Arsenal.

This topic contains 78 replies, has 26 voices, and was last updated by NIBlue NIBlue 7 years, 1 month ago.

Viewing 19 posts - 61 through 79 (of 79 total)
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  • #1431606

    CFC1905
    Participant
    • :

    Bort – good points and you may be correct and originally (in a different thread) when I was unhappy with Cahill he was my choice to lose out

    However, and as stated above, the current back 3 have done really well since the change was implemented by Conte. He has not introduced Zouma back yet and this does make me wonder why which is why I also say that Zouma has to be back at his best if he is to earn his place

    That being said, Zouma is a beast and I believe can only enhance the back 3. I see the Dave/Moses axis as the “weak link” on the pitch. For me, Moses is not doing enough offensively so that is where I would look to make a change as I honestly believe that Dave must play as well. Whether Dave can be as attack minded and get crosses in is a matter of debate but I would like to see him given a chance

    Regardless, we could discuss this till the cows come home and probably not agree but it is down to Conte to make the correct change, if he feels a change is required. I agree with most punters that he is very thorough and I think the goals and chances created will not be lost on him and he is already thinking of a change – but only he will know so I wait to see what he does. KTBFFH

    #1431609
    Romansdirtypants
    Romansdirtypants
    Spectator
    • :

    I see all the points here, must be good to be conte right now.

    Big problem i see with change right now is that Dave and zouma might not be on the same wavelength as Moses and Dave who are very effective.

    I can see Moses moving further up the pitch next season and offering more competition to Pedro/ Willian/ hazard. Perhaps Moses is his answer to what asamoha was at juve.

    #1431614
    liquidator
    liquidator
    Participant
    • :

    bp – As I mentioned in my post, other than defending crosses, I thought we were great and fully deserved to win, which is why I said “in all other respects we were very good”. We definitely outplayed them in all other areas of the park. The saves were from Gabriel’s header late in the first half (point blank following the dreaded diagonal cross from right!), and Welbeck towards Courtois’ bottom right corner. Add Mustafi’s glaring near post miss from a corner, and despite how good we were, including the goal (agree TC could have done better having got a hand to it), whatever way you look at it, that is four very presentable headed chances. I cannot believe this will go unnoticed by Conte, but equally, I do not think there is an easy answer to it, especially given all the positives from Saturday’s performance. However, its something that needs to be kept an eye on, and something Conte will definitely “need to improve”, as he is rightly so fond of saying.

    #1431622

    palmeab
    Participant
    • :

    A one-off post….driven by frustration at the one-eyed view on here of our alleged defensive limitations. The casual criticism of Cesar Azpilicueta (yes, that is his name) when he is probably our best defender and arguably the best right-back in the PL defies silence. Many have decried the “problem” of defending crosses from the right (and this is appropriate) but, as often as not this is because opponents can launch crosses from our left. Could it be that no such problem occurs on the other flank because opponents are prevented from crossing because Azpilicueta denies them that opportunity. No crosses…..no need to defend them.

    This is not code for a counter-balancing criticism of Cahill….a thoroughly good professional doing as good a job now as he has ever done for us. But the view taken by many fans (and not a few pundits) that the “back three” in a 3-4-3 formation must be re-cycled centre-backs is, in my opinion, flawed. They must be three defenders….not necessarily c/b’s. I have always assumed that this is why Antonio Conte is looking for a left-sided defender, presumably to replace a now 30 something Cahill and in lieu of a yet-to-be proven post-injury Zouma. Is Luiz a conventional c/b? Were alleged targets Bonucci or Chiellini? Have not most (admittedly not alll) alleged back-these targets been “footballers” rather than pivots? The net of this is that, in my view, Cesar Azpilicueta would be among the last of our players to be dropped….because he is that good! And there is the possibly emerging figure of Christensen to contemplate….but I’m not going to get into that!

    Back to my eyrie again now; I am far too old for the hurly-burly of football forums….and probably too intolerant as well. Sorry about that but that is how it must be I’m afraid.

    #1431777
    Pagan
    Pagan
    Participant
    • :

    Personally I don’t see a problem with the back three, the difference is when the wing backs have to defend in the box. Alonso is a fullback that is now pushing on, whereas Moses is a winger who is now tracking back. Moses has on occasions left too big a gap between himself and the fullback, conversely Moses is more of a threat going forward.
    Obviously you’d want the best of both worlds, but in reality you have to make a comprise, a full back that pushes on or a winger that tracks back…..Pagan

    #1431800
    chelsea1967
    chelsea1967
    Participant
    • :

    Awesome to read an all too rare post Allan and wish you all the best. Totally agree that Azpilicueta is one of our best, rarely has a poor game. He has always been one of my favourites. He had to be good to take Ashley Cole’s spot in the side, especially when he was asked to play left fullback when generally he is a right fullback. I think we all knew then how good he actually was and is. It will be interesting how Conte fits Zouma into a permanent spot in the defence too ie, at whose expense. He is too good to be a bench warmer moving forward. Look forward to seeing your occasional visit here Allan. I love reading your work. Take care :))

    #1431840

    CFC1905
    Participant
    • :

    RDP – any change, if there is going to be one, can be done quietly and effectively at the pace that Conte wants

    Zouma got his first EPL run out this weekend and so needs another 4 to be capable of getting an EPL medal (I think). IMO, Conte will allow him that and look to slowly integrate him into the back 3 but without looking to compromise results which probably means a few more cameo appearances before a full start

    Zouma himself says he has been watching the games and is obviously part of the first team training now so he is quite well versed in what Conte expects from a back 3 plus the differences compared to when he last played in standard back 4. It is, however, a different thing to put all that into practise…?

    Not sure if I am being clear here or not looking at some responses but I have few, if any issues, with the current back 3 however, I do have issues with the contribution from Moses which is where I think we are being exposed (albeit not that often)

    Not a major flaw but if we want to remain competitive and step up a level to CL football then it is an area that I think (and just an opinion) that needs to be addressed. As I am also a fan of Zouma and think he would improve the back 3 then this is the underlying logic I am applying

    Nothing to say it is right or will be implemented but an observation. KTBBFH

    #1431841

    bluepylon
    Spectator
    • :

    Why is Zouma to good for the bench, was he not part of our awful defence first part of last season, all this clamouring for his return for weeks now, based on what excatly.
    Is JT also to good to be on the bench!!
    Conte has developed and adapted this system with the players, on which Moses, Cahill, Azpi Alonso & Luiz have been superb, yet somme on here still look for negatives.
    Last season when some of us were righlty posting on certain players and manager alike being crap. we were pretty much told to do one and leave the negativity for another day, and all would come good, well it didn’t and those on the end of such posts are no longer at the club.
    Yet here we are top of the PL looking odds on to win it again, playing some great football, breaking records on games one etc, and we have this “Arsenal” post turned into a debate on who should be left out of the side.
    Really, the mind boggles.

    #1431858

    nine nine nine
    Moderator
    • :

    We do see to have had a little bit of a problem defending the high ball at times especially the diagonal ball from the right dropped in between Azpi and Moses personally I don’t think anybody should be dropped and certainly not Azpi who is one of the best defenders in the PL if not Europe and leaving out Moses even if it might make us better defensively it might well make us weaker offensively.

    Given Conte’s ability as a Coach I’m pretty certain he will be aware of the issues with the high cross into the box especially from the right and and will be working on it on the training ground.

    #1431925

    CFC1905
    Participant
    • :

    BP – guess the mind boggling is down to the beauty of this forum as we all see things differently…!!

    I would suggest that very rarely is there an out and out clear cut answer as so many people have differing views (just look at the thread re player of the season)

    No one is right or wrong but it is a great place to express views and concerns about anything Chelsea related and I have to admit too many posters opening my eyes to different aspects that I had never previously considered

    Personally, I hope that continues as many times I find this enlightening and frustrating in equal measure….!! KTBFFH

    #1431947
    Romansdirtypants
    Romansdirtypants
    Spectator
    • :

    Palmbs… Great post. The balls are coming from the right hand side into the areas mosses and dave (sorry) occupy. The solution is to close the ball down before delivery. That would I guess, in Conte’s system, be partly down to Matic and Alonso and dare I say it Hazard.

    As we saw with Hazard last season when Jose tried to turn him into Joe Cole mrk 11. He isnt in the side to defend but does tuck in but that leaves Alonso and Matic to cover extra space and potentially answers the question why we are vulnerable to the diagonal.

    Which begs the question, Does Matic have a role in the coming seasons? could RLC fill his position or will we move for some midfield dynamos?

    #1432018
    liquidator
    liquidator
    Participant
    • :

    bp – You seem to be suggesting that by highlighting one area we weren’t great at, and have been vulnerable to in the recent past, that those expressing those views are being unnecessarily negative, given the overall performance and where we are in the league. Okay, I see your point to a degree, but those saying it, such as myself, are also saying generally how well we are playing and no one seems to be calling for players to be immediately dropped. The comments regarding Zouma are more about the future, and a possible solution IF Conte decides to address it. In my opinion, the way results are going, I wouldn’t expect him to, but he might if this vulnerability does lead to us dropping points we should have secured. Ultimately, Conte’s mantra is that must improve, and all I and others are saying is that this is an area which we can clearly improve on. Maybe that is working with the current starting players in training on this aspect, but I really don’t see it as a people being unnecessarily negative to point out where improvement can take place its just observational. As I have said on a separate posting – its a great time to be a Chelsea supporter.

    #1432068

    CFC1905
    Participant
    • :

    RDP – RLC and dynamo in the same sentence. As someone previously noted – the mind boggles…!! KTBFFH

    #1432115
    Romansdirtypants
    Romansdirtypants
    Spectator
    • :

    Read it again 1905… could RLC fill his position (ie Matic) OR will we move for some midfield dynamos?

    Personally not sure we’ve seen enough of RLC, Like most youth, you’ll probably be glad to see the back of him! 😉

    #1432259

    CFC1905
    Participant
    • :

    RDP – I have no objection or complaints if any of our youngsters make the grade and can play competitively in the EPL and the CL but so far we have all been disappointed

    No one will ever convince me that the likes of Josh or Bamford were good enough. I have to say that the progress of RLC did initially give me some hope and felt that he also had the physique as well as the ability to make an impact. However, this season we have seen very little of him and based on those few appearances (mostly in the FAC where the opposition has been poor) I expected much more of him. It was a great opportunity to take control and really show how he could take a game by the scruff of its neck and be a leader on the pitch

    This has not happened and I can only assume that his performances in training have made Conte think twice whereas Chalaboh seems to be getting better and at least shows some commitment when he is on the pitch

    Agree that we may not have seen enough of RLC but I think it is the mental attitude of RLC that is holding him back and I would not be surprised to see him sent on loan next season unless we see a change from him. KTBFFH

    #1432302
    Stuilse
    Stuilse
    Participant
    • :

    Bottom line is this. Conte has worked wonders with a squad that was broken last season. The players he bought in have all performed and are all starters. with the exception of Bats. He’s changed our formation radically and got our players displaying more work ethic, more confidence, more self-belief and more ‘mongrel’ Why are we top? Because we are the most consistent side in the league, because we have been fairly lucky with injuries thus far, because our stars are back in form and because the side is very settled. But….there is ALWAYS room for improvement. Conte has been quick to emphasize this. To us Kante was immense on Saturday against the Goons and, for me, the best player on the pitch. However Conte stated differently and felt he could improve. Do I believe this current squad is good enough to win the PL and possibly the FA Cup? Absolutely!! Do I believe this side can beat the likes of Barca, Real, Atletico, Bayern, Juve and PSG in the CL next season? No…not yet. We WILL need to strengthen next season as our domestic competitors will as well as the other clubs in Europe. Where can we improve? All over the pitch in my opinion. Players like Bale, Veratti, Danny Rose, Suarez, Griezmann, Toby Alderweireld, Kevin De Bruyn (oh why did we sell him), Bonucci, Varane and Tony Kroos….they would all improve our starting 11. Obviously most of these aren’t available and a team full of world class individuals doesn’t guarantee success. But a team where there are some experienced stars coupled with very hard workers and winners that are comfortable with the strategy and formation deployed by a manager they respect and believe in…that’s what’s helps constitute a top class club that’s capable of winning at the highest level. Thus pointing out areas of slight concern which could result in us getting punished by better sides isn’t having a go, it’s just constructive criticism of a side that has exceeded expectations this season and that will need to improve to challenge the worlds best.

    #1432341
    liquidator
    liquidator
    Participant
    • :

    stuilse – brilliant summary of the situation!

    #1432456

    CFC1905
    Participant
    • :

    stuilse – agreed and much better put than I have been able to do. KTBFFH

    #1433899
    NIBlue
    NIBlue
    Participant
    • :

    Funny how even up until yesterdays pre match day press conferences the media, especially the BBC were still leading with the headline about Chelseas first goal and Arsehole Whinger (Branluer) still bleating on about how it was not disallowed, yet today they skim over both a blatant hand ball and straight red not asking him what he thought of those decisions!!!

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