How do you feel compared to Bournemouth away? I expect Bournemouth and Chelsea to both have good seasons and today was definitely a step up on the first game back.
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No issue over losing to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were excellent for 70 minutes. They were several levels better than, stronger and seemingly fitter, although we were worked so hard by their quick passing. So, losing isn't really a problem, we were never expected to get anything out of the game against a selection of world class players. Now the worrying bit. When a result like that comes our way then it's time to look for positives, and for me there weren't any. I didn't see a passage of play for any sustained period, and i'm talking two or three minutes., Apart from Reid's chance we created nothing. I know that people may think i'm being a bit harsh, although losing 4-1 isn't a problem, the next thing i'd look for is something to take out of the game as a unit. Getting comprehensively beaten by a team like that isn't a problem for me, what is a problem is that there wasn't one positive aspect apart from players working hard-Which should be a given.
How do you feel compared to Bournemouth away? I expect Bournemouth and Chelsea to both have good seasons and today was definitely a step up on the first game back.
I didn't see the Bournemouth game, so can't really comment. I know that today's game was going to be very difficult and I have no problem with losing against a much better side that have players who cost more individually than our whole squad. What does worry me is that we can't put a pass together or a passage of play for a minute or two. We should be able to do that against anyone.
Chelsea could win the Premier League and Champions League this season, as could Manchester City. I don't expect us to be able to compete with them.
It's going to be a long season. Out of the 3 sides promoted, our style of play was always going to be the least likely to succeed in the Premier League. On top of this, we haven't addressed the need to add a consistant goalscorer to the team. All of this is well-known, our deficiencies are just being magnified now that we are under the spotlight. Our best chance is to focus on the 5 or 6 worst teams around us, starting with Burnley, and hope we can strengthen in January. I don't think it's time to panic yet.
For me, having watched the whole game on a stream (bloody wet it was as well), the disappointment was that in the second half we were relying on a bit of luck to turn the game in our favour. Every clearance went long hoping for a break. Poor Danny Ward didn't have a prayer, but ran his socks off. We need to keep possession far better if we're to have a chance this season.