Chelsea (A) 13/08/23 - 16:30 BST

[Venton]

Dont understand why Jones didnt start. Gakpo is an amazing false 9

Yeah, strange one.

[Kenneth]

Not a bad score at halftime. Started pretty well but look as disjointed as you’d fear with the major changes. The obvious issue with the shape of the midfield is showing and Gakpo and the front three aren’t getting into it enough. Jota off, Gakpo up the middle and someone calmer like jones in midfield please. Picks itself really.

[BobTheCharmer]

Good in patches, especially first 25 minutes.

I fear our defensive woes are more serious than simply having a dedicated DM. I just don't think that back 4 are very good at defending.

I do wonder if we actually do defensive drills. If so, we need a new defensive coach.

[Fierce]

Jones for Jota and move Cody forward?

Dont understand why Jones didnt start. Gakpo is an amazing false 9

4-5-1 or 4-3-3 with Jones and Macca as the 2 more defensively minded midfielders, Cody up top with Dom behind him. At a total loss as to why we didn’t start like that tbf

I'm sure he'll come good but he hasn't been convincing at all. He'd normally be nowhere the first team but we're threadbare in there atm.

You think our 3rd most expensive signing should be nowhere near the first team?

[Exiled_red]

We were better side until Salah's disallowed goal, Chelsea have been better side since, we are getting opened up too much particularly down the left. Threat upfront has diminished too. Need to improve significantly second half

[Rigadon]

Started well. Chelsea looked poor but we allowed them back in the game. Need to see more of Diaz, Gakpo, Jota and Szoboszlai in the second half. Also noticed Trent and Robbo not getting forward that much.

[Leyton388]

Worst Chelsea side I've seen in 20 years and they are opening us up.

[Venton]

Good in patches, especially first 25 minutes.

I fear our defensive woes are more serious than simply having a dedicated DM. I just don't think that back 4 are very good at defending.

I do wonder if we actually do defensive drills. If so, we need a new defensive coach.

I agree, although I'm not sure it's just the back four (or the lack of a proper DM). We have been pretty hopeless during the transitions for a while now, both in terms of supporting the press and getting back when we lose the ball.

[BobTheCharmer]

I agree, although I'm not sure it's just the back four (or the lack of a proper DM). We have been pretty hopeless during the transitions for a while now, both in terms of supporting the press and getting back when we lose the ball.

It looks very last season. Which is a big concern. Jones on may add some composure this half.

[labourRed]

You think our 3rd most expensive signing should be nowhere near the first team?

At this stage, yeah. There's usually a bedding in period for players and his preseason has been disrupted with an ankle injury but we're about two players short in midfield so we are where we are, playing a CM in DCM and a false nine.

[danperkins]

At this stage, yeah. There's usually a bedding in period for players and his preseason has been disrupted with an ankle injury but we're about two players short in midfield so we are where we are, playing a CM in DCM and a false nine.

and it shows. Some players haven't got a breeze what they are doing.

[danperkins]

That's a terrible effort

[Venton]

Nice effort from VD there, just after toe-poking a Chelsea bollock. He's ****ing fantastic.

[Buzzo]

He used to ping a few in for Celtic like that. Used to take their free kicks if I remember.

[Slinky Skills]

Troublemaker looks a good player.