He wasn't singled out unfairly IMO.

He's under the microscope because he's been so poor of late, the mistakes are now becoming a feature in a gamely basis and that's hard to ignore.

Cavani should never have been allowed that amount of room for the goal, that's where top CB's earn their reputations. Gary is a good CB but he's not a top level one which is why a youngster like Zouma is being bedded in by Jose this soon into his Chelsea career.

Like FC mentions it's almost becoming a Luiz situation where you know a mistake is coming and it's likely to hurt us in the end, for me it has to be Zouma because I'm not seeing Cahill learning from his mistakes.

He wasn't singled out unfairly IMO.

He's under the microscope because he's been so poor of late, the mistakes are now becoming a feature in a gamely basis and that's hard to ignore.

Cavani should never have been allowed that amount of room for the goal, that's where top CB's earn their reputations. Gary is a good CB but he's not a top level one which is why a youngster like Zouma is being bedded in by Jose this soon into his Chelsea career.

Like FC mentions it's almost becoming a Luiz situation where you know a mistake is coming and it's likely to hurt us in the end, for me it has to be Zouma because I'm not seeing Cahill learning from his mistakes.

In a a game where he made 3 important blocks/challenges, one of which was a certain goal if it had reached Ibra and was the main reason why we even scored in the first place, I do think it is quite harsh to single him out and lay the blame on him.

I would keep playing him personally, sitting on the bench isn't helping him, especially leading up to the second leg.

Cahill had a solid first half and his flick that set up the goal for Ivanovic was terrific but his second half was very poor and his performances in recent times have left a lot of people disappointed and rightly so.

 

I was a massive fan of Cahill last season! Rarely did he play a bad game and he held his own in defence brilliantly almost like Zouma is this season but I'm starting to lose faith in him being a reliable CB that can do the job for the full 90 minutes. The match against Tottenham on New Years Day where Harry Kane ran riot has really been the catalyst for supporters gradually losing faith in him and being more critical of his performances.

 

Some of the criticism is relentless and somewhat undeserving but I think people's concerns and criticisms about his ability to keep track of his opponent are extremely valid. I'm sure Jose has noticed this hence his willingness to play Zouma more who hasn't put a foot wrong this season for a 20 year old.  

 

If the club considered selling Cahill I wouldn't be all that bothered provided we brought in a better replacement who can fill the void that Cahill would leave. He's the type of player I wouldn't sell instantly but if the right offer came along and we poached a good defender in return I think the club would certainly consider their options whether people like it or not. However in saying maybe I'm being harsh about his future at the club. 

Edited February 18, 201511 yr by Jezz

Thought he was back to his best on Sunday, I really think it helps that Ivanovic played with mor discipine and didn't leave him exposed as often.

No surprise that when he's not being hung out to dry by Ivanovic he plays well.

I think in recent times we have been spoiled and just got used to having really good centre backs. Desailly, JT, Carvalho and Gallas have all been exceptional and amongst the best in the world. Poor Cahill is being judged against these and he will never be in that class. He remains decent and is sometimes more than that but like most players, he will make mistakes, especially when up against quality opposition.

I think you also have to remember hes playing between a fullback that spends more time in the opposition box than his own, and a 34 year old defender always looking to drop deep to stop anyone getting in behind.

When he's being pulled in 2 different directions its bound to make it difficult for him positionally.

Thought he went a little unnoticed after having a very fine game, but we did play a lot more defensively than we normally would. If you play to his strengths then he's a very good player but he's not quite good enough to perform at that level if you don't. That's not a criticism because there are very few defenders who can raise their game like that. Look at Vincent Kompany's form this season and I don't think Cahill has been any worse (maybe better in fact).

I can only really remember one iffy moment with Kane but JT saved the day with a heroic tackle to deflect the shot wide.

An old gem from Cahill. First ever goals don't come much better than this.

 

 

Let's hope he gets back to the solid and dependable Gary Cahill we love.

 

I prefer this one ;)

I see that and raise you..

 

 

Cahill, Ivan, JT. Luis is probably not bad either judging by that free kick. One could argue that our back four has better finishers than our midfield. 

Well, we are looking for a few people to have a pop at goal from long range, maybe Cahill should have a go at a few.

Anyone but Ramires. Love the guy but I keep wondering why he takes shots from distance. Maybe they go in during training.

Ramires outside box:howl of anguish, clutch head

Ramires inside box: eyes light up anticipating goal.

I like his last games, hopefully we will get the original Cahill.

I prefer this one ;)

His best goal

I like his last games, hopefully we will get the original Cahill.

 

Credit it where it's due, looks like he's playing with confidence again.

 

Fellaini and Rooney will be the biggest test he's had since reclaiming his spot, though. Hope he's up to it.

Sitting out a few games in the middle of the season did him a lot of good, since the League Cup final he has been in excellent form. 

He's in outstanding form right now, always nice to see him playing.

Fantastic block on Falcao's shot in the box, stopped a goal in all likelihood.

He's turned it around, he's in very good form right now.

Fantastic block on Falcao's shot in the box, stopped a goal in all likelihood.

 

Like Graeme Le Saux said, "Cahill stuck to Falcao"

Reading the comments on Chelsea's 'American forum' (WAGNH), came accross quite a moving little comment made by a fan (Prateek?). Unfortunately, thanks to my phone browser, that diamond of a comment is lost in the ocean of post-match title-anticipating euphoria on WAGNH's match report.

So in my own rather haphazard style, It was a tribute to Cahill and how, playing for relegation battling Bolton, he could have possibly foreseen himself in the space of three years, look set now to have won every worthwhile honour in club football.

Anyhow, it was an excellent performance from him tonight again. Was also good to see JT recently focusing some of the praise towards Cahill.

Yup, in little more than 3 years he's won the Champions League, the Europa League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the ..

 

No, I won't say it.