Yesterday’s hard-fought draw at Chelsea brought plenty of talking points that both raised and answered several questions about the team.
Firstly, the matter of result vs performance: we were absolutely nowhere near out best, and for only twenty minutes or so did we look like a competitive side in the second half. However, the fact that we refused to give up until the last kick, despite being outplayed for most of the match, is not only highly admirable, but deeply encouraging – it shows the kind of fighting, winning mentality that Conte is trying to instil into the players. Early days, but four points from two games where we have been in losing positions – one of which at a ground we generally have no joy at – is a sign of improved mental toughness, of which we’ll need plenty to take the next step to success.
Secondly, the various tactical shenanigans from both sides were fascinating. Indeed, Chelsea flummoxed us from the start playing Loftus-Cheek in a hybrid wing-back/midfield position that always seemed to leave us outnumbered in both ends of the pitch, and it wasn’t until Richarlison came on that we started to ask serious questions of Chelsea. We looked good going forward, but the 4-4-2 left us wide open on our left for Chelsea’s second, and the reversion to the back three towards the game’s end swung things back in our favour, but overall Chelsea were just tactically superior all game and executed their press with more efficacy and success; we just couldn’t cope at times.
A great point I have to say, and it’s too early to tell how both sides match up with each other looking forward, but Chelsea just looked a better, more composed side throughout, despite the result. Whether Conte will use Richarlison as a tool to go 4-4-2 in the future, or try a 3-5-2 when things aren’t going to plan, remains to be seen, but it was fascinating seeing his response to going 1-0 then 2-1 down, just as it was really uplifting to see us refuse to lie down.
I find it very odd that Conte received a red ( or even second yellow) card for what occurred after the game. Video replay shows very clearly that the annoying Tuchel instigated the flare up by not releasing Conte’s handshake. Conte went through the formality/obligatory motion and didn’t feel like looking into Tuchel’s whacky eyes. What is he supposed to do at that point when ( as TK says “git”) won’t let go of his hand!? One would think that Conte’s card should be reviewed and rescinded.
I will say that it was incredibly entertaining…
Absolutely agree that the proliferation of threads is an abortion. We need to go back to having one pre match thread and then an analysis thread. Also what happened to us submitting our own topic efforts every so often. They produced plenty of cut and thrust, sadly lacking now.
I’m already hating the 5 subs rule. As if the game isn’t already too stop start. How about only allowing subs while the ball is in play? No more ambling slowly off.
LT …. I think we can still submit our own articles. I’ve written 177 articles on here in the past. But it’s a bit difficult now as they would get lost among the threads before any real discussion got going.
Your articles would be well received on the forum Geof, sorry to go on about it! 🙂
TQ …. How do you think the WSL is shaping up. The women’s team have bought in as many new players as the men’s team. I’m really looking forward to the season starting. As I’ve mentioned, Keep an eye out for City’s Mary Fowler.
What is good so far in 2 games… we got 4 points from 2 teams that beat us last season, so 3 points next game from wolves at whl, saturday will show spurs are making solid progress. 🙂 Coys
We need to average two points per game (over the season) to ensure CL football. Therefore, we’re on the right track. Now …. let’s keep it going!
PY – on wining vs style, you know where I stand!
Thanks BS, yes I do, but it is still a “rock and a hard place”
Its the win a Trophy or 2….with lovely entertaining football, need dosh for that I believe!
Or play tough boring hard to beat football, where I believe we are at in this moment in time.
Thus the “rock n a hard place” cannot please all the supporters all of the time. COYS