Out of the Carling Cup - one less distraction?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Personally, I'm fairly happy about yesterday's result and performance. Although we've gone out and nobody wants to lose, I have to mention how proud I am of the team for their effort and commitment despite being down to ten men and being 3-1 down.

Also, credit where it is due for Newcastle, who deserved to win and progress to the next round. All the best to them.

Consider it this way - what's more important? Playing the youngsters when we get the chance, or winning the Carling Cup? The kids will get other chances - if we qualify with a game to spare in the Champions League then we'll see Kakuta, Bruma and company play in the final group stage game. There are also Premier League and FA Cup games where the youngsters will get their opportunities. So what's better? Blooding new players or playing a full-strength team and tiring them out?

I'm not degrading the competition; I think it's fantastic and very, very entertaining. It gives a chance for the smaller clubs to get one over the bigger sides. The best example is Northampton beating Liverpool - no-one on earth could have expected that.

But on the bigger scale of things, I don't think we can complain. It means there is another 'distraction' for United and Arsenal - games in which they will play a few of their experienced players. It means midweek trips across the country in front of hostile crowds on cold winter nights, and come the quarters, semis and the final itself, these two teams (should they reach that stage) will suddenly be fielding the likes of Rooney and Fabregas.

On the other hand, we can focus on what matters most - defending our Double and winning that bastard Champions League.

As mentioned earlier, I'm disappointed we're out as we could well have beaten Newcastle last night; haphazard defending and poor goalkeeping effectively lost us the game. But we can look at the mistakes or focus on the positives, and I'd choose to do the latter.

We were undone only by the width of the post; twice Tim Krul's right hand upright denied Chelsea (first an Alex thunderbolt and then denying Ferreira what would have been the greatest goal of his career). On another night those efforts might have found their way in. We were simply massively unlucky, though you still have to tip your hat to Newcastle.

Furthermore, we were unlucky with the injuries suffered. Kalou could really have made a difference and Benayoun was passing the ball very well indeed. Down to ten men, we should great character but were ultimately beaten.

But every cloud has a silver lining - on this occasion; Josh McEachran. A star might just have been born last night. He's quality, pure quality. A little genius on the ball with composure and confidence; something very few 17 year-olds possession. This boy has a big future - and going out of the Carling Cup is the smallest of prices to pay for that realisation.

The future's bright for Chelsea FC - with McEachran, Kakuta, van Aanholt and Bruma were have four quality youngsters. Exciting times lie ahead.

[Steve 10,227]

Well said! Like i said before the game, if it meant going out of the competition and focusing on defending our double and winning the champions league i am all for it. But it was good to see the young kids playing. With the way they played tonight surely Carlo cannot keep the on the bench all the time. They can make a real difference if we are struggling in a league game. Just look at the vision from Josh and Gael. Its outstanding at such a young age!

[gary gordon 1,777]

Im pretty bummed because we won't get to watch more of the young lads running around amongst some of the big name players.. I find the Carling Cup to be a decent competition to showcase your youngsters and to bow out early at home against a newly promoted side is quite worrying.. I think a few more rounds would have suited me better..

[BRMC 12]

In the long run its probably better we are out as we have one of the smallest squads in the league. The big 3 trophys are still possible and thats what matters. I dont mind going out its just the fact we took 2 injuries for it

[Kostas 1,468]

I'm disappointed because that young team failed to earn another chance to showcase their abilities.We were never going to play our best 11 in the League Cup so the chances of them tiring were small but instead the likes of Kakuta and Bruma won't play as many games as they would if we had won.20 Minutes in the Prem or the CL are hardly the chances that will let them properly develop.

[BomTrett 50]

Im pretty bummed because we won't get to watch more of the young lads running around amongst some of the big name players.. I find the Carling Cup to be a decent competition to showcase your youngsters and to bow out early at home against a newly promoted side is quite worrying.. I think a few more rounds would have suited me better..

Agreed. I was a bit disappointed we got a team like Newcastle, because i knew they'd be a tough opposition and it was a big test for our youngsters. (even though they beat Liverpool) I would have liked Chelsea to have played a team like Northampton, because then the youngsters would really have a chance to play, and progress for at least a couple more rounds.

On the flip side of this, last nights performance was very impressive, when looking at youngsters. There were times when inexperience showed, i.e. Bruma's silly challenge to give away a free kick (and the 2nd goal) and also Van Aanholt looking a bit lazy when it came to Nile Rangers goal. But there were also times when they showed real strength and willing, knowing that a good performance pushes them towards 1st team opportunities, in the PL for instance. Josh McEachran was really a star when he came on, and despite only being 17, he looks very comfortable on the ball, and we get a complete sense he knows exactly what he's doing, and that he's a confident young lad. Also Van Aanholts goal, and his assist for the 3rd goals were real signs of strength. Hopefully, although we take the FA cup more seriously, we'll get a nice couple of draws for the first couple of rounds, that allow Carlo to incorporate these youth players into the team once again, so they can showcase their ability once more. One thing i would change though...

Hilario in for Turnbull..

He cant be blamed for everything, but it just reinforces the original point when we signed him; Why the hell have we signed Middlesborough's number 2 goalkeeper..

I dont particularly know how well Walker or Delac would cope in this sort of competition, but what is the point of having Ross Turnbull as our 2nd/3rd goalkeeper, when we could just as easily have a young player, who may also make mistakes, but would be at an age when they are still learning and perfecting their game. I'd sell Turnbull in January to be perfectly honest, and i'm sure theres a Championship club who'd be happy to have him.

[EskWeston 696]

As has been said, the dissapointment is there is not another oppertunity for the young players to get some starts. Although if we pull a lower league team in the FA Cup i am sure there will be chances.

[BLionheart 516]

only three quality youngsters (Kakuta - mccheran - PVA) bruma is not in the same level with those guys . i don't want to be hard on the kid but he has never raised to the occasion on the 1st team level he was our worst defender in the preseason , in the community shield and there you go again . i have never found him that solid defender everyone was talking about . he still has a lot to learn before being our 4th choice CB .

the MOTM for me was mcceheran what a 17 years old player !!!!! he reminded me of iniesta in a lot of ways , i have never seen such a youngster this clever with the ball at his feet .... kakuta also offered a big threat from the left side before getting injured and PVA scored one and assisted one he was great going forward but still has got to focus on his positioning defensively .

but what i am most worried about are anelka , alex and ramires they seemed to put in a lot of effort specially anelka and ramires who played the whole 90 minutes ..... are they gonna be fresh for our first real test ??? i hope so because we are gonna need the 3 of them

[Kostas 1,468]

only three quality youngsters (Kakuta - mccheran - PVA) bruma is not in the same level with those guys . i don't want to be hard on the kid but he has never raised to the occasion on the 1st team level he was our worst defender in the preseason , in the community shield and there you go again . i have never found him that solid defender everyone was talking about . he still has a lot to learn before being our 4th choice CB .

He was played out of position in the Community Shield game,besides Ashley Cole was by far our worst defender that day.He could hardly be blamed for most pre-season goals since our goalkeeper let him down too many times.

How many games have you actually seen him play?Less than 10 games?Because that sounds rather knee-jerk.

[Fulham Broadway 16,854]

I dont think anyone wanted to go out last night,-in fact it was a post that denied the win with Ferreiras effort. He was pony most of the game though, and was partly responsible for two of their goals.

Sturridge needs to focus if hes ever going to be in the same league as Drogba or Anelka. Impressed with most of the youngsters, though gaps were left that powerful players like their Amoeba could exploit.

Mceachran is going to be some player -what strikes me is his coolness on the ball -only 17 FFS !!

All in all I blame Drogba -when ever a player talks about the quad, theres an immediate fuck up.....

[EskWeston 696]

only three quality youngsters (Kakuta - mccheran - PVA) bruma is not in the same level with those guys . i don't want to be hard on the kid but he has never raised to the occasion on the 1st team level he was our worst defender in the preseason , in the community shield and there you go again . i have never found him that solid defender everyone was talking about . he still has a lot to learn before being our 4th choice CB .

Sorry, but what a load of nonsense. You will not find a better 18 year old centre back anywhere.......

He will improve his game everytime he steps onto the pitch for the first team.

[Laylabelle 9,359]

Ooo thats whose said it...knew someone did just couldnt remember who.Drogba jynx

In a way...annoying cause nice to win trophies even if their random ugly ones with three handles.But still silver ware silver ware.But hey we didnt go out 3-1 we went out 3-4 so not to bad and against premier league oppostion

Dissapointing for the younger players not to get oppoutniy but to be honest they shouldnt be relying on this comp to play them in.If they want them to well need to start introducing them into premier league games,FA Cup etc.Mean Arsenal played young players years after year in the Carling Cup and half never heard off again and bugger of elsewhere so doesnt always work.Hopfully this make them work harder and start to get more game play elsewhere

And extra rest..shoiuld help

But swear ever since we lost to Spurs we've been shit in this comp lol.

[Laylabelle 9,359]

Ahhh double post sorry computers crap!!Delte this one

[BLionheart 516]

He was played out of position in the Community Shield game,besides Ashley Cole was by far our worst defender that day.He could hardly be blamed for most pre-season goals since our goalkeeper let him down too many times.

How many games have you actually seen him play?Less than 10 games?Because that sounds rather knee-jerk.

i have watched a lot of games for him in our reserves in our u -17 and with Netherlands and he only impressed me when playing against other youngsters but whenever he is up against a real challenge with a decent striker he flops .

and whenever he plays with the 1st team he flops .. i mean even sturridge who was completely useless yesterday had his good days with the 1st team like the community shield mach , PVA impressed many times playing with 1st team , kakuta has always impressed since his first cameo against wolves and mccehran had his days as well like yesterday ...

so my point is if a youngster flops in a match it's not a problem because i know he is going to improve but at least you have to show some potential in any of the games like what (kakuta and the others did ) but the problem with bruma is that i haven't seen any glimpes of a solid defender from him in a 1st team shirt .

[boshman 1,073]

I agree with most of you. Obviously disappointed to go out but the performance of the young players, noteably McEachran and PVA was brilliant. The youngsters will get another chance i'm sure of it after the performances i witnessed last night.

Forget this competition for another year and move on to more serious matters, City, Marseille and Arsenal all in a week.

[EskWeston 696]

i have watched a lot of games for him in our reserves in our u -17 and with Netherlands and he only impressed me when playing against other youngsters but whenever he is up against a real challenge with a decent striker he flops .

and whenever he plays with the 1st team he flops .. i mean even sturridge who was completely useless yesterday had his good days with the 1st team like the community shield mach , PVA impressed many times playing with 1st team , kakuta has always impressed since his first cameo against wolves and mccehran had his days as well like yesterday ...

so my point is if a youngster flops in a match it's not a problem because i know he is going to improve but at least you have to show some potential in any of the games like what (kakuta and the others did ) but the problem with bruma is that i haven't seen any glimpes of a solid defender from him in a 1st team shirt .

Bruma has been solid everytime he has played for the first team, apart from when he has played at right back. He wasn't perfect last night, but at 18 years old and playing for the first team you can't expect him to be!! Van Aanholt had defensive lapses, Kakuta wasn't as effective as he could be - this is how young players learn and improve for the first team. Bruma has played for the full Dutch squad already and done well, we are not talking about an average player here! The more games he plays the more comfortable and better he will be. Like i said, there is not a better 18 year old centre back out there.

[zolayes 14,489]

Sorry, but what a load of nonsense. You will not find a better 18 year old centre back anywhere.......

He will improve his game everytime he steps onto the pitch for the first team.

I am also sure he would have been more confident last night with Mikel in front of him and Cech behind

[oxfordblues 299]

Joshua McEachrane`s from oxford you know!