venom2011

It's a different muscular injury. I'm sure Jose just realises that Costa needs some rest and is playing it up a bit. I've noticed that he has been more static in his general play since the injury so there must be something to it.

He does look quite good. I think backup for Cesc is a major issue. If we lose him we have no one even close to offering what he does at the moment. I'm a massive admirer of Koke and Pogba. One of those will do nicely.

Agreed. After 15mins you could see it was going to be one of those days. Lay-off after lay-off and no great attempt to impact the game. He may be a little tired though, but it does become an issue if this happens a few games in a row.

Delph anyone? Homegrown and will be available on a free at the end of the season.

Matic with more protection looked better than he has done recently. I'll go for Fabregas purely because I felt that he upped his game. Was tactically disciplined, covered a lot of ground, but ultimately wasn't as effective because the players around him were dire in possession.

Can't say I'm pleased at all really. Forget the result (a draw away is certainly fine); it's all well and good being disciplined and keeping your shape, but when we had possession we were woeful in every sense. Poor movement, slow passing, and wrong choices. Costa was very poor as well and was caught regularly by City's hustling. Performance was bad. Result was good.

Never thought I'd ever hear that sentence.

Definitely. People need to remain cognisant of the fact that even Jose is learning (about this new players/systems). He trusted Drogba's experience which I'm pretty sure most fans/critics had no problem with before the game. It didn't work out and Jose will learn and adjust. Drogba won't be starting another big game for a while. Otherwise very disappointed by the backline again, barring Luis. There's a big difference between being as heavily protected as they were last year and this year. Poor decision-making again when being countered.

It's right there next to the link. 17mins into the pre-match show.

http://www.footballorgin.com/2014/09/tv-show-skysportss-monday-night.html +- @17min of the pre-match show for those interested. If you see the clips he highlights, there are concerns on a few occasions with regards to not only Cesc, but the positioning and covering by Matic, Schurrle and Oscar. It could be blamed on the international break but collectively the team was all at sea for 30 mins. I wouldn't expect the boys to be that disorganized once the games start piling up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc_l7DWI27Y

Matic, Drogba and Jose agree.

Very impressed. He has everything you want in a modern fullback. Now I agree that it's best we started with the settled back four, but going further into the season I absolutely expect him to be our number 1 LB. The main reason is that he is left footed and can put in a wicked ball from the flank. One of our biggest issues, and really the main issue with using inverted wingers, is not enough balls into box. On the left, Hazard puts has one of the lowest 'crosses per 90' of any top left-winger in the game. The likes of Oscar, Schurrle and Willian are a little better. So I believe he will be important for attacking play once the team is up and running.

No. I've never seen Atletico do any 'ferocious pressing'. They are tactically very well organised and not once last season did they play as Everton did on Saturday. Name one team/match in La Liga last season where you saw such a high paced game combined with 'ferocious pressing'.

He seemed surprised by the pace of the game and Everton pressure after the 2nd goal. You don't have games like that in La Liga. The adjustment will take a little while.

If someone would have said to me 18 months ago that in less that two years we'd have: Jose back A world class striker Drogba back An amazing collection of attacking mids beating even the OHM trio. 2 world class midfielders I would have slapped them for trying to mess with me. What an incredible 18 months it has been!!!

I would highly doubt his buyout is that low. And yes he is similar to Schurrle in position and style. Both largely play off the flank and have good movement and goal scoring instincts. Reus arguably has better technique.

Definitely. It's a serious missing ingredient. All the best wide players have that in their locker. But hopefully we'll see more of it as Matic and Fabregas are more likely to pick out such runs. Hazard also averages about 1.2 crosses per game. That is way below par for a player of his quality. A player can really affect a game with a good cross or a smart run, and we've not seen enough of it up to now.

Yes there's no shame in it. Cech has served us brilliantly but right now Courtois is second to none with regards to aerial dominance and his reflexes are simply outstanding.

If you took notice of the move where Willian turned the midfielder, driving forward with pace and strength and unleashed a wicked shot, you will have seen what he is capable of. He has absolutely everything in his locker. It's just a matter of gaining the experience to show his true potential.

Whoa...Let's not go crazy now.

Can't say I've seen him. Only 2 years younger than Costa as well. Destro or take a massive gamble on Balotelli. That's a real conundrum.

@ChelsTransfer: Destro's agent: "It is true #CFC are interested in Mattia. But reports regarding a swap deal have no foundation, it's all speculation." (PA)

I was pleasantly surprised by that. I've never really watched him as closely as I did on Monday and I couldn't believe how much work he got through. Offering himself for a pass from the first to the last minute. Superb.