Great win and excellent second half. Hazard fantastic. Ruben had little time to show anything. Looking forward to see Kovacic in that midfield

Edited August 11, 20187 yr by BadBlue
Mistake

3 goals, 3 points, good result. Room for improvement in performance, but got better as game went on, a comfortable result in the end. Overall a fairly good start to build on!

Freedom of opinion.

Just the start we needed. It wasn't perfect, but it never is this early with a new manager. The 2nd half was well controlled, more positive, less negative, more composure and not so desperate. Hazard was brilliant when he came on, like he picked up where he left off with Belgium. 

Defence was a bit shaky at times, too casual and stuck in two minds, but in midfield we were much more composed and controlled. I haven't seen the midfield control the game so well since Matic and Fabregas in the first half of the season of Mourinho's league winning side. 

Alonso, Hazard, Kante, Willian and Jorginho all put in good performances.

At least we didn't defend all the game and Sarri didn't put defender instead of an attacker.

Much better second half, I think we didn't play for 100% also, we kept it carefully and won 3-0. It's a good way to start the season, clean sheet and three goals. I believe we're going to improve much more.

We still would need a striker, Morata isn't that, but I still respect him for trying and didn't see him talking too much. COME ON CHELS!!!!

Good win 3 points and a clean sheet couldn’t ask for more!

 

still work in progress 

8 minutes ago, ozboy said:

Think Morata has been good. 

In what way, cus he pushed it through a defenders legs a few times? Absolutely no goal threat and no vision/ability to play a team mate in. 

Always good to see a team not quiting after 2-0 lead. Don't remember the last time we chose not to "close" the game. 

2 minutes ago, BKLYNProdigy said:

Damn, that's incredible strength. Hazard is clearly heavier than Pedro. 

Nice, comfortable win. It's been a long time since we've had this feeling

Great away win! KTBFFH  f**k YES!!!!!

Go Chels

Dont really get how Alonso gets so much stick. Ask any other teams fans and most would say hes been the best left back in the league. He put in another fantastic performance today.

Anyway fantastic win, i thought Barkley Pedro and Willian all showed that we can rely on them for the season ahead. 

12 minutes ago, DiegoCostaForever said:

I would give Morata -10/10 for his whole career. Garbage ,,striker‘‘

 Just stop.

Top of the table unless Everton or Wolves score more tonight. Hopefully an early sign of times to come

Edited August 11, 20187 yr by Strider6003

Who else thought Barkley looked great in this system?

He could be an absolute star.

I have to admit I am liking what I am seeing from Barkley - Kova?i? won't be able to walk into the starting XI like many here believe - Kova?i? won't have an easy time getting that spot over Barkley - The Man that wears the Magic Hat will be on the outside looking in I afraid - 3 points in the bag & revenge from that result at the end last season that IMHO was staged by the FA - that fat ref assisted The Terriers for a win - Not this time around - remaining Carefree until the end

3 minutes ago, Oli said:

Dont really get how Alonso gets so much stick. Ask any other teams fans and most would say hes been the best left back in the league. He put in another fantastic performance today.

Anyway fantastic win, i thought Barkley Pedro and Willian all showed that we can rely on them for the season ahead. 

Most fans of other teams don't watch him week in week out and only see his goal stats. Although i agree he had a good game today he will and has struggled against any player with pace in a flat back 4. 

13 minutes ago, BKLYNProdigy said:

I watched parts of the Newcastle vs spuds match - Kenedy received a ball in a similar situation, but allow the GK to take the ball off of his feet - I hope he watched this goal & took notes

Remember, remember Barkley and RLC have both had thier fair share of injuries we will likley need the squad to compete.

A convincing win that arose from unpromising beginnings. 

In the first half, we got a somewhat undeserving lead because of some good play between Willian/Kante and a clumsy challenge on Alonso. Huddersfield's defence was generally stout, we struggled to penetrate and there were a few hairy moments at the other end.

In the second half, Sarri clearly decided to bury the game, so we played with much more intent, were unlucky not to score a few times. The introduction of Hazard was finally too much for Huddersfield to bear, because he engaged in one of his classic mazy runs (which Willian often failed to do), drawing several defenders towards him and away from Pedro, who once again popped up with a goal after looking anonymous for much of the game. Say what you want about Pedro, but his movement has always been smart. 

On other notes:

1) It occurs to me that Sarri's plan may have been to wear down the Huddersfield defence with constant running from Willian/Pedro, before bringing on a half-fit Hazard to exploit tired legs. If that was it aim, it worked very well. 

2) It is ironic that, for all the talk of a goal-shy midfield, that Kante and Jorginho scored two goals. Not sure about Jorginho's penalty - seemed a little tentative - but let's hope there's more. 

3) Alonso played well today, albeit against weak opposition. His forays into the box won us a penalty.

4) Huddersfield were not bad for most of the first half, being undone only by a clumsy challenge and some Willian/Kante brilliance (Kante's chip shot evoked memories of Ramires at the Nou Camp TBH). However in the second half their defence strained under the pressure and eventually buckled with Hazard's introduction. There are 37 games to go, but if Huddersfield get relegated I hope Aaron Mooy leaves - he's IMO much too good for the Championship and I believe his level is with a mid-table PL side as it stands. 

5) Morata tried hard, but was again bedevilled by a lack of confidence. A goal from him would have been wonderful. 

6) Kepa will be glad to have kept a clean sheet just to get some of the pressure off, even though he didn't have to make a save.

Edited August 11, 20187 yr by DaRick
I'm a pedant

Nice result, better than I expected to be honest. Some good performances and Hazard showing why he's the star man! Still disappointed in Morata though, he just isn't quality enough, and can't see him getting out of this form (I miss Diego!).

 

Onwards and upwards, top of the league! 

 

 

4 minutes ago, Strider6003 said:

Top of the table unless Everton or Wolves score more tonight. Hopefully an early sign of times to come

For me it was imperative that we won today, purely for belief and confidence.