Hazards been poor by his standards today.

You think? I think he's been lively and linking up well with the rest of the midfield.

I wonder if our expectations of him aren't too high at times.

It's not an over-reaction at all. An over-reaction would be saying he's garbage and get him out the club etc. You will find most fans on here adore the guy and everything he's done. He would be a fine back up centre back at the moment but he doesn't have the legs for a full back anymore. His main attribute was his defensive qualities as a full back but he's getting murdered out there most weeks.

He's okay against a Silva or a Mata as they don't have lightening pace. Against players like Montero, Depay or Bolasie etc - he is going to struggle badly.

Oscar and Willian have been great.  And Matic.

 

And...we got luck!

Cesc, Willian, and Ivan need to up their game in the second half.

 

Willian? What game have you been watching?

Good first half, much improved on our per season showings, we're looking to get the ball forward quicker which is good to see. I am worried about Montero on Ivan though, he's got his number and causing chaos down that side.

Why is Ivan getting so much hate? Montero is playing really well. 

 

My f**king god. This forum. I swear.

Very entertaining first half of football, it's flown by. Oscar, Costa, Willian and Courtois have been our best players so far.

You think? I think he's been lively and linking up well with the rest of the midfield.

I wonder if our expectations of him aren't too high at times.

I just don't think he's been as influential as he usually is, running at people in and around the box.

Very good game, both teams are playing good football, a lot of speed, energy, motivation in the game. To be honest I didn't think Swansea will play like that, I think 2-1 is not enough to grab our 3 points. We need 2 more goals, but in overall we playing good.

Oscar looking ready to take on the world, such a swagger about his game today. Playing like our leader in the middle.

 

Also wasn't expecting Diego to start, and I'd complete forgotten how good he is to watch with the bit between his teeth. He's up for this, if he's got the legs to last the second half he's scoring, without doubt.

Ivanovic not filling me with confidence. Really sloppy defending when he let Montero run past him for their goal too.

Oscar has been superb.

Cesc, Willian, and Ivan need to up their game in the second half.

 

Ivanovic have been by far the worst, loosing against Gomis in the air and their winger has him in his pocket. Matic and Fabregas has also been poor, bad positioning where Swansea can just stroll through our midfield. Oscar have been positive atleast.

Again, Branna was the best rightsided fullback in the league a few months ago. Maybe he is rusty.

Actually think azibi is looking a bit shaky maybe still lacks in game fitness. Other than that we look sharp

Oscar has been our best player.  Brilliant delivery from set pieces and has looked good in possession.  I agree with whoever it was that said we need to shoot more.  We tend to look for that killer pass too often.  It looks good when it comes off but sometimes a random shot can cause just as much trouble.  I do think we're gonna need a 3rd as I can see Swansea scoring again.  They've created a couple of good chances, which is a bit worrying.

What a performance from Oscar, had a feeling this would be a big season for him and he's going the right way about it so far. Hazard is doing well but he rarely starts a season brilliantly, just needs to find his pace a bit so he can really take on the full backs

Oscar has been very impressive.

Willian? What game have you been watching?

It's second nature for some fans to criticise Willian who don't realise that after Hazard and JT he is our most important player 

lool.

missed these threads

I just don't think he's been as influential as he usually is, running at people in and around the box.

To be honest in some ways if it gets Oscar to step up and spread the load then I'm not so worried.

The good news for me is costs isn't hesitating at all, he is going full power, I wouldn't leave him on for 90 though 

Willian? What game have you been watching?

The guy has technical skill but is lacking a football brain. Gets in a good position and 9/10 the move breaks down and does't even turn into a shot on goal.

Great first 45, hopefully this dispels the doom and gloom from this forum and we kick on in the second half.

Ivan is getting criticised by everyone and rightly so. He isn't playing well. But who knows, perhaps he is just shaking the cobwebs off and will be MOM for the next game. Doubt it though.

Categorically disagree with brana being past it. We've seen 45 minutes of the season and already thinking he's done - come on!