Match Thread Chelsea vs Everton - Preview, Match Report and MotM Poll.

[Pabbers]

Last night highlighted the difference between the 2 clubs currently.

What we seen of Chelsea was the result of years and years of investment, it will come for us, but people need to be more patient.

 

[msb]

I hate losing, but I don't see doom and gloom. We are not the most talented team out there and this will need to change, we bring on Bernard, they bring on Mount....Davies/Kante.....King/Pulisic - squad difference is massive.

They have had 20+ years of multi-million investment and it shows from top to tail of their squad. Not a complaint, just an observation.

We did okay and but for a rash penalty (Pickford's only error - and he was a tad unlucky) and Iwobi not marking like he should have, we would have achieved the draw we set out to get.

I'm not a hound them out sort of supporter, but some changes are needed, replacing players with quality - and it won't be cheap. We were without some key players too, so overall - away at Chelsea - it was not an embarrassment. Its not like Newcastle, Fulham etc.

 

[brieverton]

I'd like to qualify for the Europa League proper, and not the new-fangled lesser competition.

As long as we do that I think the season is a success. So Top 6.

We are not capable of putting together a run of six or seven wins consecutively like Chelsea and Man Utd, but equally we are also capable of losing three on the bounce. Leicester are perhaps the exception, but they are a generally more settled and consistent side than we are. But let's see how they cope.

That's the difference between being a top 4 side and not.

It's going to be tough.

 

[Brisan123]

Was always a hard ask missing James , Doucoure and Davies
A midfield 3 of Allan Doucoure and Davies would have been much better last night
Looking at Reece James last night shows how ineffective our right side is
We badly need a RB and I’m not sure Max Aaron’s has the power and Physicality for the role

 

[arch stanton]

even if we would have scraped a result last night and forced our way into the Champs league, if this season is similar to next, we'd now be facing two games a week against better sides with a threadbare squad. The first team when fit aren't too far off but the depth is not there.

 

[PSB1]

even if we would have scraped a result last night and forced our way into the Champs league, if this season is similar to next, we'd now be facing two games a week against better sides with a threadbare squad. The first team when fit aren't too far off but the depth is not there.

I'd add that next season we'll have a better first 11 and a slightly better bench.

Whether or not we'll have better luck with injuries is, of course, in the lap of the gods.

The trajectory is upwards. Absolutely convinced of that.

 

[arch stanton]

I'd add that next season we'll have a better first 11 and a slightly better bench.

Whether or not we'll have better luck with injuries is, of course, in the lap of the gods.

The trajectory is upwards. Absolutely convinced of that.

I agree with that but we will be riding our luck with injuries to key players at key times, thats why it is so hard for trams to repeatedly get into and remain in the champs league slots, it puts pressure all over the playing system

 

[Walham Green Blue]

My first thought when I saw our line up was that TT was taking a few liberties and that Everton could really hurt us. If you’d had a real go in the first 20-25 mins you might’ve done some real damage but it might’ve gone badly wrong as well.
You’re really well organised, great defence, dangerous up top, but not much in the middle which is more likely to cost you in the trickier games.
Top 6 very doable. Top 4 not exactly a pipe dream but will require a bit more than last night. I’d like to see you make it, but not at our expense! Your CBs and Pickford were excellent.

 

[RomanReigns]

After 70 mins Pickford just had a look of despair at the midfield and defence. He got past the point of even shouting at the players anymore cos they just weren’t even responding.

 

[Rob17896]

My first thought when I saw our line up was that TT was taking a few liberties and that Everton could really hurt us. If you’d had a real go in the first 20-25 mins you might’ve done some real damage but it might’ve gone badly wrong as well.
You’re really well organised, great defence, dangerous up top, but not much in the middle which is more likely to cost you in the trickier games.
Top 6 very doable. Top 4 not exactly a pipe dream but will require a bit more than last night. I’d like to see you make it, but not at our expense! Your CBs and Pickford were excellent.

I think CL might be a bit early if we want to make an impression when we get there, but the funds would be useful.

 

[ToffeeTim]

My first thought when I saw our line up was that TT was taking a few liberties and that Everton could really hurt us. If you’d had a real go in the first 20-25 mins you might’ve done some real damage but it might’ve gone badly wrong as well.
You’re really well organised, great defence, dangerous up top, but not much in the middle which is more likely to cost you in the trickier games.
Top 6 very doable. Top 4 not exactly a pipe dream but will require a bit more than last night. I’d like to see you make it, but not at our expense! Your CBs and Pickford were excellent.

We just hadn't the legs in midfield last night to make an impact on the game. I don't think it was a lack of effort which has been an issue with our players in certain home games, we were just outplayed on the night.

I don't think we have a squad ready for a top 4 challenge. When we have injuries or players out, we have to bring in the players from previous years who have struggled and lack quality. If we can get into europe it's been a very good season for us, and we will continue to improve under this manager. He's doing as much as can really be expected right now. We have a good first 11, but the difference in depth compared with Chelsea is enormous.

 

[arbok]

His in game management of his own positioning is absolutely appalling and I'm shocked if he hasn't been pulled up on it time after time from the coaching staff.

At least 3/4 times a game he will either try and snatch a ball from an impossible angle and get turned, be on the wrong side of his man or be so flat footed that a simple 2 yard jog past him renders him completely useless and takes him out of the game.

There isn't a position on the field where we can say those weaknesses aren't showing every single game he plays and they absolutely cripple us in the middle of the park. He's not offering anything where we can currently say "well at least he's doing A or B well so it's worth persisting with him".

I feel like Gomes doesn't have that many interesting qualities that make him stand out. Like he's just ok at maybe like 60% of the things. So I suppose he's ok as a squad player. In fact Davies as a box to box midfielder offers more than Gomes does right now and I wouldn't have expected that last year.

 

[arbok]

Last night highlighted the difference between the 2 clubs currently.

What we seen of Chelsea was the result of years and years of investment, it will come for us, but people need to be more patient.

I hate losing, but I don't see doom and gloom. We are not the most talented team out there and this will need to change, we bring on Bernard, they bring on Mount....Davies/Kante.....King/Pulisic - squad difference is massive.

They have had 20+ years of multi-million investment and it shows from top to tail of their squad. Not a complaint, just an observation.

We did okay and but for a rash penalty (Pickford's only error - and he was a tad unlucky) and Iwobi not marking like he should have, we would have achieved the draw we set out to get.

I'm not a hound them out sort of supporter, but some changes are needed, replacing players with quality - and it won't be cheap. We were without some key players too, so overall - away at Chelsea - it was not an embarrassment. Its not like Newcastle, Fulham etc.

While its true they had years and years of investment, they've had their share of mistakes and had to move a lot of players on. Most of the players they have in the squad are pretty young. It is obvious they went for a rebuild while they had that transfer ban for a year.

 

[bigboy]

We went to an inform Chelsea side with a depleted squad and lost to an og and a pen. It happens, not that bothered. It’s clear now that our midfield cannot function without the legs of doucoure, we desperately need a back up for him cos that’s the most lethargic midfield we can put out. It’s saying something when Davies comes on and looks the most mobile of our midfielders.

 

[Brisan123]

even if we would have scraped a result last night and forced our way into the Champs league, if this season is similar to next, we'd now be facing two games a week against better sides with a threadbare squad. The first team when fit aren't too far off but the depth is not there.

If we manage to get CL next season Usmanov will open the wallet
By hook or by crook he would put major money in