Branislav Ivanovic

[Hybrid Angel 2,130]

I estimate at least 80% of the goals we concede come from down his flank. Or at least 80% of the goals we conceded today. Calamitous. Though he isn't helped by having a bloke next to him who makes David "brainfart" Luiz look like Bobby Moore.

Bloody hell, you're not wrong either. This is a map of the goals we've conceded last season from open play. Also proves Cahill was not as good as we thought. On the other side, however, Azpilicueta and Terry were very solid.

[Sheva. 5,373]

I think he should play CB if Cahill is dropped. Zouma has barely ever been tested enough to know if he's ready.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Bloody hell, you're not wrong either. This is a map of the goals we've conceded last season from open play. Also proves Cahill was not as good as we thought. On the other side, however, Azpilicueta and Terry were very solid.

FFS look at all the crosses from Ivanovic's flank.

[Beepu 1,714]

Bloody hell, you're not wrong either. This is a map of the goals we've conceded last season from open play. Also proves Cahill was not as good as we thought. On the other side, however, Azpilicueta and Terry were very solid.

That is not a pretty picture.

[The Mak 4,459]

I don't understand where the notion that Ivanovic is good defensively comes from. Aerially yes but just watch anyone run at him (he will back off) or behind him (he'll switch off).

Or do his party trick of standing off 3 yards while look like a mong with his hands behind his back.

Bloody hell, you're not wrong either. This is a map of the goals we've conceded last season from open play. Also proves Cahill was not as good as we thought. On the other side, however, Azpilicueta and Terry were very solid.

Where are all those people from last year who passionately argued to me that Ivanovic is better than Azpi?!

[The Chels 2,502]

Why is this incompetent and lazy 'defender' still undroppable at the expense of a genuinely top class FB (Luis/Azpi)? He has absolutely no football intelligence or technique and is incredibly prone to making mistakes and losing concentration. But at least he gives the GK an outball eh

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I'm not exaggerating when I say, I could have passed better than him yesterday. Him and Willian just kept on giving them the ball back every f***ing time! I was about to throw my TV out of the window in the first half.

[DH1988 1,348]

Willian saved his arse numerous times yesterday.

When Neil Warnock figures out that all you have to do is boot the ball into the corner with Branislav/Gary then we have a problem.

I do love him as a Chelsea player and his tenacity but.. Damn.. he's testing that love this season.

[iseah100 5,612]

As much, if not more, of a liability than Cahill

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

What an expected turn of event, our most solid defenders in PL last season, 'bullied' by fans this season. Next is Azpi 'not good enough' and Terry 'is too old now' coming up, and then Luis better prepare next season.

[Belgiannutt 3,201]

What an expected turn of event, our most solid defenders in PL last season, 'bullied' by fans this season. Next is Azpi 'not good enough' and Terry 'is too old now' coming up, and then Luis better prepare next season.

Bullied ? Rightfully criticized you mean.

Last season we played a deep (defensive) line, this season we're playing a high line and trying to press.

To be blunt neither Cahill, Ivanovic or Terry are cut out to play a high line.

Cahill is incapable of defending forward(proactive). The only thing he does is back off and try and block the shot.

Ivanovic struggles when he's up against quick skillfull players which is why he doesn't like closing down players instead he'll just stand off them and allow them all the time in the world to cross the ball in.

Terry simply doesn't have the pace or agility required to play a high line.

Azpi and Luis are cut out to play the high line and should both be starting.

Zouma should also get his shot to see if he's capable.

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

Bullied ? Rightfully criticized you mean.

Last season we played a deep (defensive) line, this season we're playing a high line and trying to press.

To be blunt neither Cahill, Ivanovic or Terry are cut out to play a high line.

Cahill is incapable of defending forward(proactive). The only thing he does is back off and try and block the shot.

Ivanovic struggles when he's up against quick skillfull players which is why he doesn't like closing down players instead he'll just stand off them and allow them all the time in the world to cross the ball in.

Terry simply doesn't have the pace or agility required to play a high line.

Azpi and Luis are cut out to play the high line and should both be starting.

Zouma should also get his shot to see if he's capable.

Then blame the tactic, don't blame the players, is what I'm trying to say.

[Belgiannutt 3,201]

Then blame the tactic, don't blame the players, is what I'm trying to say.

Tactic isn't wrong. We're playing the tactic that gets the best out of most of our players problem is those three are dragging us down as they don't fit the system.

We already have Azpi who can replace Ivanovic and Zouma could replace Cahill.

That just leaves us with 1, Terry. He's not so much a problem as he offers other qualities that we need that aren't so easily replaced.

Without buying we could already replace 2 out of the three "weak links" and we'd only have to cover for 1 player instead of three.

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

Tactic isn't wrong. We're playing the tactic that gets the best out of most of our players problem is those three are dragging us down as they don't fit the system.

We already have Azpi who can replace Ivanovic and Zouma could replace Cahill.

That just leaves us with 1, Terry. He's not so much a problem as he offers other qualities that we need that aren't so easily replaced.

Without buying we could already replace 2 out of the three "weak links" and we'd only have to cover for 1 player instead of three.

Lol, then we should blame the players? It's not their fault, they couldn't perform their best in defensive high line like you said. They have tried, and yes maybe should have done better, but it is very harsh to blame all on them.

[Belgiannutt 3,201]

Lol, then we should blame the players? It's not their fault, they couldn't perform their best in defensive high line like you said. They have tried, and yes maybe should have done better, but it is very harsh to blame all on them.

So we should keep playing them then, even though they don't fit the system, because they tried their best ?