13 Apr 2022 18:19:59
We now move onto three London derbies.
One could get us to yet another Wembley final the others, both at the bridge will if win both, almost certainly secure us a top four position and Champions League football next season.
London derbies are never easy but these games are important in judging this seasons success and progress.
14 Apr 2022 02:39:12
It's about time we win another FA Cup, but even if we do so, I won't count this season as successful.
We actually haven't made any progress compared to last season but I think the lessons we learned in the course of this season, will help us and TT build a better team.
14 Apr 2022 10:20:50
Wee bit harsh Ashk1, but (strictly speaking) probably not that untrue. The £97m CF investment hasn’t worked out. The £100m would have been better spent on Declan Rice. and for those that might accuse me of any benefit of hindsight, check back over my posts for the last two years. All that said, some context is required. Momentum is everything in sport and Chelsea had that until the injuries to Ben and Reece and some difficulties with C.V.. I also do not think Chelsea handled the Lukaku thing well, not forgetting that he was doing fine until he got a nasty one in a nothing CL game followed by a lay off and a poor interview given to Sky Italia, then not selected for a huge game V Liverpool as a “punishment” which I thot TT got wrong but I can understand his reasoning. (Also, I personally thot that the media loved the unravelling of the big man, knowing it would knock Chelsea out of a PL title tilt) Of course no one can deny that Rom has played his part in this downward spiral, no to mention that TT had to change the style of play in possession, overlapping wingbacks who could consistently play quality crosses low or high into the box or indeed take shots on. at goal became a bit of hit or miss with Dave and Alonso as poorer versions. Imo This affected the whole team and Chelsea at times also became a hit or a miss, that cannot happen if you want to be champs. However the biggest thing is the form of Liverpool and City, they have both been brilliant and relentless. I think in a one off at full strength, Chelsea can handle Liverpool, but City are simply better. IMO if Chelsea get top 4 and an FA Cup added to the ESC and CWC they will have had a good 21/ 22. I look forward to the loanees coming back and injecting their enthusiasm into an already talented team. A HM and CB of atleast CL if not world class standard are required if Chelsea are to push on. and finally for the umpteenth time on this forum but I make no apologies for the following statement. Declan Rice is a must.
14 Apr 2022 15:31:05
Nice post Stephen.
I agree that injuries and C. V have had a big impact in our season but these things happen to every team and we just didn't respond well enough.
Our league form was really bad a few weeks back and it has cost us massively.
I consider CWC and European Super Cup are titles of the past season, but when I say that we haven't made any progress it's because as a team, we are not any closer to a league title and our transfers are mostly not working very much.
With that said, I think we can easily turn things around next season if we actually learn a few things from our recent experiences, especially in the recruiting department.
14 Apr 2022 16:05:46
Agreed Ashk1. The recruitment from 2017 onwards has been hellish. But playing a part in that was the club’s turnover of managers. As each new one came in they would have different ideas of how they wanted to play, with most wanting the players to suit. That was okay between 2003 and 2015, because so great was the team’s nucleus Petr, JT, Lamps, Ashley, Didier, even Gary Cahill and Ivanovic that managers could change out the rest and the club were still in contention for the title. That has now gone, as has the RA era. Atm Chelsea are picking up steam, I am hopeful of a top 4 and fingers crossed for an FA cup win to reward the hard work of the staff and players just to note, Kai has come on a bundle this year and as for Reece James? Wow, what a player.
14 Apr 2022 17:45:06
I agree, FA Cup would be nice. I hope we have more stability as of next season.
{Ed0666's Note - I’m sure the new owners will want to make a statement and splash some cash so exciting times ahead me thinks.
14 Apr 2022 21:10:39
I hope that's the case Ed.
{Ed0666's Note - I think you’ll be ok financially for the foreseeable future mate seems to be some heavy hitters trying to purchase you and there not gonna not spend money.
15 Apr 2022 09:27:22
I think so too. There may not be any problem money wise, how we utilise it is far more important. Buying right players is something we must get better at and Stamford Bridge really needs a revamp.
15 Apr 2022 20:59:26
Ashk, I agree with you about some of the players we have bought. The squad needs a refresh I would like to see Gallagher, Broja and Colwill joining the squad and a plan for covering our wingbacks in view of the injuries this season. A top class keeper would be nice. As for Stamford Bridge, the Ricketts were probably the best bet for that but they have withdrawn: time will tell on the redevelopment.
16 Apr 2022 07:39:08
Kimbolton I'm beginning to dream roman will eventually keep his club.