Chelsea Res 2-0 Wolves Res

[James 5,143]

Back from loan was Rhys Taylor, Patrick Van Aanholt and Jack Cork in the starting line up and on the bench was Liam Bridcutt and Jacob Mellis. Steve Holland was also able to draw on First team players in the form of Daniel Sturridge, Fabio Borini and Gael Kakuta. All of this made for a strong and exciting team put out:

…………………………………Taylor………………………………….
B.Clifford……….Strickland………Magnay……..Van Aanholt
…………………………………Matic…………………………………..
…………..Clifford…………………………Cork……………………..
………………………………..Kakuta…………………………………
…………………..Borini………………..Sturridge………………….

Having seen a lot of discussions involving the first team with regards to formation it was interesting to see the reserves continue with the diamond, we also saw with that the flaws of the diamond, where we had plenty of possession and seemed to create a lot of chances but not enough clear cut. There was a lot of passing around the edge of the box trying to find a way through and not enough width.

However the Chelsea lads were pretty dominant throughout as you will see from the highlights. Wolves chances were minimal and the pressure was always on them, we retained possesion well and got it up the pitch well. Sturridge was his usual busy self when playing for the reserves, he was all over the park trying to pick up the ball and run with it which he certainly did very well. He took his goal very well, with a cross coming in from the left hand side Sturridge found the space and very clinically side footed the ball into the back of the net, it was a very clever finish from Sturridge.

The second goal never always looked like coming but eventually it did with Gael Kakuta picking the ball up and running at defenders which he didn’t do enough, he found a yard of space and curled it perfectly into the top corner giving the keeper no chance, a very typical Kakuta finish. Jacob Mellis, Liam Bridcutt and Youth cup hero Gokhan Tore made it on and all did well, Mellis missing a couple of chances he maybe should have put away.

Overall it was very good to see a lot of these players back and it will be interesting to see where there go from here, the team did their job well and should have scored more goals in the end but it wasn’t to be.

Player Reviews:

Rhys Taylor – Had very little to do throughout and was spectator for the most part, claimed a couple of good crosses and made a few good punches which was good to see. Wasn’t really tested with any shot stopping. I am sure the club will want to find him a loan where he will get games. Not easy thing to do with young keepers. 6

Billy Clifford – Not too sure why Nikki Ahamed wasn’t playing in this game but it was good to see Billy getting a game for the reserves. He did well and his passing was very good, wasn’t caught out at defensively, maybe could have got forward more as we saw him to in the youth cup but overall was a solid performance. 6

Patrick Van Aanholt – Patrick was back from a very impressive loan spell at Coventry and word is that he wanted in and around the first team for the rest of the season. In this game Van Aanholt did what you would expect of him, he was good defensively and got forward typically to create a few chances for himself. Will be interesting to see what chances he may get now. 7

Kenny Strickland – Strickland hasn’t had too much involvement lately with either the youth or reserves so it was good to see him get a run out. He did ok to be fair to him, his passing wasn’t great but he reads the game well and stopped some attacks well. Once we have more defensive cover i would be suprised if he is kept on. 6

Carl Magnay – Roumers are that Magnay is going to have another loan spell, and possibly abroad. To be honest that is what he needs, it has come the point where he won’t make it with our first team now and we need to be looking at finding him a club. He did himself justice in this game and exacltly what we have come to expect from him over the years. 6

Nemaja Matic – Played in the holding role which was no suprise considering we have heard that Ancelotti fnaces Matic for that role in the long term, again another impressive performance from Matich which his ball skills being the best part of his game. A few times a little too casual with his passing and once in particular he passed to a Wolves forward and put them in on goal. Overall a good game from him. 7

Conor Clifford – The second of 3 holding role players playing in this midfield tonight. Conor continues to impress in every game he plays in. His tenacity and passing makes him a real asset not to mention his long range shooting it is no wonder such a fuss was made of him when we signed him. Worked very hard as usual had a few good shots, unfortunately no wonder goal this time. 7

Jack Cork – The third holding role player in the midfield Jack was played on the right side of the diamond. Personally i think Jack is more suited to the holding role than where he was played but he showed assuredness on the ball and quick feet at times. Good to see him back because i like Jack a lot. 7

Gael Kakuta – Again as in a couple of previous reserves games Gael didn’t have the involvement we would have liked to see from him. But he did have an OK game, Steve Holland could be heard a lot of the time encouraging Gael to track back a little more which he didn’t do enough. His goal was a cracker through and it is these moments of genius that Kakuta is all about. 7

Fabio Borini – Not such a good game from Fabio truth be told and he looked very frustrated, infact since his involvement with the first team i feel his reserves performances have dropped. He still works hard to win the balls and get into space but nothing worked for him in this game. A little dissapointing and i am sure he will agree. 6

Daniel Sturridge – Sturridge was all over the place trying to win the ball and start an attack, involved in all our best forward moves he maybe will feel he should have got a couple of more goals but his overall performance was very good and he took his goal very well too. Will have done enough to impress Carlo i am sure. 8

Jacob Mellis – Another back after loan involvement he did well when he came on, got himself in some good positions and probably should have scored a goal. But still encouraging signs from Jacob. 6

Liam Bridcutt – Returning from loan and injury Liam came on and slotting into the game well, didn’t have too much impact on the game but will look for either another loan or some more reserves involvement. 6

Gokhan Tore – Had little involvement after comming on late in the game but showed the signs of his ability with a few very good crosses and a good run. Hopefully a lot more to come from Gokhan. 6

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