ws6blue

How about that boys in blue - twice behind, nous/strength to come back twice and win penalty shoot out absolutely best result of the season - Joe Edwards is a diamond!

Sari has a purist and bigoted view of technical tactics which worked at Napoli....................altho they won nothing. In PL, we have many top-notch coaches throughout, even the bottom clubs - all of them have worked Sarri out cos he has one method only and no plan b/c/d So here is why he should go: 1. one technically brilliant but flawed tactical system~ 2. holding player can't tackle and is slower than the attackers 3. set piece defending zonal only and ineffective 4. set piece attacking predictable 5. centre-forwards can't deliver the movement/guile/speed/goals required 6. keeper makes low percentage of saves versus shots on target (scientific oddity?) 7. system not designed to get early crosses in as often 1 or no one in the box 8. players have no freedom to change tactics or do stuff off-script 9. our players don't best match his strategy - don't fit so easier to change the coach imv So get rid - get someone attack minded in who can best use the players we do have and vary the tactics - go short or long - a la Carlo 4-3-3

So - Eden is our best player (by a mile) but his corner delivery, and Willians, is terrible. Under Conteh we did lots different moves and short corners etc - Sarri doesn't seem to have any idea other than plop it near post, middle or far post - all within the defending teams defending unit to head away or keeper catch it (not even punch it) We get plenty share of corners but hit rate is woeful - its not about the size of the players but the nous applied to the options - JT era (10 years of it) we were often getting results. how many goals from corners this year and from whom - can't remember more than a couple. sorry not just whinging but hoping someone reading this can change it.......................... always hope Oh, and David Luiz (all respects top player btw), has hit the head of defender of last 10 free kciks he has taken - can someone else have a go please

agree back post is a problem but imv the 'pure' zonal Sarri tactic doesn;t make any logical sense cos even the bigger players are standing still when the ball comes in - if its a decent delivery we are stuffed. Anyone who doesn't agree take a look at last 10 goals we have let in from set pieces. BTW, Barclay can head the ball but he can't tackle and avoids conflict, take a look at the Prague at home game - he is not a holding midfielder in any way IMV.

Burnley (both goals) another example of poor setup when defending set pieces - especially against bigger teams, and coaches who have worked us out. Sarri has gone for a 'pure' zonal system, so no one is marking anyone man to man but standing in their appointed zone where they attempt to defend the ball if it enters their zone. Every other team (not checked absolutely all PL teams tbh) has a combination of zonal and man to man marking - with that system some players are static but others on the move with the opposing team runners. That creates movement from some defenders, whereas 'pure' zonal doesn't - that movement introduces an essential dynamic as those players will continue their movement as the ball comes in and will hone in on where the ball is. 'Pure' zonal encourages the defenders to stand their if not in their zone, and not hunt the ball. Sorry if this is all obvious but if you folks can see that why can't Sarri? Burnleys first goal was terrible setup with no one patrolling the edge of the box...................but the second goal was absolutely awful - three headers, all unchallenged as our players being static did not react - take a look at the goal and watch their players chase the ball and ours watch the ball. Manu are a biggish physical team and with their newly found fondness for the long ball will be seeking as many set plays in the last third as they can on Sunday - we have to improve this aspect of our tactics. Sure Villa could teach us some lessons - by Villa I mean JT obvs.

Hard to pin our away problems on one single thing but yesterday our setup for defending set pieces was dire - this a repeat for other games recently like the man city free kick and alonso howler. Yesterday for their corners sarri set up a purely zonal system where all our defenders were static and attempted to jump if the ball came into their zone - take a look at the corners before the goal, they got a header on each of them by running in with no effective blockers and virtually a free leap and head. most successful teams combine part zonal and part man to man, with blockers - why aren't we doing that? not only that but alonso was marking their smallest player at the far post and not in the mix with the big guys. come on, it's so basic - who is our defensive coach btw, I note that JT being praised for his impact at villa and his attention to detail and practicing. Sarris has to take the can - his focus is on a purest form of the game, very very technical and requiring players to conform and stick to it. the PL has too many top coaches who after our first 18 games have worked us out. Everton got tough, hit some great set pieces and we crumbled - embarrassing.

Yes agree with most of the article content. especially the criticism of the players who aren't playing well but still get picked. the middle 3 and Barclay don't score enough goals and tbh their shooting is poor so onus on front 3 and Willian overall game has been below par this season. A lot of our attacking play reminds me of arsenal last few years under wenger - predictable but cup winning not PL winning

No sign of a definite alternative plan - other than David Luiz long balls from time to time which often work well. first 10 mins against arsenal was absolutely awful exactly same as Spurs away - lack of mental prep or application and other teams know we will play from the back from minute 1 So they really press from the start. so is it the system ior the players who haven't the skills and nouse the system needs or is it both these and sarri dictate which doesn't allow the players to vary the play based on what's happening. cant avoid the fact folks that our two best players are out of position. Higuin will make a positive difference offensively but overall game plan now obvious to the other teams. oh and sarri also very fixed on his squad - so no gazza or Moses or drinkwater all of whom have one the PL in past 3 seasons i am not hopeful tbh but hope he can flex his philosophy a tad starting on thursday

Seems like the better PL coaches have worked our plan A out - and are selecting when to press and when to drop deeper. Not just Spurs but if you look at other goals we have let in many are from the opposition nicking the ball in the middle third when it's too tight or we make a sloppy pass. Then break quickly and expose the centre backs as the middle 3 are all in the same area, then we get one on ones and someone out paced like Spurs 3rd goal. Jorginho excellent at pressing and tick tack style but actually Kante is best holding player we have so he should be in that position imv and Jorginho on the right maybe. Also the normal 3 middle players all similar stature so no big physical presence which also affects defending corners and set pieces, again look at who was on near post for Spurs 1st goal and sarri going for zonal only marking also exposing us. So suggesting the system needs tweaking and straight away as Dec really busy and games we would expect to win - tbh also think maybe his 1st pick 14 need a rotation for the PL as he is set and the opposition know that - so more of Pedro and cesc and Rubén instead and maybe Moses and Hudson-ndoi. not a plan b then but some positive tweaks to his system including rotations. in time for City

Just got back (to ws6) and saw MOTD which although brief confirmed what a great team effort today - apart from once when Baka went asleep and pogba headed wide. Everyone did their jobs, including our fans who were excellent, especially block D where the fans were on it - well done blueboys! A very happy end to the season - 19th of May rings a bell too.....

Please don't move to the match chat as this will get lost. Noticed on the Chelsea website article showing our fans in 1997 and about 70% had CFC shirts on, at the SF v Saints it was about 30% - yes I know they are expensive, but surely we can all get an older shirt out and wear that - its a small point but its a start point for our identity as blues fans, and hopefully leads to a great atmosphere at our end and plenty of noise and songs. Come on boys and girls (and ladies and gents), wear your Blue and see us through. There, feel better now

Was wondering whether he could be play in the cup final..........................master stroke if he can

First of all, the Ossie header was right in front of me and mates at OT - we went absolutely bonkers. But, actually reminded me that cup finals are normally won by big players with big hearts that deliver on the big occasion - Lamps/Drogs etc................so who do we have that we could class in that category (of 'big' player) - My list is short but sweet; Giroud - yes he is a bit one dimensional, but each game he has worked his nuts off and delivered more than once Alonso - top class player is Marco, and a character - he can get big goals too Fabregas - he knows what this is about and has the class and composure to do that one little bit of magic Sadly IMV, the list doesn't include Eden, or Willian.................which it obviously should but other than Spurs sf last season they haven't done it We score first we will it, and I think we will - Conteh to pull a fast one and select RLC on the bench! COYB

A year ago we understood his poor run of form, but this season his body language on the pitch and his overall play has only been average, compared to his previous very high levels. Maybe he had a move in the pipeline (there were some rumours at the time) which didn't happen, or maybe he has been told he is going - either way he needs to step his game up cos atm he is not giving conte enough to get a start shame, as he has been great previously......................

definitely should look at richarlison - altho he can go over a bit easy, he looks very lively and has an eye for goal - possibly replace willian and also defintely we need a fast attacking left wing back to cover alonso and give us a different option thats all we need folks IMV

Against mancu was 1st time he looked the player he was last season - powerful runs into the box, strong on the ball and real box2box style of play he doesn't yet have the class in his passing or finishing but with some composure in the box he looks like a toure in the making I especially liked the way he was so disappointed with his miss in the 2nd half - showed commitment and right attitude Could be his breakthrough season

surprising no one lined up and timing at mid season - so was ME nudged, or maybe something else going on? I think club are unlikely to go for someone not already in the role somewhere, and critical whoever it is Roman likes/respects As a long shot, what about wenger......................not a joke or Avram Grant or RDM

Baaed on the friendlies and comments made since conte arrived I'm going with; Ruben - probably out on loan as played out of position and didn't flourish Pedro - out in preference to cuadrado and tbh flatters but doesn't deliver Moses - in as cover for edem Cuadrado - in Chalobah - in. He has done well and adds pace and bite Olna - in. Still naive but lots of talent Oscar - out as looks disinterested Costa - out if we get a replacement Traore - in as third striker Kennedy - no idea where he is Van ginkel - same Fabregas - in but under threat if Oscar stays Last the 3 other centre backs - all out if we bring someone in Gonna be busy few weeks

In last nights cameo he did well, added some bite and pace and some quicker passing, especially longer balls and has these attributes that matic doesn't have. Definitely worth a squad place imv.

Looks like he is going, maybe linked to log a going to mancs, he goes to juventus maybe. He did ok last night but didn't look happy and had a few long looks at conte. I agree with recent posts he could do a job in a 433 but is not ideal holding player nor a number 10 but actually a very versatile squad player if you could keep him motivated. Personally I am still a fan cos he has talent, yes maybe not fulfilled his promise yet. Doubt if he'll stay

Mason Mount. This lad has got the lot for a genuine no.10 Great control, movement, fluidity on the ball, passing short and long. Last 3rd he influences the play, hits the killer pass or makes the perfect run. Last year he came out of nowhere and scored critical goals in big games, and his timing into the box reminded me of super frank. Can h.e push on now to the next level

Yes I know it's early after only a couple of friendlies but it's looking a bit different to past few seasons. We know he likes centre backs and the pivotal midfielder to hit long diagonals as part of counter attacking style, with 3 or 4 at the back same idea. What we have seen so far is defending deep, little pressing, none in the opponents half - get 9 behind the ball and break fast, either one/twos or long over the top. Another clue are the 2 players we have signed, both quick, mobile and energetic. And of course there is cuadrado, who he likes cos he works back to front and puts in a shift. So we haven't had much of the ball and when we get it, we move it fast. Personally I hope he mixes it up so we can always have a plan b and maybe keep the ball or play through midfield as well as fast and furious. Sit deep and defend and you don't need fast centre backs or holding midfielders which actually fits itch the current squad. Reminds a bit of Jose when he arrived....athletic, physical and counter attacking Should win plenty of games but might not be classy or fluid or fancy or entertaining.

Don't agree with the pick of the most likely from this group to get in OUR first team squad. Clarke-salter probably not as not enough pace of physical enough, yes I know JT lacks pace but he is a one off. He has good passing ability tho so definitely championship level. Jay deSilva maybe but as a left sided forward not a defender as his positional stuff is awful, and likes to step in which is only about 60percent successful. He is a bit spikeyy which is good and very neat and tidy but maybe not big or strong enough. Abrahams has all the assetts though but may struggle when his physical attributes are out gunned, but he is quite Wiley for a young player so he is a possible. For me the best prospects are mason mount and Timori. Mount is perfect in the 10 role, great range passing, very fluid on the ball, silky runner and very mature positioning and timing on and off the ball - best prospect since Rubén. Timori is jjust brilliant as a defender, he is lightning quick like gallas, great at interceptions like Ricky, and positioning and heading like desailly - I am not kidding, this lad has got it all and a big personality. Mount and timori top prospects

Could define our whole season and if we get it right then could still be a decentish end For Stoke expect guus to rotate a little again but expect to see his starting eleven for PSg on the pitch at some point in the game 2-1 blues PSG will be his 1st pick team but will need to battle it out cos last year they were just plain dirty, and must stop the set pieces, both their goals from headers. Not sure JT ready to start tho but on the bench. We can definitely win this game but need the big players to perform so come on cesc, diago, Willian. 2-1 blues Everton will be tough after weds but at least no NAysmith!. Will expect some of the squad to play maybe traore or Kennedy , expect a draw and win the replay GUus very good at tweaking the squad and tactics but this will test all his knowse. Keep the faith

No not a joke, he would be a good fit if one of our 'stars' left - pacey, clever, cocky and works hard. Knows the PL and is English and young. Bit like Moses so maybe not a perfect fit but he was excellent the other night Would surely be better in a stronger team like ours