4 hours ago, STATS said:

Put it into context. We had several players missing. Arsenal had virtually their best team playing bar 1/2 players. I don't think most of us had much hope when the lineups were revealed. We had a rookie up front who unsurprisingly struggled against the best team in the league. I am sure if Delap was playing, he could have caused problems but he took ill which was a blow for us.

They went 3-1 up and could have had more on occasions. I genuinely was fearing a thumping when they went 2-0 up and 3-1 up but we got back twice. In the context of things, of course I am happy and Arsenal will be kicking themselves that the scoreline ended 3-2. If you are not content with that, then I am not sure what else you wanted.

https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11670/13025486/arsenal-transfer-news-rumours-and-gossip-live-updates-and-latest-on-deals-signings-loans-and-contracts

Redknapp summed it up best himself. Second leg, you could argue that 5 players who were unavailable last night in Gusto, James, Caicedo, Palmer and Delap will all be starters in the second leg. Yes, I will take that for sure.

I was at the game last night and agree with this. We have to be honest about where we are, Arsenal are in their pomp right now and potentially win nothing. I thought the team showed some grit to keep responding with a weakened side. It would be even sweeter to knock them out at the Emirates! Not sure how it came across on TV but thought there was some dubious refereeing last night too.

11 hours ago, axman2526 said:

Good grief we are now happy to take a one goal home loss to Arsenal...

👍. We've gone from being an elite club to being plucky underdogs bravely losing at home by only 1 goal to Arsenal. . .

Surely this is unacceptable .

2019...

Mourinho on Chelsea: "When you start accepting defeats just because your team played well and just because your players gave their best, a performance for people to be proud of… I think when you get used to it, that’s when the big clubs stop being big clubs."

I think the score line flattered us somewhat! If not for Garnacho’s hunger for goal and Rob still remembering at times how he played under Enzo, it would of been of a tonking!

15 hours ago, PloKoon13 said:

Arteta leads with all the insecurity of a man who, despite every natural advantage one could ever want, once finished below Thomas Tuchel in a 'most handsome Premier League managers' ranking.

Speaking of, @Valerie @CaitlinCFC - what do you make of the new gaffer?

@PloKoon13 , he's an improvement on his gazillion CFC predecessors and other colleagues, but the bar is low if not completely absent.

1 hour ago, The Rising Sun said:

👍. We've gone from being an elite club to being plucky underdogs bravely losing at home by only 1 goal to Arsenal. . .

Surely this is unacceptable .

1 hour ago, The Rising Sun said:

2019...

Mourinho on Chelsea: "When you start accepting defeats just because your team played well and just because your players gave their best, a performance for people to be proud of… I think when you get used to it, that’s when the big clubs stop being big clubs."

This.

2 hours ago, The Rising Sun said:

👍. We've gone from being an elite club to being plucky underdogs bravely losing at home by only 1 goal to Arsenal. . .

Surely this is unacceptable .

Lets wait to see what excuses we come up with when we inevitably have disappointing results against lesser opposition in the weeks ahead.

17 hours ago, PloKoon13 said:

Arteta leads with all the insecurity of a man who, despite every natural advantage one could ever want, once finished below Thomas Tuchel in a 'most handsome Premier League managers' ranking.

Speaking of, @Valerie @CaitlinCFC - what do you make of the new gaffer?

He is shaping up to be the flagship puppet of clearlake. Did you see the matchday programme? 😄 It was probably his own idea.

16 hours ago, Andy North said:

Is Sanchez the new Jackson?

It would appear so ☹️

20 hours ago, CaitlinCFC said:

He is shaping up to be the flagship puppet of clearlake. Did you see the matchday programme? 😄 It was probably his own idea.

Was a charming shot, no?

Fortunate this first tie wasn't at the Emirates.

2 hours ago, Chelsea-Charlie said:

Was a charming shot, no?

It really is. For his mum to frame on the wall or his wifes phone wallpaper. A total charmer.