Alejandro

It is over. A shame, really, we were the better team today. Yes, we were better. Had all the defense except Aonso and Cesc put a decent performance, we would at least be at 0-0.
This game proved we have the basis - great coach, very good wings, Alonso and Kante. Add a world class cb, rb, cm and st and we are set.

It is over. A shame, really, we were the better team today. Yes, we were better. Had all the defense except Aonso and Cesc put a decent performance, we would at least be at 0-0.
This game proved we have the basis - great coach, very good wings, Alonso and Kante. Add a world class cb, rb, cm and st and we are set.

It is over. A shame, really, we were the better team today. Yes, we were better. Had all the defense except Aonso and Cesc put a decent performance, we would at least be at 0-0.
This game proved we have the basis - great coach, very good wings, Alonso and Kante. Add a world class cb, rb, cm and st and we are set.

Bro, we battered Palace. I would argue it was one of our best games lately. Take a look at the xG and see - we created 3.8 worth of goals (essentially 4), discounting the own goal. So base upon that, a more apt result should have been 5-1. Despite the own goals, we have no luck this season. Same against Arsenal - we sould have won twice and drew once, instead drew twice and lost one. Against Barca we created far less chances. Also, Courtois certainly contributed his part in them scoring...

Regardless of that, a very tough game tonight. Can we win? Yes. But it will be very difficult... Interesting to see which individuals Conte would opt and in what formation.
Image by  Caley Graphics

Bro, we battered Palace. I would argue it was one of our best games lately. Take a look at the xG and see - we created 3.8 worth of goals (essentially 4), discounting the own goal. So base upon that, a more apt result should have been 5-1. Despite the own goals, we have no luck this season. Same against Arsenal - we sould have won twice and drew once, instead drew twice and lost one. Against Barca we created far less chances. Also, Courtois certainly contributed his part in them scoring...

Regardless of that, a very tough game tonight. Can we win? Yes. But it will be very difficult... Interesting to see which individuals Conte would opt and in what formation.
Image by  Caley Graphics

The thing is, he is not that incompetent. Against Barca ha was lively, enthusiastic - and the team performed good, pressed high etc'. This time, we did absolutely nothing. Yes, City did not get ton of good chances, but it was an abysmal performance.

I wasn't an advocate of him leaving, but given the last games, it is inevitable. Conte's problem is that he didn't move on. Ok, you have some average players and you didn't got the players you wanted, but you have to move on. He didn't. It is unfortunate, I thought he could take us high. 

I think we can be a bit more optimistic ahead of the second leg. In this game we showed we can contain them - had we avoided the mistake, Barca would have only one chance! Against the best or, at lest, top 3 attack in the world we managed to concede only one - and not a clear cut - chance. I think that we should have been more accurate when going forward, and had we been -  we would get so many more chances. Also, while the team defended, we pressed Barca - successfully - in their half and most of the time managed to incur a ball loss. We also had good understanding of when to pressure. For example, every time the ball was played to the flank, we  waited for the moment to attack their full back with our wing back. This resulted in the ball-nearest CB to go high. When Barca tried to adjust their game in order to cope better with the press, the wing back would push less high and posit himself closer to the centre in order to cover the long ball behind him. This showed me we came very prepared, Conte did a great job tactically (yes, the players some time relinquished the ball for too long, but for understandable reasons - the pressure, playing against Baca etc'. You could see Conte, in some footage, telling the players to press more, higher...).
I think that Conte is an elite manager, and he showed it today. Obviously, playing in Camp Nou would be a different ball game, however I can see us going through. We will attack more, press them even more and defend less, but I think given the game today, we can be optimistic. Also, this good performance can impact our tough games ahead against City, United and Baca. If we glean 3 wins, I will tattoo Conte to both ass cheeks. Luckily, odds are slim.

I think we can be a bit more optimistic ahead of the second leg. In this game we showed we can contain them - had we avoided the mistake, Barca would have only one chance! Against the best or, at lest, top 3 attack in the world we managed to concede only one - and not a clear cut - chance. I think that we should have been more accurate when going forward, and had we been -  we would get so many more chances. Also, while the team defended, we pressed Barca - successfully - in their half and most of the time managed to incur a ball loss. We also had good understanding of when to pressure. For example, every time the ball was played to the flank, we  waited for the moment to attack their full back with our wing back. This resulted in the ball-nearest CB to go high. When Barca tried to adjust their game in order to cope better with the press, the wing back would push less high and posit himself closer to the centre in order to cover the long ball behind him. This showed me we came very prepared, Conte did a great job tactically (yes, the players some time relinquished the ball for too long, but for understandable reasons - the pressure, playing against Baca etc'. You could see Conte, in some footage, telling the players to press more, higher...).
I think that Conte is an elite manager, and he showed it today. Obviously, playing in Camp Nou would be a different ball game, however I can see us going through. We will attack more, press them even more and defend less, but I think given the game today, we can be optimistic. Also, this good performance can impact our tough games ahead against City, United and Baca. If we glean 3 wins, I will tattoo Conte to both ass cheeks. Luckily, odds are slim.

Here is my input and what I think we will see:

Firstly, Barcelona play, this season, mostly, with a 4-3-1-2 diamond, with Paulinho behind Messi and Suarez and a midfield of Busquets, Iniesta and Rakitic. Sergie Roberto could play there, but will most likely play as RB. After Coutinho's arrival and Dembele's return from injury, we could see a change in formation - Barcelona played this season also traditional 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 . Based on Valverde's calm personality, I think it is unlikely we will see Messi, Suarez, Iniesta, Coutinho and Dembele play together from the outset; it is just unbalanced, with too many players not good at defending. If anything, Coutinho or Dembele will replace Paulinho. In any case tough, this season Barcelona almost always defend in a traditional 4-4-2 with Suarez and Messi pretty much absolved from defending duties. But when attacking, they majorly attack from the centre. One caveat is the pressure: Barcelona this season press high and good. Lastly, a change in the back 4 which consists of Alba, Umtiti, Pique, Roberto is extremely unlikely unless an injury will strike (we perhaps will be able to exploit their defence; sometimes, they appear shaky. Also, if Coutinho or Dembele would start, we could see times of only 7 Barcelona defenders - a negative for them).
Now, For us: given the way Barca play and given the fact the Conte likes in big games to go with a three-man midfield, we probably will see a 5-3-2. In defence, If Alonso is fit, Conte probably would opt to play Zapa. Why? He is a better - albeit not very good - defender then Moses, he is faster, has sterling stamina and is taller - which is significant because Dave is playing adjacent to him, plus good for set-pieces (and played this season'sbig games) . In Attack, Hazard and Morata, if fit, will be present. The big question is who will compose this mid. Excluding Kante, 4 players are fighting for two slots: Baka, Cesc, DD and even Luiz. It may sound crazy, but I think that DD has the best chances - he has stamina, can attack and defend, has reasonable height and decent passes. For the last spot: Luiz - has terrible form, probably fallen out with Conte, is reckless and absentminded, however, is strong, tall, and quick (useful traits against agile Barca); Cesc - Cannot - under any circumstances - defend, has no work-rate, weak and in bad form, however, has creativity and he is the best passer we got; Baka - probably has Cont's nudes so he will start. Anyway, I think at least we will see two player who can defend well. It is also worth mentioning other options: Conte selecting 3-4-3 - and then the mid would consist of Willian and Pedro, Hazard false 9, and Kante and Baka (in this option Cest would not start); and the option of playing Cesc in the mid and trying to mask his defending abilities - like against Tottenham when Conte played Luiz and Kante and Cesc (if this is the case, Conte might try him as a Pirlo, Like Juve, when he played in the centre of mid, thus he saves running to the sides and coming back...). One caveat: Even against Man Utd, and throughout this season, it was clear that when using the 5-3-2 spaces would form in the half-spaces. It is crucial for the midfield man, Hazard and Morata (that occasionally support) and our full-backs (that in Antonio's system come up far) to cover those spaces. Barca and Messi, in particular, love 'em.
To conclude: If we desire to turn around this season, we must see more of the combination play Conte is so fond of, use wisely the opportunities we will get to counter attack, and cover the spaces popping up in the half spaces  and hope Messi is having a day off. Looking at past encounters, we, only might, will be able to see them off. fingers crossed!

Here is my input and what I think we will see:

Firstly, Barcelona play, this season, mostly, with a 4-3-1-2 diamond, with Paulinho behind Messi and Suarez and a midfield of Busquets, Iniesta and Rakitic. Sergie Roberto could play there, but will most likely play as RB. After Coutinho's arrival and Dembele's return from injury, we could see a change in formation - Barcelona played this season also traditional 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 . Based on Valverde's calm personality, I think it is unlikely we will see Messi, Suarez, Iniesta, Coutinho and Dembele play together from the outset; it is just unbalanced, with too many players not good at defending. If anything, Coutinho or Dembele will replace Paulinho. In any case tough, this season Barcelona almost always defend in a traditional 4-4-2 with Suarez and Messi pretty much absolved from defending duties. But when attacking, they majorly attack from the centre. One caveat is the pressure: Barcelona this season press high and good. Lastly, a change in the back 4 which consists of Alba, Umtiti, Pique, Roberto is extremely unlikely unless an injury will strike (we perhaps will be able to exploit their defence; sometimes, they appear shaky. Also, if Coutinho or Dembele would start, we could see times of only 7 Barcelona defenders - a negative for them).
Now, For us: given the way Barca play and given the fact the Conte likes in big games to go with a three-man midfield, we probably will see a 5-3-2. In defence, If Alonso is fit, Conte probably would opt to play Zapa. Why? He is a better - albeit not very good - defender then Moses, he is faster, has sterling stamina and is taller - which is significant because Dave is playing adjacent to him, plus good for set-pieces (and played this season'sbig games) . In Attack, Hazard and Morata, if fit, will be present. The big question is who will compose this mid. Excluding Kante, 4 players are fighting for two slots: Baka, Cesc, DD and even Luiz. It may sound crazy, but I think that DD has the best chances - he has stamina, can attack and defend, has reasonable height and decent passes. For the last spot: Luiz - has terrible form, probably fallen out with Conte, is reckless and absentminded, however, is strong, tall, and quick (useful traits against agile Barca); Cesc - Cannot - under any circumstances - defend, has no work-rate, weak and in bad form, however, has creativity and he is the best passer we got; Baka - probably has Cont's nudes so he will start. Anyway, I think at least we will see two player who can defend well. It is also worth mentioning other options: Conte selecting 3-4-3 - and then the mid would consist of Willian and Pedro, Hazard false 9, and Kante and Baka (in this option Cest would not start); and the option of playing Cesc in the mid and trying to mask his defending abilities - like against Tottenham when Conte played Luiz and Kante and Cesc (if this is the case, Conte might try him as a Pirlo, Like Juve, when he played in the centre of mid, thus he saves running to the sides and coming back...). One caveat: Even against Man Utd, and throughout this season, it was clear that when using the 5-3-2 spaces would form in the half-spaces. It is crucial for the midfield man, Hazard and Morata (that occasionally support) and our full-backs (that in Antonio's system come up far) to cover those spaces. Barca and Messi, in particular, love 'em.
To conclude: If we desire to turn around this season, we must see more of the combination play Conte is so fond of, use wisely the opportunities we will get to counter attack, and cover the spaces popping up in the half spaces  and hope Messi is having a day off. Looking at past encounters, we, only might, will be able to see them off. fingers crossed!

I have you ever had to catch a bus to get somewhere important. And you think you have enough time. And you look at your watch and think "yeah, no worries it's good". But then you look down the road and you see the bus is at the bus stop. And people are getting on it. So you start running like a nutter. Faster and faster. And you wave like mad hoping the driver will see you and wait. But you don't quite make it. And the bus drives off. And your stuck there bent double, puffing and panting, sweating like a c**t.
I get that feeling again every time I watch Pedro.
 

I don't know why people here are complaining.
Yes, we looked shaky up until the 10th minute. Yes, we played against West Brom.
But I think it was a huge improvement from the two last games. We played with energy, created chances and apart from the first minutes looked decent on defence. We also saw Conte, while not changing the system, at least introducing new tactical aspects to the game: more freedom to the back 3 when attacking (we even saw Rudiger and Azpi overlapping Moses and Zapa), the combination play upfront that Conte like has made a reappearance.
And, most importantly, the players played with energy and will.
I concede that ahead of this very difficult month this might not be enough. But maybe, just maybe, this will give the players the confidence they need (odds are slim though)...

I don't know why people here are complaining.
Yes, we looked shaky up until the 10th minute. Yes, we played against West Brom.
But I think it was a huge improvement from the two last games. We played with energy, created chances and apart from the first minutes looked decent on defence. We also saw Conte, while not changing the system, at least introducing new tactical aspects to the game: more freedom to the back 3 when attacking (we even saw Rudiger and Azpi overlapping Moses and Zapa), the combination play upfront that Conte like has made a reappearance.
And, most importantly, the players played with energy and will.
I concede that ahead of this very difficult month this might not be enough. But maybe, just maybe, this will give the players the confidence they need (odds are slim though)...

I don't know why people here are complaining.
Yes, we looked shaky up until the 10th minute. Yes, we played against West Brom.
But I think it was a huge improvement from the two last games. We played with energy, created chances and apart from the first minutes looked decent on defence. We also saw Conte, while not changing the system, at least introducing new tactical aspects to the game: more freedom to the back 3 when attacking (we even saw Rudiger and Azpi overlapping Moses and Zapa), the combination play upfront that Conte like has made a reappearance.
And, most importantly, the players played with energy and will.
I concede that ahead of this very difficult month this might not be enough. But maybe, just maybe, this will give the players the confidence they need (odds are slim though)...

I don't know why people here are complaining.
Yes, we looked shaky up until the 10th minute. Yes, we played against West Brom.
But I think it was a huge improvement from the two last games. We played with energy, created chances and apart from the first minutes looked decent on defence. We also saw Conte, while not changing the system, at least introducing new tactical aspects to the game: more freedom to the back 3 when attacking (we even saw Rudiger and Azpi overlapping Moses and Zapa), the combination play upfront that Conte like has made a reappearance.
And, most importantly, the players played with energy and will.
I concede that ahead of this very difficult month this might not be enough. But maybe, just maybe, this will give the players the confidence they need (odds are slim though)...

Welcome Alejandro. I agree. A formation is about the best way to execute a style of play, it's not the be all and end all by itself. For us a back 3 seems to be the best way to provide stable possession because we are incredibly vulnerable in transition when we lose the ball which showed in the two seasons you mentioned.
Problem for us recently has been teams have pressed high and this has disrupted this stable possession as we seem to lose it whenever we try and move further up the field  (Bakayoko and Drinkwater have been exposed particularly in this area). Hazard being further away from the ball and unable to carry it forward also hasnt helped. 
This is why I think Giroud is a crucial cog as he has fantastic hold up play and can win the ball in the air. Which offer ways around the press. It also means Hazard can dribble the ball forward more which has been key under Conte.  For me the back three stays because we have no other options with this squad. We need someone who can hold the ball in midfield (whose name isn't Cesc Fabregas, as he creates another set of issues) before we can move away from this way of playing.

Hello, new here (first comment)...
Just wanted to chime in and say he indeed switched to a back 4 against Watford.
He moved Azpi to RB and Zappa to LB; played with Kante and Fabregas in the mid; and Hazard, Moses and Giroud front 3.
I have been reading this forum for some time and thus observed the complaints regarding Conte's fixation on 5 defenders. Although I agree to some extent, we need to remember that we conceded a lot and looked unbalanced before the switch last season - and even this season - that eventually brought the title back. So it is natural he will be reluctant to alter, again, the system.

Hello, new here (first comment)...
Just wanted to chime in and say he indeed switched to a back 4 against Watford.
He moved Azpi to RB and Zappa to LB; played with Kante and Fabregas in the mid; and Hazard, Moses and Giroud front 3.
I have been reading this forum for some time and thus observed the complaints regarding Conte's fixation on 5 defenders. Although I agree to some extent, we need to remember that we conceded a lot and looked unbalanced before the switch last season - and even this season - that eventually brought the title back. So it is natural he will be reluctant to alter, again, the system.