21 Oct 2018 12:35:50
A few views on our season so far.
Overall things are going better than I thought they would, we're unbeaten and there is reason for optimism. However there remains a couple of obvious problems within the squad that need to be addressed.
Hazard is in the form of his Chelsea career, yesterday he had a poor game and I do think that it was a case of him having an ineffectual game than Man Utd making him ineffectual. I think all signs are that he will sign a new contract that will make him a top earner in the league which, as one of the best players in the league, he deserves. Now, for every action there is a reaction and Hazard being in the form of his life means we will lean on his talent; yesterday showed that we can't simply reply on him. The right side of our attack and, more importantly, the striker position need to be addressed in January. Federico Chiesa is a very talented young player that I think we should definitely be looking at as a long term solution for the right side of our attack (please no more Moses) . As for a striker, from a purely footballing perspective, I would love to see Icardi replace Morata and/ or Giroud - however this is extremely unlikely. Finding a top class striker in January is nearly impossible and this could be our undoing this season.
I believe that we have the best midfield in the Premier League. Jorginho has fitted seamlessly into the role that he played at Napoli and Kovacic looks a real player, however Barkley is getting better and better and will really give him a run for his money. Ideally I would like to see Loftus-Cheek get some minuets but he will really need to prove he is good enough for this team (something I now doubt) . I don't always see the need for both Kante and Jorginho to be on the pitch, especially at home against "lesser teams" who tend to sit back. There should be opportunities for Loftus-Cheek when he returns to fitness, the rest is really up to him.
Defensively I still think we need to look at left back, Alonso is playing well but still thinks he is a striker at times. There was one point yesterday against United where he was caught up field in the six yard box when we lost possession, United quickly switched the play meaning Hazard had to rush back and bring Rashford down, conceding a dangerous free kick and earing himself a yellow card. All because of Alonso's lack of tactical awareness. Emerson isn't the answer to this problem, personally I would look to Ben Chilwell at Leicester despite him just signing a new contract.
Reece James is having a great loan in the Championship, heir apparent to Azpilicueta at right fullback.
Christensen wants to go? Let him go, he is a good defender but the club don't need to set a president of bowing to pressure from 22 year olds and their dads.
21 Oct 2018 16:51:00
Reece James should be given a chance next season. Azpi been poor and he could displace him.
21 Oct 2018 18:11:35
I think Reece-James will be a given a squad number next year as I think Zapa will be leaving but I will not be writing off Dave just yet.
21 Oct 2018 21:19:56
Azpi is our captain, and for me one of the most important Chelsea players of past 5 years.
21 Oct 2018 23:29:52
Doesn’t matter if he’s not playing well in a new position he should be replaced or challenged. Every position needs two good players for each spot.
22 Oct 2018 12:39:53
Reece-James will probably get a squad number next year and that will be to replace Zappa!
Surely as supporters we can’t be giving up on Dave after a few average games?
Most players have bad spells. Some fans would just sell those players without giving them a chance to recover their form!