closed Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

[Vesper 30,175]

fucking spuds pulled out a draw in the 86th minute, grrrrr

[LAM09 7,051]

Below average performance, but we managed to get over the line.

Back to back clean sheets is a big bonus as well.

[MoroccanBlue 5,382]

Jorginho masterclass 

[Hutcho 8,443]

Not sure what everyone else watched. I'd say that was a pretty good performance particularly second half. We lacked some clinical finishing but the other team didn't have a chance at all that I can remember and we did more than enough to win.

2nd half especially with CHO on that left we were all over them. Scoreline flatters them if anything but I'll take 3 points however it comes.

[Ryan Fong 2,776]

Jojo was fucking immense as usual but I would like to give my motm to Pulisic, changed the game from minute one and at least should receive half of the credit of the goal.

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

Just now, Jason said:

Thought he wasn't ready? 

As a winger no. 

 

No.10? Perhaps. Looked much more lively than Mount, but still early days lol

[Tomo 21,751]

The pleasing thing about recently is we've not only conceded two goals in four games but given very little in terms of clear chances also. We're starting to control games a lot better now compared to the basketball type matches we saw early on.

Odoi gets MOTM but mentions have to go to Kovacic and Pulisic, completely changed the dynamic of the game after coming on. The fact we can have an injury crisis yet still bring on two players of that calibre speaks volumes as to how strong our squad is now. I think Christian should be starting at Ajax on Tuesday as the type of open game we will likely see will suit his ability's.

Full value for the win, would have been a catastrophy if Newcastle got a result, they did absolutely nothing going forward and despite playing defensively they still allowed about 5 clear chances, absolutely hopeless side.

[different level 1,056]

Not happy with the wasted chances especially the open goal one, but a win is a win. I get nervous everytime Zouma or Tomori have the ball at their feet, Rudiger can't get fit soon enough! CHO is MOTM. Enough said. Moving on to the next match.

[communicate 2,703]

The pleasing thing about recently is we've not only conceded two goals in four games but given very little in terms of clear chances also. We're starting to control games a lot better now compared to the basketball type matches we saw early on.
Odoi gets MOTM but mentions have to go to Kovacic and Pulisic, completely changed the dynamic of the game after coming on. The fact we can have an injury crisis yet still bring on two players of that calibre speaks volumes as to how strong our squad is now. I think Christian should be starting at Ajax on Tuesday as the type of open game we will likely see will suit his ability's.
Full value for the win, would have been a catastrophy if Newcastle got a result, they did absolutely nothing going forward and despite playing defensively they still allowed about 5 clear chances, absolutely hopeless side.

Defensively especially transition it is still very concerning. Newcastle looked very dangerous in transition.

[Jase 43,479]

3 minutes ago, Tomo said:

The pleasing thing about recently is we've not only conceded two goals in four games

Have only conceded 1 goal from set-piece in last 5 games. 

[Jase 43,479]

Alonso was poor for most of the game and I criticized him but of course naturally, he came up with the winner. 🤷‍♂️ Not the best performance but nice to know we can still get a result, especially against defensive teams. 

[Tomo 21,751]

4 minutes ago, communicate said:

7 minutes ago, Tomo said:

The pleasing thing about recently is we've not only conceded two goals in four games but given very little in terms of clear chances also. We're starting to control games a lot better now compared to the basketball type matches we saw early on.
Odoi gets MOTM but mentions have to go to Kovacic and Pulisic, completely changed the dynamic of the game after coming on. The fact we can have an injury crisis yet still bring on two players of that calibre speaks volumes as to how strong our squad is now. I think Christian should be starting at Ajax on Tuesday as the type of open game we will likely see will suit his ability's.
Full value for the win, would have been a catastrophy if Newcastle got a result, they did absolutely nothing going forward and despite playing defensively they still allowed about 5 clear chances, absolutely hopeless side.

Defensively especially transition it is still very concerning. Newcastle looked very dangerous in transition.

Don't think we will commit so high up against better teams than this, while on the ball we we're practically playing 2-5-3/2-3-5. Yeah there was a couple of hairy looking moments on paper but we gambled on Newcastle not having the quality or speed of thought to take advantage, which they didn't.

[Muzchap 8,966]

4th after City win...

Absolutely buzzing with that. 

I hate post International breaks - always tricky, let's build some momentum now and open up a nice gap 👍👍👍

[Hutcho 8,443]

Alonso was poor for most of the game and I criticized him but of course naturally, he came up with the winner. [emoji2369] Not the best performance but nice to know we can still get a result, especially against defensive teams. 

He definitely struggles in a 4, over when he has more freedom as a wing back

[Laylabelle 9,535]

Win and a clean sheet. Wow... Makes a nice change 

[Jase 43,479]

Just now, Hutcho said:

4 minutes ago, Jason said:

Alonso was poor for most of the game and I criticized him but of course naturally, he came up with the winner.  Not the best performance but nice to know we can still get a result, especially against defensive teams. 

He definitely struggles in a 4, over when he has more freedom as a wing back

Even in a back 3, his attacking play can be sluggish. Just look at the contrast between CHO and Alonso when attacking. Night and day.

[Hutcho 8,443]

Even in a back 3, his attacking play can be sluggish. Just look at the contrast between CHO and Alonso when attacking. Night and day.

Bit unfair to even start to compare those 2, no?

[communicate 2,703]

Don't think we will commit so high up against better teams than this, while on the ball we we're practically playing 2-5-3/2-3-5. Yeah there was a couple of hairy looking moments on paper but we gambled on Newcastle not having the quality or speed of thought to take advantage, which they didn't.

Agree, they did have the speed maybe not the quality.
In essence, right now we have Jorginho problem. Definitely our best passer from midfield but provide 0 protection in transition.

[Jase 43,479]

1 minute ago, Hutcho said:

2 minutes ago, Jason said:

Even in a back 3, his attacking play can be sluggish. Just look at the contrast between CHO and Alonso when attacking. Night and day.

Bit unfair to even start to compare those 2, no?

The point is when we're attacking, you want the players to play with pace, move the ball quickly etc, especially against defensive teams. CHO was doing that but Alonso wasn't. He's already slow to begin with but when he's not on it as well, it just becomes painful to watch. 

[Jase 43,479]

42 minutes ago, communicate said:

I told somebody if you want puli to play, play him high in mount or CHO position @Jason

Don't think I've necessarily disagreed with that point in particular but am too tired to go through this again...