Posted February 12, 201213 yr Our problems on the right side of defense are well documented but what about Ashley? His form has been varying between average, poor and in the last couple of games absolute dire. The man looks completely lost out there, done both physically and mentally. Is it the end of once world class left back? There was strong interest in signing Alvaro Perreira in the summer so perhaps Ash showed seriuos signs of wear and tear during preseason. In the end, Porto demanded ridiculous money and we balked. Then there's Bertrand. The youngster is not a youngster anymore. He had played about 100 games on loan at various clubs and at the age of 22 should either be getting some serious playing time or be sold. If even with Cole's current diabolical loss of form young Ryan still polishes the bench what's the point of having him?
February 12, 201213 yr Looks like we will see more of Bertrand now. I think our system doesn't suit attacking full backs, they get no support, especially if we don't have a Romeu or Mikel playing.
February 12, 201213 yr Our problems on the right side of defense are well documented but what about Ashley? His form has been varying between average, poor and in the last couple of games absolute dire. The man looks completely lost out there, done both physically and mentally. Is it the end of once world class left back? There was strong interest in signing Alvaro Perreira in the summer so perhaps Ash showed seriuos signs of wear and tear during preseason. In the end, Porto demanded ridiculous money and we balked. Then there's Bertrand. The youngster is not a youngster anymore. He had played about 100 games on loan at various clubs and at the age of 22 should either be getting some serious playing time or be sold. If even with Cole's current diabolical loss of form young Ryan still polishes the bench what's the point of having him? Well said. No excuses, Cole has been just as poor and arguably worse than Bosingwa. I think he's done mentally, there was that famous interview at the end of the double season where he admitted he was close to done at this level.
February 12, 201213 yr Bertand needs to step in, this is a joke right now. Two games in a row that Cole has been utterly woeful.
February 12, 201213 yr Bertrand should have been getting starts this season with a view to making him first choice left back next season. AVB completely fails to understand that the fans love to see home grown players getting a chance and are much more forgiving with them if they make errors. We'll probably end up spending millions on a foreign signing and get rid of Bertrand and PVA
February 12, 201213 yr I think the main problem is fatigue. He's been ever present since he moved here from Arsenal and only times he's had a rest is when he got injured or suspended. He's also played most games for England. A good long rest would do wonders to one player who's been almost perfect for us since he arrived. This season looks to be transitional for him as well. He was massive for us in the double winning season. I'd play Bertrand as he has shown he should and could start games. No need to wait to introduce him to bigger shoes.
February 12, 201213 yr Ashley is physically wrecked and tactically exposed. What he needs is support and cover from whoever is playing on the left (and it can't be Mata any more) as well as more rest and more minutes for Bertrand.
February 12, 201213 yr Coke and Bosingwa need to be taken out of the firing line as does Ivanovic. For me the defence picks itself Luiz Cahill Terry Bertrand But against Napoli we need to go three at the back to match their formation. Cahill Terry Luiz Essien Sturridge Ramires Lampard Mata Drogba. Torres
February 12, 201213 yr Ashley does seem to be a bit jaded, along with most of the others it must be said Can't fathom why though ?!
February 12, 201213 yr I'll take care of the Coke for you Tim did you really change your user name to G4 Squared? I think Star misspelled Cole. The decline of Ash has gone a bit unnoticed due to Bossy being so horrible on the right that in comparison Cole seems ok. Maybe I'll become "Lofty 2.0"
February 12, 201213 yr I'll take care of the Coke for you Your kindness is a shining star in a dark world G42 - we will strive to be worthy of you (sugarpuss).
February 13, 201213 yr He has been poor this season and parts of last, which makes it all the more frustrating that we are not playing Bertrand more. I have been keeping up somewhat with PVA and the reports are not good. Bit I think Cole is just spent. I remember reading that he was taking injections in his ankle for I'm to continue playing, and there is only so long that can go on for before you give in completely. He has lost some pace due to this and you don't see him getting forward quite as much. He was absolutely skinned a few times these past few games, and I get more and more frustrated seeing him out there, and feel sorry for the guy too. It's aout time he and Bertrand swap. I saw bertrand pit in two great crosses in his cameo at Goodison, and that's more than I've seen from Cole for some time. Out of interest, how long does Cole have left on his contract?
February 13, 201213 yr I agree wholeheartedly with all those who've said that Bertrand should have had more playing time. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the Ashley Cole problem referred to here is in fact another symptom of the AVB problem. the problem being his apparent inability or unwillingness to select a younger player over an older experienced player who is clearly not at the top of his game.
February 13, 201213 yr Which is, of course, why Anelka is still starting over Sturridge, and why Mikel was playing ahead of Romeu at DM when Essien was out . . . I'd also like to see Bertrand rotated in occasionally to give Cole a rest, but AVB's played kids over established players more than any other manager we've had post-Roman (admittedly a low bar to clear).
February 13, 201213 yr Anelka doesn't even play for us any more... Are you sure you've not been watching ESPN classic instead of Sky Sports?
February 13, 201213 yr He is doubtful for the weekend, if Bertrand is not picked I will add my name to the list of wanting AVB out. It simply sickens me to think how Josh is not a better option than Meireles let alone this kid at 22 not being given a run in the side when Ashley has been ripped to pieces by every journeyman winger left in the game!
February 14, 201213 yr Anelka doesn't even play for us any more... Are you sure you've not been watching ESPN classic instead of Sky Sports? And the reason Anelka doesn't play for us is that AVB booted him out of the first team for a younger player. Look at the post I was responding to and check your irony meter.
February 14, 201213 yr Which is, of course, why Anelka is still starting over Sturridge, and why Mikel was playing ahead of Romeu at DM when Essien was out . . . I'd also like to see Bertrand rotated in occasionally to give Cole a rest, but AVB's played kids over established players more than any other manager we've had post-Roman (admittedly a low bar to clear). Apologies if I didn't make myself clear. I was in fact referring specifically to the case of Ryan Bertrand as opposed to AVB's record of starting younger players in general. And so the problem I was alluding to was that of selecting the older and far more experienced but clearly out of form Ashley Cole over the younger Ryan Bertrand. Your irony in referring to the selection of Sturridge over the now departed Anelka and of Romeu, who is younger and less experienced than either Sturridge or Bertrand, over Mikel is therefore I am afraid, rather wasted.
February 14, 201213 yr According to this.. Chelsea defender Ashley Cole could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury, but skipper John Terry is in line to return for Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie with Birmingham.Cole hobbled off late in the second half of the Blues' 2-0 defeat at Everton last weekend, and manager Andre Villas-Boas admits the England left-back could be missing for some time. "It doesn't look good," he said. http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/136100.html?CMP=OTC-RSS So more of Bosingwa then..
February 14, 201213 yr Author According to this.. http://www.espn.co.u...tml?CMP=OTC-RSS So more of Bosingwa then.. To be fair, on those few occasions he played there, Bosingwa did well.
