So, we drew at QPR a place where we lost last season. Its obviously an improvement if you ask me. We also whipped Newcastle, a good revenge for them walloping us with some "Juju" goals. We beat Wigan, comfortably, a place where we drew last season. I can only say, I still have a lot of faith in this squad. And we are doing good.
Whereas, i wasn't impressed by the recent performances of key players, notably Fernando Torres. He underperformed if you ask me, often losing possession at key moments during the game. in the first half, he drew a fantastic save from Julio Cesar when trying to score from an impossible angle. He was fantastic in the opening minutes, faded as the game went by and became useless later on.
Another positive to take from this, was the fact that Di Matteo noted Torres's performance and substituted him for Sturridge.
Well, we all dont like what followed. A player shouldnt walk straight to the dressing room when substituted, or atleast, those who have done that havent been successful in their careers, regardless of how talented they are. Such behavior is reserved for players like El Hadji Diouf, Mido and Adel Tarabt and Joey Barton!!
I still dont understand why Betrand started. Was it to offer support to Ashley Cole? During the Newcastle game, I understood why Betrand had to start. To take care of Newcastle's most dangerous player in the name of Ben Arfa. Against J.S Park, we didnt need Betrand. I am not saying he is a bad player, all am saying is if you have Oscar, Moses and Marko Marin against a relegation threatened team, no need to have a defensive approach. In as a much as you stand a big chance of winning a match when you dont concede, the attacking philosophy that we expect Di Matteo to employ from here on is, "lets just outscore them". The Brazil national team, the Spain national team, Barcelona will never approach a match with a defensive mind. They policy is, and that of any other attacking team is, if they score one, we will score two or three.
I therefore think Betrand shouldnt have started this match, and more so, in the name of assisting Ashley Cole who in my opinion has been the most consistent Chelsea defender year in year out. My point, come on....Ashley doesnt need support, he is the best left back in the world!!!!
I recall the double winning season, when Ashley Cole and Malouda developed a very serious threat on the left wing. Where will we get that kind of consistency if in every match, Ashley Cole has a different player a head of him? Today its Betrand, tomorrow Moses and the day after, someone else.....? Not good.
Finally, it occurs to me we cant have Lampard playing 90minutes. He too faded later. His timely runs in the box that have brought so many goals for Chelsea in the past are not existent anymore.
I would wish for Ramires to partner Mikel in midfield and have lampard come in late on. Theres always a time to let go. Against Atletico Madrid, our midfield was so ineffective that any time Atletico had the ball, they had plenty of time to decide exactly how and where to place their passes. Of course we all witnessed the outcome.
Lampard is a good player, he can pass, he can shoot, he can defend. He is a legend, but there is always a time when you have to let go. There always a time when you play the assist role and not the main star. The time for Lampard is now, otherwise he may jeopardise his legendary status. They say, if you do bad, people never forget!!
All in all, we are on top of the table. Unbeaten and with plenty of abundant talent rearing to go. We however need to be tactical. We need to change the "AVB Syndrome" where, we stick to a formation regardless of the outcome. Having versatile players means you can change formations however and whenever you feel the need to. Nowhere in the Chelsea constitution does it say, thou shall play 4-2-3-1 whether you are losing 4-0 against Atletico Madrid or whether you are struggling against QPR.
Until the Juventus game, ktbffh!!
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