Pre seaosn means nothing in terms of results. All the matters is players turn up fit, get fitter and remain fit for the starting games of the season. Results and performances mean sweet FA. Good win but again, traveling the other side of the world in a WC year is a mind altering decision by the board. Sorry aussies on here, but that game today was a run out that could have been done in europe.

How did we set up? Was it 4-3-3 or 3-4-2-1?

Not that it matters too much Alonso isn’t a system merchant he will play horses for courses depending on the circumstances, opposition etc like any decent manager should…..just wondered.

Entertaining preseason game.

Loads of the young players did well, I think players need to get 5000-10000 minutes of top level football too be anywhere near ready to play in our 1st team, higher standard the better. Walsh, Watson, RKM, Jazul, Emanalo, Kellyman all did well, all have high potential ,just need to go out on loan, id also put Achampong and Satpaev in the loan category, although Satpaev looks a player.

Anselmino and Essugo, both a bit more polished, so could contribute now I think, especailly Anselmino if we play a back 3.

Delap, Tosin, Fofana, Sanchez, same limitations.

The rest of the senior 1st team players all did well, Pelestra looks like an interesting player.

1 minute ago, bluelightening said:

Pre seaosn means nothing in terms of results. All the matters is players turn up fit, get fitter and remain fit for the starting games of the season. Results and performances mean sweet FA. Good win but again, traveling the other side of the world in a WC year is a mind altering decision by the board. Sorry aussies on here, but that game today was a run out that could have been done in europe.

Money speaks loudly. Usually it's a trip to the States. There are two downsides to going down under. It's a bloody long way. And it's full of Australians.

3 minutes ago, C3blue said:

How did we set up? Was it 4-3-3 or 3-4-2-1?

Not that it matters too much Alonso isn’t a system merchant he will play horses for courses depending on the circumstances, opposition etc like any decent manager should…..just wondered.

Mainly 4-2-3-1.

5 hours ago, Zeta said:

Josh beaten easily again. I've never seen what people rate in him. He's been dodgy every time I've seen him.

Not seen the moment or the game, but same old same old, home grown, can do no wrong and is the next Pele given time.

I know it’s just a get minutes in the legs kind of game but can we start to have a conversation about not only keeping Satpayev around this season but maybe giving him some actual meaningful minutes?

Kid looks special.

We’ve absolutely fumbled Paez between a mixture of piss poor player management (Yes you’re coming to the CWC, Oh we only meant as a spectator) and pointless loans compounded by an admittedly sh*te attitude.

Let’s not let any possibility of that affects this absolute gem.

59 minutes ago, bluelightening said:

Pre seaosn means nothing in terms of results. All the matters is players turn up fit, get fitter and remain fit for the starting games of the season. Results and performances mean sweet FA. Good win but again, traveling the other side of the world in a WC year is a mind altering decision by the board. Sorry aussies on here, but that game today was a run out that could have been done in europe.

What you mean around say Bordeaux?

Pre season games are what they are. But who I feel sorry for though are the fans in the US, Hong Kong or Australia etc. They wait years to see Chelsea in the flesh, probably pay good money and then get kids who’ll never see the PL and 94 substitutions in the second half.

30 minutes ago, terraloon said:

What you mean around say Bordeaux?

Not currently, but there are places all over europe that could be good.

Did Kellyman get injured or was he that bad he was subbed off after 17 minutes

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39894338/alonso-hauls-chelsea-sub-kellyman-minutes/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=UK_Football_PM_28/07/26&utm_term=Newsletter_football_daily

Would be foolish to take too much from todays game - especially considering how many academy lads we played. I thought Satpayev looked dynamic, and I was glad to see how sharp the first team players looked when they came on.

Joao Pedro did superbly and that assist for Gittens was astounding it was the type of move I have been expecting from Estevao, perhaps he will have a better season..

Friendlies are always difficult, so pleased for the win though obviously harder matches ahead.