647 replies to this topic

[wxwax]

Anders, on 20 January 2012 - 03:04 PM, said:

Cahill suits Chelsea statistically and tactically:

http://www.zonalmark...lsea-high-line/

That was a good article. I believe that AVB is research-oriented, so I suspect he's well aware of the stats cited.

[footballoholic]

Full PC:

[Castiel]

In the wake of all the drama surrounding the game, we haven't really discussed his debut in depth. I thought he was absolutely sensational, especially considering the circumstances. He came in, with no rapport with Luiz, lead our back line (visibly trying to organise the defence like Terry does) and put in a great shift against Manchester United no less. Granted it was one performance, but I feel there is going to be plenty of egg on faces for this one. His tackle on Welbeck was extremely risky and could have been a penalty on another day (even though it was probably a free kick outside the box) but other than that he was almost perfect. All that for £7m. If thats how he's going to play from now on I'm delighted with the signing.

[Spiller86]

Agree Castiel. I thought he was far better on the second look of the game as well. It was a real JT like performance. I think we have ourselves a keeper.

[TheWestwayWonder]

Agreed, Castiel. I couldnt tell you how much of a role he played in the disaster of the last 30 minutes because I was too busy hiding in the corner, but he was definitely noticeably solid throughout the game.

And as you say, it was straight into the fire of a big big game and he came out admirably. Its a good positive to take out of that one.

[Chels2]

He was decent, i thought Ivanovic had to cover for him quite a few times, and he completely lost Hernandez for the equalizer.

His challenge on Welbeck was in my opinion a red card but not a penalty as I saw him being the last man but outside the box which is partly why I'm not too bothered about Uniteds ridiculous second penalty.

[Spiller86]

Why is it people are suggesting it was Cahill who lost Hernandez. Having played a little centre half, the closest player assuming he isn't directly marking someone goes to the near post to clear the ball if the cross is low. That is exactly what Cahill did, the responsibility for picking up Hernandez lies with either Romeu where he started the run from or Luiz the other centre half.

Edited by Spiller86, 08 February 2012 - 05:57 AM.

[Castiel]

Chels2, on 08 February 2012 - 05:52 AM, said:

He was decent, i thought Ivanovic had to cover for him quite a few times, and he completely lost Hernandez for the equalizer.

His challenge on Welbeck was in my opinion a red card but not a penalty as I saw him being the last man but outside the box which is partly why I'm not too bothered about Uniteds ridiculous second penalty.

You can't blame him for the last goal any more than Luiz and Romeu. Its impossible to tell without the zone instructions who was meant to be covering that particular area, but my guess would be Romeu. Luiz is the second most likely.

I also think (but I can't be certain) that Ivanovich was either ahead or level with him during that tackle. It was still a very stupid thing to do against United with Howard Webb refereeing.