Ibn Battuta

Why are we here today? As usual it’s because of several factors. Our football structure seems to have collapsed at some point. I’m missing a red line with the way we buy and sell players. This is having an effect on the pitch. We have radically changed the way we play our football. Growing pains are to be expected. The team ethos seems to be weak and fragile. Sarri has alluded to this several times. Even in the darkest of times we have always had it in us to rise up and have a reaction to a bad performance. That seems to be missing. And that’s worrying. There is no Costa upfront to inspire absolute determination or a prime Fabregas/Oscar to show some grit when it gets ugly. Something is missing. Not sure we can evolve ourselves to a solution. Big signings are needed.

This must be the last time we play without a striker. Ever. It’s like going into the wild with a map and no compass. Some bad decisions have been made the last few years and we are witnessing the effects of them.

What a legendary player. More than being one of the greatest keepers of all time he oozes Chelsea, just like Terry, he has that aura of belonging to Chelsea. Privilege to have seen him play.

Don’t forget Hasselbaink. Willian would flourish in La Liga. Fits his style perfectly.

Benzema is supremely underrated. He would improve us drastically.

I’m still undecided on Sarri, but the fact that we do not look hopeless defensively gives me hope that this is sustainable and growth can be expected. But I’m more worried about the investment needed. I don’t think he can do it without big cash injections. Are the funds there?

So disturbing seeing their midfield slice and dice us like Swiss cheese these last few years. Ideally you would want to play Kante x3 against them but I’m worried Sarri will play Kante x0,5.

So any substance to the Benzema rumours? That would be a dream signing.

Retention yes but more importantly; off the ball movement.

Very weird comment after he had one of his fines games in a blue shirt. I was very sceptical of Barkley, and even more so after his first few games this season. However, he has improved quite a bit as the season has worn on. Definitely going to play a bigger part going forward and beyond. He has that rare quality of being technical and quick while also having a robust frame. That combo in Sarri’s system is really valuable.

Clever line but shows a fundamentally wrong understanding imo. Its right in the way that Jorginho, like the snapper, is the supposed to be second last person on the ball before the chance creation. It is however wrong in the way that we don’t need a QB with the way we play.

We play without a striker, something that significantly limits how varied we can attack teams. This is a huge limitation and until it’s addressed we will continue to see Sarri Ball light.

I believe that is a fair summary and the situation you describe sums it up well. With regards to the criticism he receives we must make a distinction. Saying he can do better does not mean he isn’t doing well. In fact few can deny Willian is a very good player who contributes consistently. However, in a team where Hazard draws the majority of attention I expect more from Willian.

Barkley should play more in games like these where there is a lot of pressure in midfield. He has the physique to deal with the hacks and the vision to play break through balls when the oppo gets overly aggressive. Kovacic is limited with the ball at his feet when we don’t have a pure striker on the field.

Without a doubt one of the most frustrating and puzzling players I have seen. He honestly has the talents and ability of players like Robben and Ribery but his mentality and ambition leaves a lot to be desired imo. It’s hard to phantom.