Closed Stoke v Chelsea

[lionsden 4,689]

So are we still the running away with the title or not. I said it back when we were flying and 8 points ahead of city that it's ridiculously early in the season to make any bullyish and confident predictions as things can and does change very quickly in this league.

The pressure is well and truly on now and it's up to us to show our mettle. I fear our inability to cope with parked defences may once again be our downfall come may.

[xPetrCechx 13,571]

Maybe the game for Rambo/Mikel.

[rantdeville 195]

Oh no, didn't you know? Ivanovic is never at fault for goals, usually it's Cahill's or Schurrle's fault. Luis also can't start cause he's always the cause for goals on his side and is a liability defensively/not adjusted to the PL.

Like nails on a chalkboard over and over when people post this after games. I feel like some posters just have it as a template and just copy and paste it after every goal conceded.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Remember when we were 9 points clear at one point?

[Laylabelle 9,535]

So are we still the running away with the title or not. I said it back when we were flying and 8 points ahead of city that it's ridiculously early in the season to make any bullyish and confident predictions as things can and does change very quickly in this league.

The pressure is well and truly on now and it's up to us to show our mettle. I fear our inability to cope with parked defences may once again be our downfall come may.

Depends if you live in lalala land and believe what the papers say.A few weeks ago we were going to go unbeaten and win it..now Man U look likely then its back to City.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

So are we still the running away with the title or not. I said it back when we were flying and 8 points ahead of city that it's ridiculously early in the season to make any bullyish and confident predictions as things can and does change very quickly in this league.

The pressure is well and truly on now and it's up to us to show our mettle. I fear our inability to cope with parked defences may once again be our downfall come may.

It's no longer losses I'm worried about now, because I think our defence is pretty solid. It's the damn draws. The 0-0 and 1-1ers which we've become increasing susceptible to.

[lionsden 4,689]

It's no longer losses I'm worried about now, because I think our defence is pretty solid. It's the damn draws. The 0-0 and 1-1ers which we've become increasing susceptible to.

What frustrates me personally is how our main weakness has been glaryingly for the past couple of seasons and yet we have been unable to find a successful solution.

To our managements credit, they have done brilliantly with the recruitment of players to help solve this issue but its the tactical side of things that continues to let us down which I mainly attribute to slow ball movement and bad use of possession in the final third.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

What frustrates me personally is how our main weakness has been glaryingly for the past couple of seasons and yet we have been unable to find a successful solution.

To our managements credit, they have done brilliantly with the recruitment of players to help solve this issue but its the tactical side of things that continues to let us down which I mainly attribute to slow ball movement and bad use of possession in the final third.

It's because we don't have that imposing figure that we've had in the past that makes those driving runs past the 10-men defences of other teams. We've been blessed before with Makelele, Essien & Ballack to an extent. Matic isn't imposing enough in an attacking sense to fulfil this role. Cesc, Oscar et al are flare players but flare has a noticeable weakness vs packed up defences.

Pace is also an issue, we don't really have a speedy players who's also effective. Willian is quick, but there's no end product which makes him moot.. Hazard is quick, but when he gets trapped the team noticeably struggles.

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

We got Costa, Fabregas, Hazard, Remy, Oscar, Schurrle and Didier sure we can win at Britannia on Monday? Lets be honest here if we can't beat Stoke with this squad something is seriously wrong.

2-0 Chelsea.

[xPetrCechx 13,571]

We must to pass quicker.

[lionsden 4,689]

It's because we don't have that imposing figure that we've had in the past that makes those driving runs past the 10-men defences of other teams. We've been blessed before with Makelele, Essien & Ballack to an extent. Matic isn't imposing enough in an attacking sense to fulfil this role. Cesc, Oscar et al are flare players but flare has a noticeable weakness vs packed up defences.

Pace is also an issue, we don't really have a speedy players who's also effective. Willian is quick, but there's no end product which makes him moot.. Hazard is quick, but when he gets trapped the team noticeably struggles.

I agree with you to an extent. we have also missed their goals from deep. So many times our AM have find space on the edge of the box but can't shoot to save their lives and rather sky the ball or attempt a final ball that is often unsuccesful.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I agree with you to an extent. we have also missed their goals from deep. So many times our AM have find space on the edge of the box but can't shoot to save their lives and rather sky the ball or attempt a final ball that is often unsuccesful.

And then there's heroes like Ivanovic who shoot long-range knowing they have no hope in hell

[LAB 1,030]

We have no chance if we don't use our fullbacks properly. I'd dare to go with Azpi and Luis (doubt it will happen) and Iva as CB.

[LAM09 7,056]

Courtois; Ivan-Cahill-JT-Luis; Mikel-Matic; Oscar-Cesc-Hazard; Costa.

We need to be strong in defense and also decisive in attack, and I really don't trust Willian and Oscar (together) in such games.

I doubt Luis will start, and I can't see Oscar being effective on the wing.

[Sheva. 5,373]

I doubt Luis will start.

Optimism on my part. With Mikel and Matic, we don't need another defensive player.

[LAM09 7,056]

Optimism on my part. With Mikel and Matic, we don't need another defensive player.

I agree, but Jose doesn't like change.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Nows the time for the boys to become Men!

If we are still top by the 17th Jan - we will be in a great position to go on and win it.

Stoke is the first of many must win games this season.

I'm 75% confident - I just hope we turn up!

[1chelsea 864]

if change is what we need let get Obama in lol, we will get there

[CHOULO19 24,332]

where there is Walters, there is hope

Disappointing. If you're going to do that 'joke' at least go with "Where there's a Walters, there's a way."

[chelseafc9010 224]

Cesc is out of this game? Why??