DP2

We are now odds on to finish top 4 and there's a real chance we could be ahead of City 1/4 way through the season. Top 6 would be good, top 4 would definately exceed expectations.

If I was a betting man I would bet on him not being here next year, no way he'll take a rolling contract. There'll be a lot of interest in Jan, especially if he continues his current form. His daughters have just started school and he's already lived in the Ukraine so I suspect he'd be happy to move away for a big pay out. I'd be surprised if he doesn't end up in China or similar.

"So far away, so far away... Captain America's been torn apart and now he's a court jester with a broken heart". The lyrics from Paradise City seem appropriate. A bit harsh on Pulisic maybe. Nearly 2 weeks to the next game. I actually dont mind for once, time for Frank to reflect and plan. Also closer to Rudiger and RLC's return.

Kante is always MOTM, even when he's not playing. After that I thought Alonso had a good game. Cant remember if he contributed to their goal but it did come from his side. He's what we need at the moment for his physicality. I'd probably keep him ahead of Emerson when he gets back. Cant believe I just said that.

He has the attributes to be really really good if he gets the head down. Very good squad player. 26 now and should be in his prime over the next couple of years. This season is really important. He's contracted for 18 mths so up to Frank how that plays out. Difficult to see much game time...Subs, League Cup, FA Cup, maybe Lille at home depending on our position.

If somebody wanted to be cynical they could point out that Willian's contract is up this year and this is his last chance of a big pay out. That's If somebody wanted to be. I'm just happy he's playing really well and we have 3 or 4 players who can slot into that position.

Agreed. Was going to post something along the same lines. Didn't think he wanted to be here or was a bit disruptive or something. Happy to say I was wrong and he's really important to the team. Most of the crowd seem to agree too.

Glad I didnt have a bet on it!

Damn you Bats. Had Abraham 18th minute 3-1 in the predictions.

I dont want to alarm anyone but Tomori has done that several times in the last few matches. Just dont let it happen again and we'll forget about it. Great tracking from Jorginho.

I love that man!

Yessssss

What a finish.

Good side. Zouma starts for his strength and Willian is in form. Just dont give away stupid goals. Come on Chelsea.

Brighton were taking the absolute p1ss in the 2nd half. I didnt think we played very well against Brighton but we won 2-0 and had about 30 shots on goal.

James, Guehi and Odoi in the u21's

Happy with Intl break for once, didn't realise Rudiger would be out for so long. Hope Emerson is back immediately after followed by Loftus Cheek and Rudiger. Zouma, Christensen, Tomori Azpillacueta, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso, Mount, Abraham, Odoi Like said earlier prefer Mount playing more centrally but I think we need a physically stronger team just now. If Tomori could play left back as a stop gap I'd take Alonso out and put Wllian/Pedro/Pulisic? in and go 433 with Mount in midfield if fit, otherwise Kovac. I just don't like the thought of Azpi (on form), Christensen or Zouma and Alonso as 3 of a back 4. When all fit I'd have a back 4 of James, Rudiger, Tomori and Azpillacueta.

Southampton 1-3 Chelsea, Abraham, 18 mins Fancy an Abraham hat-trick in this one.

Mount, Barkley, Tomori and Abraham in the England squad. Well done boys...keep some room for James & Odoi.

Technically he did what your supposed to do and keep the ball down, what happened after that is just like any volley or long range effort that could be blocked or saved.

Agreed but to be fair some posters were mostly criticising defending at set pieces. I think this is reasonable. You would expect our u18 to deal with the basic defending the senior team has struggled with and thats something Frank needs to look at. In saying that we know we need Rudiger back and to strengthen a bit more so whats the point in calling out individual players? Having seen the 'bad' times and the 'good' times this manager and team couldn't have come at a better time for me personally. I want them to succeed and I'm loving it so much I'm probably over accepting of some of the performances. A lot of posters will only have seen some of the best defenders/players that have ever played, not just for the club, but ever. So the standards/expectations might be different. As long as criticism of the young lads like Reece James (which was out of order) stays on an internet forum and not in the stands theres no harm. The games I've been to this season fans were having a real go at Willian but he should be able to deal with that. Hope Kante's fit for Sunday. There were a few walking wounded last night.

Thought there might be hope for Ampadu after watching Leipzig give away 2 terrible goals in a 2-0 defeat at home to Lyon...then realised he wasn't on the bench when they subbed 2 centre backs and their defensive midfielder off.

Good performance. Fantastic result. We were rattled a bit for 10 mins before ht and set pieces still a concern but otherwise showed great maturity in a really difficult fixture. Bring on the Saints. Up the Chels.

Great keeping. 3 good saves tonight.

...or Willian, both struggling