What's up with JT? Ever since he's been back from injury he's seemed a shadow of his former self. Still a great leader et all, but he's seemed, well...s.l.o.w and far more error prone than I ever remember him being.

And yes, I realize he's never been quick, but a commentator on ESPN (who is quite pro-Chelsea by the by) described him thusly (paraphrasing): 'Well, Carvalho's shone tonight much more so than JT. Who, let's face it, only has two gears at the best of times and seems well off the pace'.

Did the bang on the old noggin do more harm than people think? Or does he just need a rest? Because I never thought I'd say this, but on present form, Carvalho's the better defender!

Maybe it is nothing more complicated then he has hit a little patch of good, but not great, form. And that is all it is, he isn't playing badly, just not quite at the very high standard he has set. Nothing to get concerned about.

His form has been a bit patchy, nothing more then that. He comes from an annoying injury in a long season, and I'd say yesterday he wasn't a liability.

I'm glad he's back, and our defense is back to the old days. Just hope Paulo could play more and get his old form back.

Carvalho was excelent too.

Well he has had some problems with injuries hasn't he? That probably knocked him off-form. I think he'll be great next season (or before that even).

Maybe it is nothing more complicated then he has hit a little patch of good, but not great, form. And that is all it is, he isn't playing badly, just not quite at the very high standard he has set. Nothing to get concerned about.

Of course. You can't expect someone to be top form the minute they come back. Every injury leaves its mark for some time.

Of course. You can't expect someone to be top form the minute they come back. Every injury leaves its mark for some time.

At the bottom left corner of this picture you will see the exception that proves the rule!