MikelBlue

Tomori? Hmmm.

Zouma played a huge role in keeping both Shane Long and Danny Ings quiet. When you start with 2 target men, even a blind man can see that you play to deliver crosses and long balls over the top (perhaps to get lucky as Grimsby was a couple weeks ago). It didn't work at all. All aerial balls were handled with minimal fuss. Also, people forget that ManU went there and drew 1-1. Liverpool barely won 1-0 at St. Mary's. Also, keep in mind that Lampard prefers to play 343 against some opponents.

I guess I'm one of the few who sees Zouma growing into this squad (which leaves Christensen as the odd CB out presuming that Rudiger recovers from his injury without any problems). So he does look awkward on the ball but he's fast, very physical, great in the air, great in tackling/defending and good enough in passing out of the back. I don't know, perhaps my mind is playing tricks on me but I see a player whom I suspect Lampard rates and appreciates. Overall he's a good defender who arguably better fits into the EPL than Christensen. Also, the young man has a very good attitude on and off the pitch which helps in terms of team chemistry.

Just watched the full game on NBC Gold replay (due to church). I haven’t read any comments but my motm without a doubt was Willian. His tireless running on both ends (offensively and defensively) was something else. Great assist to Mount. It’s been a while since he had a complete 90 min performance like this. Credit goes to Lampard & his coaching staff as well as the player. Next best for me was Jorginho. This player is a warrior. Far from the most athletic which is part of why many don’t rate him but, you can’t question his heart and commitment. Also, it looks like we’ve improved defending of corners with a combo of zone and man marking. For the first time under Lampard I wasn’t too worried on set pieces. On the down side is silly passing at the back by Tomori and Kepa almost cost us today. Particularly I’m a bit concerned about Tomori given this has now occurred in back to back games. I trust Lampard to sort it out quickly. Lastly, that was a sublime assist by Pulisic who came on for a wasteful CHO (he’ll have better days). Hopefully, the American media will calm down a bit seeing him on the pitch today albeit in a 10 min cameo appearance. On the bright side, we are only 2 points behind City. :—)

The average American commentator is unbelievably naive and unreasonable about the Pulisic situation. Honestly, I don't know what they expected. The fact that this whole thing is being reduced to "Lampard won't play Pulisic because he's not English or from their Academy" is so stupid. My prayer is that Pulisic has a tough skin and deaf ears to this nonsense. Pulisic is talented without a doubt. If he puts his head down, works hard in practice and in the gym and up his work rate on the pitch, he will find his feet in this club this season. That said, Chelsea under Roman Abramovich, is an ambitious club - transfer ban or not. Surely, Pulisic knew that when he signed on the dotted line.That means a lot of pressure. A lot of high expectations. A lot of criticism. Etc. Etc. Knowing this going in, why is the American 'soccer' media in meltdown mode after only 6 weeks during which Pulisic has played 6 out of 11 games with 3 assists? This is so silly it's comical.

3pts. Thanks guys.

Tomori how many times????

Ok there goes Kovacic for Mount. Good sub.

Pedro and not Kovacic? Hmmm.

What was Tomori doing there? Thanks Kepa.

:-)

What a goal. My bad Willian! :-)

CHO for James? Why not Willian?

CHO for willian please

Abraham needs competition to stay on his toes. We need at least 2 deadly goal scorers: 1 striker and 1 winger/SS type. We also need at least one more experienced full back (right back to complement James. Azpilicueta doesn’t fit the description for Lampard’s RB needs). The rest of the squad can be filled out in-house.