the easiest way for it is trying to making things simpler. I do think we should rest Ramires if we don't want to exhaust him or worse, lead him to pick a muscular injury... I feel like he's on his limit right now because it's still sort of early in the season and no one is at their 100% fitness already, although they're all fit.

I don't remember those matches you mentioned by Ryan, but then again I don't remember what I ate two days, so this isn't me disregarding his contributions, just my memory sucking overall

I do remember watching some matches when he couldn't properly give a 2m pass, and only passed backwards. Nothing drives me crazier then a full-back that can't properly link up with attackers because that's also part of the job description. Crosses are a little bit more complicated, so I normally cut some slack to most FBs.

The thing is his a back-up player now, but Cole has been even worse than Lamps this season, actually it's sort of offensive to even compare both. I read somewhere that his back pain was something he was carrying before the Norwich match, so maybe the pain was partially responsible for his dip in form, but among all veterans in the team (including Essien) I think he's the worst - form wise.

If Azpilicueta was a LB I'm positive he'd be playing more often because even though Iva was pretty bad against Cardiff imo, he's been pretty good at all other matches. We all know he isn't going to offer much offensively and he's been really good defensively, which I suppose is what Mourinho expects the most from his FBs and that exactly why I think Cole should be dropped more often from the main team.

I don't remember which match it was (Everton I guess), but it was becoming embarrassing for Cole how the opponents winger and FB were outrunning him in every single run. He just couldn't keep up and it cost us some dangerous attacks by the opponents... and Ryan is decent defending and I agree he's one of the fastest players we have in the squad now. In a match like tomorrow when Draxler has a engine in his boots, it's a blessing in disguise we'll have Ryan and not Cole. It's not even funny to imagine the field day he would have if Cole was the one defending there. That Ushida guy is as fast as Japaneses get (which is a lot) and he'd have a walk in park (more like a sprint, but you know what I mean) if he was up against Cole.

I hope Ryan can perform better for us because right now I feel like we should slowly start making the Cole's transition into a squad player simply because I feel he can't keep up with the physicality of playing week in and out and he's become much slower and it seems like age is factoring on his performances.

I'm really disappointed with Cole, especially that he was incredible in preseason. Looked his old self. Then the season started and he was...well back to his new self!

That said, I still want him back for City because of his experience but also because of him being such a big game player. I think this is something that has been criminally underrated throughout his career, because people would talk about about the Drogbas and Terrys but I think Cole was just as much a big-game player if not more. Even in the last two years when his overall play has dropped embarrassingly, in the big games, he always seems to come up with incredible performances and often an Ashley Cole (i.e. a ridiculous goal-line clearance).

As for Iva, you can't praise him for exactly what you were criticizing Bertrand for! Iva is very powerful going forward, but his ability on the ball is that of a CB (a typical CB, not our CBs because Luiz and JT, and Cahill to a lesser extent, all have incredible ability on the ball). His is very bad and he often can't make simple forward passes and his crossing is even worse (and needless). Iva obviously has much more experience and is physically very powerful and is an aerial threat, but I do believe that Azpi has to regain that RB spot and soon.

PS: Daxler won't be on Bertrand's side, but Iva's, which has me worried quite a lot because we're going to have crosses constantly coming into the area.

[Barbara 15,149]

I'm really disappointed with Cole, especially that he was incredible in preseason. Looked his old self. Then the season started and he was...well back to his new self!

That said, I still want him back for City because of his experience but also because of him being such a big game player. I think this is something that has been criminally underrated throughout his career, because people would talk about about the Drogbas and Terrys but I think Cole was just as much a big-game player if not more. Even in the last two years when his overall play has dropped embarrassingly, in the big games, he always seems to come up with incredible performances and often an Ashley Cole (i.e. a ridiculous goal-line clearance).

As for Iva, you can't praise him for exactly what you were criticizing Bertrand for! Iva is very powerful going forward, but his ability on the ball is that of a CB (a typical CB, not our CBs because Luiz and JT, and Cahill to a lesser extent, all have incredible ability on the ball). His is very bad and he often can't make simple forward passes and his crossing is even worse (and needless). Iva obviously has much more experience and is physically very powerful and is an aerial threat, but I do believe that Azpi has to regain that RB spot and soon.

PS: Daxler won't be on Bertrand's side, but Iva's, which has me worried quite a lot because we're going to have crosses constantly coming into the area.

I've seen Draxler moving a lot in their latest match, but well, I hope Iva has his running boots on.

Iva is much more physical than Ryan is and he can offer defensively things that Ryan can't. I think he's definitely a downgrade offensively compared to Azpili, but then I remember how useless Ryan was in the attack in all matches I can recall, doing absolutely nothing but backtrack play by passing backward and my hair being pulled out of my head while I yelled and I think Iva makes a much better work. He's cross are bad, but while he's far from linkup brilliance I felt he at least tried, while Bertrand just conceded turnover after turnover when he didn't go for the backward pass. So if someone asked me if I'd rather Iva in the RB or Ryan in the LB - even if they don't directly compete for spots - I'd say Iva all week long.

But Bertrand really surprised me and I feel like he can surprise me even more. He was far better than Iva offensively and even if I look back to Ivanovic's best matches this season for us, I don't think any of them compare offensively to what Bertrand brought to us. Ryan is still very far from what I call a great full back because I really like full-backs (yeah, that's random), but I think he may be able to change my mind about him being a viable replacement for when Cole moves to the bench in a more frequent fashion.

I'm not sure about Azpili in the RB. Ivanovic is way too solid there right now, with only one bad match under his belt and I'm not mesmerized by Azpilicueta as most people here are. He offers different things to the match compared to Iva and I'm not sure I'd rather Azpili's package over Iva's