Clearly Werner is going to win us a number of points when we are otherwise having a terrible game. What a player he is, that pace and determination! So happy to see one of our new signings immediately show his worth.

We somehow seem outnumbered in every part of the field... 

Hindsight is a bitch but should've gone for Havertz in the middle and CHO out wide? 

I'm impressed with Kante's defensive work though, good to see. RLC just isn't at the races I'm afraid, him and Alonso worst players on the pitch by far. Mount and Havertz aren't offering much either. 

Werner looks fantastic though, best player on the pitch so far. 

Playing like a team that hasn't had a pre season. 

Werner the only outfield player that's come out of that half with a good performance. Havertz playing like a fan who won a chance of playing in raffle so far, hopefully just opening night nerves. 

Kepa, surprisingly commanding so far... 

Lamptey probably the best player on the pitch so far, can see why the club were reluctant to let him go. 

We should be lining up like this:
                Giroud
Werner      Havertz     CHO

2 wide players that can actually play wide

RLC has been poor but I think Lampard needs to take a little responsibility here, he has 2 attacking players out of position and therefore we look disjointed going forward. 

RLC needs to be played on the left side of a midfield 3 and Havertz needs to be played Central currently both are occupying the same position leaving us incredibly narrow in attack. 

2 minutes ago, Dr Gonzo said:

Exactly this, I think he's quality. Has loads to offer us. He's just not been good enough tonight. It'll happen it's first game of the season. 

When was the last time he actually had a good performance? I struggle to remember.

The simple fact that our high press resulted in a penalty is a good enough sign for me.

I want to see our squad healthy, we get a top player but there is always someone injured it's really annoying to wait for the full power of this squad.

Very struggling first half, we can't create chances. The only player who is looking to score is Werner. 

Until now Timo is fantastic, his movement is great. Kante and Jorginho are good as well, James seems like improved his defending positioning, Alonso has difficulties to stop Lamptey almost in every 1v1 situation.

Mount, RLC and Harvetz are not in the game, this trio is pretty dead in the first half. RLC ruined a great chance to score, heavy touches. Mount is not asking for the ball, not creating enough. Harvetz is little struggling for now.

We need CHO, on the wing, we need to bring a player who will help Werner in the attack with more attacking threat. It's impossible that we let Brighton control us, we need to press harder and keep the ball in our legs.

It's legit to see new team struggling but we also have a lot of work to do. Honestly I was expecting for much more quality from us, but I won't lie, Brighton were better than us this half.

Let's start the second half in a better way!

1 minute ago, forbzy said:

I agree and I suspect he will be subbed off early in the second half unless he improves. But a lot of people were calling for him to be hauled off after 15 minutes. Lets be realistic 

That's because he couldn't control the ball or pick a pass. It's not unrealistic to expect a professional footballer to not hit the ball consistently at opposition players. 

He's miles behind the pace and it's been evident from very early on, he hasn't got any better as the game has gone on either thus he needs hooked. 

Same for any player 

I’d be surprised if no changes at half time this has been poor, it would be depressing if we didn’t have Pulisic, Ziyech, Chilwell, Silva and kovacic to come in 

6 minutes ago, bisright1 said:

By all accounts you're going to have to get used to Havertz. He apparently always looks like this. 

Werner's has been the only stand-out player so far, the rest pretty anonymous.

3 minutes ago, DannyLB said:

Is he? 

Absolutely!

3 minutes ago, forbzy said:

He has absolutely been poor. I am not denying that. But I also am not a fan of giving up on a player less than 45 minutes into the first game of the season. He needs a run of games to get some confidence back I think.

A run of games to get your eye might not cut it any more with us. Werner looks like he's been here years. With as little bit of service from our midfield of RLC Havertz and Mount and this guy would ruin Brighton on his own. No couple of games. Just hit the grounded and get it done. If RLC is not doing it then I suspect it will be next one up.

Just now, abramovich said:

When was the last time he actually had a good performance? I struggle to remember.

It's mostly a myth. I get he's a Chelsea kid and came up through the ranks but I've yet to see him reach the potential that's been spoken about for the past 4 years. 

2 hours ago, Sindre said:

RLC really needs to play well today and get himself going. Fear he could potentially fall far down the pecking-order if he doesn't find some form again.

That didn't work out did it.

That was a very embarrassing half from him really. Shame because he's looked like this since he came back and i'm not seeing progress.

Just now, Chelsbear said:

It's mostly a myth. I get he's a Chelsea kid and came up through the ranks but I've yet to see him reach the potential that's been spoken about for the past 4 years. 

Doesn't help when you're injured for a full year does it... 

He's clearly a quality player, he was fantastic at Palace and under Sarri whenever he played. But he can't catch a break when it comes to injuries, no excuses for today, but I'm not buying into this narrative that he's all of a sudden rubbish and overrated. 

1 minute ago, Chelsbear said:

It's mostly a myth. I get he's a Chelsea kid and came up through the ranks but I've yet to see him reach the potential that's been spoken about for the past 4 years. 

He was absolutely bossing it on the pitch during his run of games before the injury in the stupid friendly.

Werner playing well for us.

Good pressing for the penalty. Surprised their  keeper stayed on the pitch

Lamprey playing well for Brighton. 

Hopefully a big improvement from us in the second half.
 

I agree that CHO would give us more width and much needed pace on the counter. Seems like the most obvious sub, with RLC making way. Although Havertz may also be subbed in the second half unless he can get into the game. We could also move Werner out wide and bring Tammy or Giroud on for Havertz. so go with CHO - Tammy /Giroud - Werner as our front three.

Does anyone know Ruben's best position or role? Frank? Ruben? 

Werner looks electric. I was surprised/worried to see RLC in the lineup and I would rather we sub him. Is scuppering every move and just doesnt look at it. Would rather Barkley or even CHO come on in his place. We are quite lucky to be in front tbh. Lamptey our former academy player is a real talent. He has a bright future. It is a shame he moved on.

Werner has had a good half, plenty of energy., good intelligent runs across the line. He will score goals. The rest look very disjointed, we are going to have to get used to the space Havertz finds if we are to get the best from him. 

RLC’s form was so good before that injury, still seems like he needs to eased back into the team.

Could do with Havertz in the middle in the 2nd half.