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Strange feeling today after yesterday’s shambles considering we conceded 6 goals at home and in the manner our defence abandoned the basic principles in the art of defending, still doesn’t feel as bad as last weeks result against Arsenal.
I am really struggling to understand what has changed from last season with our defending, it seemed every shot from Chelsea ended up in the back of the net. It also seems jockeying rather than closing down is costing us at the moment with no real desire or willingness to win the ball in vital areas.
For me the quicker John Stones is introduced the better, Distin and Jags don’t seem to be on the same page at the moment and unless there is a change I can only see more shambolic defending ahead.
Apart from our inability to defend, I was really impressed with our attacking play with Coleman in particular, in spells thought he was outstanding and at times Hazard was playing more like a fullback to try and contain him. Naismith deserves some praise as well and is showing how important he is for us, 3 goals in 3 games hard work does pay off.
I have mentioned this in previous blogs about Roberto’s decision making regarding substitutes, it was quite obvious to me that Barry was struggling with the pace of the game and needed replaced with fresher legs, if you look at the 5th goal conceded he didn’t have the legs to close down Ramires. It would have been an ideal time with 20 minutes to go bringing on Besic as Chelsea were dominating in the middle with Fabregas pulling the strings and linking up well with Costa.
Pleasing aspect is we won’t be facing Chelsea every week and with 62% possession and 17 shots with 7 on target against a team that has started this season strongly and will be in contention to lift the title come next May, we should if defensive weakness are ironed out be too much for lesser teams with our attacking play and start moving up the table.
I really hope that Roberto realises that the focus now should be bringing in a centre back with the transfer window nearly shut and options limited, it’s going to be interesting tomorrow and I’d love someone like Curtis Davis, Toby Alderweireld or Rolando who would in my opinion make us stronger and tighter at the back.
I would also look at bringing in Callum McManaman as well, not convince about McGeady’s defensive duties, he needs to do more in possession and tracking back.
Onwards & Upwards
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