Chelsea 2 United 0 - report

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Deadbat

Deadbat

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After the euphoria of the first win since Chris Wilder came back to the club, the stark reality of the task at hand bumped firmly back into perspective after the latest away defeat at Chelsea. The home side had not been in great form, but the ease in which they despatched the Blades showed up the gulf between those in the bottom three and the rest of the league. The Blues still pack a squad costing billions of pounds and despite toiling for much of the first half without success, they accelerated through the gears after half time and won with ease. United were well beaten long before the full time whistle came.

Wilder made two changes with McBurnie and Lowe in for Osula and the suspended Robinson. Chelsea were missing a number of key men but still had a squad filled with big money signings, both starting, and on the bench.

The Blades kicked away from their noisy sold out away following then in the capital but the visitors conceded an early corner right in front of those fans. The ball was cleared and for much of the opening stages, Chelsea dominated the ball but United proved resolute and were well organised, making good blocks ad denying space. Mydryk was looking to get on the ball at every opportunity but he was wasteful on two occasions. Lowe had to get a foot in to concede another corner as Sterling looked to use his pace. Gallagher had the first effort on goal but Foderingham clutched the shot that was straight at him.

The Blades had offered little as an attacking threat but Archer won a corner after a run down the left. The home side were back on the attack and Mydryk led Bogle a merry dance leaving him in his wake but Lowe got across to make the interception as the ball came in. Bogle was then well forward but his cross missed everyone but United won another corner that they wasted when going short. Chelsea continued to move the ball about bit had created little although Foderingham had to be alert to come off his line to deny Jackson. The striker shot well wide soon after before Mydryk was even further off target with a wild, sliced effort. At the other end Archer had United’s best effort with a run and shot deflected wide.

McAtee was booked for kicking the ball away but there was a stoppage for Souza when an errant arm seemed to catch the midfielder from Caicedo. VAR looked at it but did not deem it worthy of any further action. United continued to sit in and Chelsea were controlling the match but not really troubling United too much and one final ball was cleared from Trusty just before the half time whistle.

The second half saw Chelsea come out and play the ball forward quicker and players looked to get it on the half turn and drive at the Blades defence. Trusty denied Palmer with a crucial block but on 54 minutes, the ex City man took his chance. It came from Gallagher just driving through the United rear guard. No challenge came in and as players went across it created space for Sterling who ran in unopposed and centered for PALMER to turn home with no challenge made throughout the attack. Despite being completely on top, the goal was a clear relief to the home fans after such torrid recent form. Checks for an offside were quickly cleared from Stockley Park.

Brooks was replace by Osula but Chelsea came again and it was not long before they doubled their lead and effectively sealed the game on the hour mark. There had been appeals for a penalty in the build up as Gallagher made the running again and Sterling went down. Foderingham could not gather the loose ball and Palmer kept it in and squared it to JACKSON who had the simple tap in with the United defence completely switching off on top of the poor goalkeeping.

Chelsea were now in confident mood and nearly got in again as the ball came across before Hamer was booked soon after. United had really struggled this half and were completely penned in. Chelsea were now finding big gaps with Lowe and Bogle struggling, not helped by McAtee and Hamer’s inability to retain possession the few times the away side needed a breather. Norwood replaced McBurnie but Jackson nearly had another but United conceded a corner. A rare break saw McAtee get down the side but he ran it out before Osula converted. Hamer then had a free kick that saw Petrovic make his first save of the game. Lowe was cautioned for a foul on substitute Enzo before fellow sub Broja somehow missed a sitter after more good work from Palmer. Slimane came on for Hamer but the game was drifting now and Chelsea were cantering to a comfortable victory.

A crude foul gave Chelsea a free kick just outside the box but Foderingham parried the first effort and then did well to deny Jackson on the rebound. Slimane did well in a rare late break but his cross was cleared and then in stoppage time, Archer had a decent solo run but blazed wide and United could not even get a consolation as the full time whistle came only minutes later
 

United – It was very similar to many of the away games this season where we sit in, defend and rarely attack or get bodies up the pitch. It’s a very defensive and negative approach. I know we cannot go hung ho but we have interest in even progressing up the field. Yes, we defended well first half but we did at Arsenal and a few other games. However teams will pass it, pass it, pass it and we just tire, gaps open up and chances come. I’m not sure today was any different to my last trio down here with United when we surrender quite meekly to Arsenal.

Of course I understand these teams and players are much better and Chelsea have a team costing billions with subs all seemingly 50-100 million players. They will mostly always beat us and be too good but I do need to look at the manner of how we compete even if we lose. I heard Wilder say we did quite well first half and then kind of abandoned the plan? Maybe they did but I thought it was as much as the United players just tired physically and mentally. Chelsea upped it and we had no response. Our play off the ball and organisation was pretty good first half but Chelsea did not look a great side at all and felt we could hurt them or at least try and test them but other than the odd corner and the Archer effort, we did not really do that. Of course half time and you are 0-0 and probably content.

However, the decent first half in terms of organisation and concentration is completely wasted when you toss away two easy goals and basically fold second half. We were not even getting close to players, let alone win tackles. The first goal they run through us and then nobody goes with runners. Same on the second although wretched keeping adds to the problems. That was game over really. Four years ago we went 2-0 down to a much better Chelsea side and fought back but we never looked like coming back. There was no belief in the side and showed what a task Wilder has. The players are miles off competing at this level nearly every week.

Our so called flair players McAtee and Hamer were wretched at keeping the ball and their touch and passing was woeful all game. The likes of Foderingham and Lowe will get pelters and both are not good enough for this level but even the so called better technical players look a long way off and struggled to make any impact. Thought Anel and Trusty did ok with little protection down the sides or in front but the two full backs defensive limitations were exposed again. Souza had a decent first half but poor after the break where as it was a real struggle for Brookes. McBurnie did not hold it up or offer much where as Archer at least looked a threat.

Overall though we were well beaten and it was an easy win for an out of sorts Chelsea. We were probably the perfect opportunity for them to get back to winning ways and back on track. It became a bit of a training session 2nd half but we have said that a few times this season. I am sound harsh as Chelsea of course are so much better but I don’t like the way we barely lay a glove on teams and kind of give up. Today it could have been 3 or 4 which would have been a better reflection of a one sided game. Chelsea had nearly 80% possession and for much of the 2nd half we did not really compete and it was largely unopposed football.

One thing that was made even clearer today, as I sat quite low down was how much stronger Chelsea/opponents are, particularly upper body strength. Even Anel got shoved off it by Sterling! It was telling that our players just got shrugged off it. We did not win many battles, races or header at all- the things Wilder always said are the bare minimum at this level.

After the uplift of two decent performances, today we looked much like the team we have seen all season, particularly away from home. Our form on the road is wretched with one point from 8 games. We have scored a measly four goals and two were own goals. A United player has not registered since Hamer at Spurs in September. He is the only United player to score away all season too. We might look even worse and negative away from the Lane, than we did under Warnock in the Premier League.

With Villa and City next, it does not get any easier and two more almost certain defeats you feel. The Luton game has the making of a game that United simply have to win, to even keep alive any slim chances of survival. A loss or even a draw here and you’d probably concede that we are as good as down even before the New Year as we don’t get anything away and don’t play any of the strugglers at home for a while.


Ratings:

Foderingham 4/10 – He made one double save late on and denied another few half chances but overall again proved why he’s not really up to this level. His play with the ball at his feet is frighteningly bad. He made another cock up on the 2nd and continues to concern when we play it back. He started the season well but is making too many mistake, albeit put under too much pressure.

Bogle 4.5/10 – Thought he got beat quite a few times from Mudryk and gave him way too much time on the ball. A few times seemed almost surprised when the winger had it in acres of space. Twice he just then ran past him. Had one run and cross but rarely got forward and his struggles defensively continued second half.

Lowe 4/10 – He started ok and was quite tight to Sterling but then was caught ball watching as he started to find gaps. He did make one block as he came across bit second half he began to unravel. They attacked at will down this side and he failed to stop his man or the ball. He got drawn to the ball then and positionally he was all over the place. He’s another way off this level. Expect Trusty back here next week with Robinson back.

Ahmedhodzic 5.5/10 – First half he did alright and was able to get in front of his man and was tight too and denied them the chance to turn. A few stride outs from the back too which looked like the Anel of early last season. Second half he got dragged around and we lacked the shape/clear line we had to start the game. Slow to react to a few balls/crosses into the area. Did not cover himself in glory on the second goal.

Trusty 6/10 – Our best defender in the sense he continued to be competitive and kept tighter than the others who stopped doing their jobs. He made a few blocks and tackles and covered well. He is poor at using the ball and resorts to lumping it, even when under little pressure. Could have reacted quicker on both goals.

Souza 6/10 – The opening 45 minute, he was very good and carried on from last week. Got his foot in, got his body in good areas and used it sensibly when he did step in to stem attacks. However, he lost the duels second half and Gallagher ran off him or away from him more than once. Ended up losing his way somewhat and felt the midfield did not press or really compete after the break. Looked very leggy by the end. Maybe for the 2nd week running, he was caught by a challenge that could have been a red card (elbow/hand in the face)

Hamer 4/10 – Major disappointment after showing a great deal of fight last week. He was woeful on and off the ball and apart from one free kick near the end, he gave the ball away often and quite cheaply. He also did not do much defensively and they skipped away from him a few times. Seems a bit of a luxury player as he lacks the running power to get up and down.

McAtee 3/10 – A real stinker. Not sure he did much right all game. It bounced off him or away from him. Got booked for kicking it away but that’s all he did really- kick it away. He turned into trouble and never kept the ball at all. Defensively did not help Bogle at all either. Not sure we can play him and Hamer away, if they are do careless with the football.

Brooks 4/10 – Struggled today. Tried to get his foot in but got rushed out of things and the pace/physicality seemed a bit much. Taken off after we conceded and it was not a surprise but not sure Hamer or McAtee offered anything significantly more meaningful?

Archer 6.5/10 – Probably our best outfield player. He at least put himself about and also had a few efforts both halves even if both went wide. He dud hold it up and keep it more than others and he was the only one trying to penetrate. No service at all either.

McBurnie 5/10 – Disappointing. Not sure he did enough to help us have an out ball or keep it. Got muscled out of things and them did not show enough on the few occasions we did get in their half. Won the odd flick but the ball never stuck up our end.

Subs –

Osula 4/10 – Nothing really played into him at all and sort of ran around without touching it much at all. Put that McAtee one in the net but the game had effectively stopped. He was another, who is a big lad albeit inexperienced, but did not win his headers or duels. Tries hard but we are desperate for more know how up in this area.

Norwood – Him coming on for a striker showed we knew the game was up. Think they hoped he would give us more of the ball but it did not really happen and they continued to control things.

Slimane – Only got 10 minutes but did ok again and showed some neat touches and had one decent run down the left but did not get a good ball in. Probably deserves a start though as has shown bits and pieces.



Manager :

Wilder 5.5/10 – First half we were competing and did not give up many chances but we did not come out much and the plan to sit in and just defend for 90 mins is not going to work against good players. Maybe that’s all we can hope for but I’d like to see us try and get up the field. He did say that the players diverted away from the plan so maybe if they had kept what they were doing, we might have stayed in the game but as soon as they scored then the game was done. We almost never fight back these days. He changed a few from the bench but we lack options in general squad wise. If the next period sees the expected trend of this season carry on, be interesting to see how he reacts as he will surely see that the players are just not good enough, as they weren’t for his predecessor.

Chelsea – A routine win. They weren’t great at all and first half created little. However in the second half they just upped it, got the goals and then coasted and were able to rotate players. They have spent a lot of money on quite ordinary players though. Not sure they will finish in the top 6 though. Today was as easy an afternoon as they would wish for though.

Opponent Man of the Match – Gallagher and Palmer, the two young English players were probably the stand outs. Palmer scored and got an assist but Gallagher stood out even more really. He helped drive them forward and his runs led to both goals. The rest of the side were OK and just did what they had to. They did win a lot of the physical stuff and another much more robust and physical side.

Opponent Weak link – Mudryk did actually beat Bogle a few times but was wasteful in final product and finishes. Sterling drifted in and out. Not sure anyone was really tested.

Referee/Officials – There decisions did not really affect the verdict and was surprised VAR even looked at the goals as thought they were fine and did not even consider offside. The hand on Souza surely should have been at least a booking? Outside of this I felt Andy Madley gave a lot of the 50-50 challenges to them and the usual antics of whenever they fell over, he seemingly could not wait to give them things. First half in particular he gave some bizarre decisions. It just seems they seem desperate not to upset the big sides and almost as if ‘it must be a foul as it’s a Chelsea player.’

Matchday/Crowd/Coverage/Day Out – Must be odd for die hard Chelsea fans as they are another with an ever increasing tourist fan such is the cost of games. They are also getting left behind now in London both on and off the pitch with Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham in much bigger grounds and more impressive in the first two teams’ case. Today the crowd was not even 40,000 and I thought that’s not much bigger than the Lane. It ways feels a proper away day/ground with the walk up the Kings Road and all the stalls, pubs and then the Hotel/complex near the ground too. However, inside it was so quiet. Granted it was an easy win against the weakest team in the league but many left before the end too. It seems like despite the big money spending of the new US owner going on unabated, the Mourinho days are long gone and even with all the big cash outlay, they seem quite a way off the top sides.

Was quite low down today in the bottom tier. I sat in the upper tier for the 2-2. The view was ok and I do like the rail seats where you can stand but it is safe and not a scrum and you can rest your hands too in front!

The rest of the day saw us get into London OK as we got an early train before all the issues which beset many with trains being cancelled. Coming home was ok and the problems seemed to have gone by the time we came back. We strolled around London before and after and saw the lights down Regent Street. We drank near Putney Bridge where there were a fair few Blades too but I always forget how long a walk it is from there. Well over half an hour. Got in the ground but decided against the £7.80 (was it?) pint in the ground! Decent day overall but felt a fit flat after. I admire those who are going every week and I know the day out is often what makes it, but must be hard when you know we lose every week away and often quite tamely. I won’t be at Villa or City for work/family reasons but see two more difficult days/evenings. We just are almost writing half our matches off and it must be soul destroying to keep going and watching defeat after defeat, granted we know the level of teams we are up against.
 
I'd mark Mcburnie down a point thought he did nothing. Won't judge McAtee on that performance but him and brooks have the ball away way too often. I don't know what we do in training but close contact passing under pressure needs to be prioritised aswell as simple and sensible options to pass the ball and not give away in our third/ half.

Frustrating day at the office and the next 2 away games look even more daunting.
 
The players looked tired in the second half possibly due to their efforts in the last two games. We desperately need more bodies who can compete at this level starting with new keeper Wes is living up to his nick name at the moment. Left back/wing back continues to be a problem, we need more in midfield too with a bit of stature and athleticism about them. McBurnie was woeful today is he really wanting a new contract? Back to Earth with a bump, looks like the new manager bounce is over and it will be all down to hard work and hopefully freshening the squad up next month somehow.
 
Thanks DB appreciate your report as always. I think you're slightly harsh on Anel & generous on Trusty for the 2nd goal. Trusty inexplicably just falls over leaving AA alone with 2-3 blue shirts in front of goal! AA although badly positioned (wrong side of man) at least gets his head to the ball. God knows what Wes was trying to do..
UTB
 
Thanks DB. Honest assessment as ever. Never thought I'd write this but JLT was sorely missed. With Bogle and Lowe at full back the odds were stacked against us. Bogle after two disciplined performances reverted back to leaving his player in oceans of space. Lowe is Lowe he just wanders upfield, loses his man and starts 5 yards behind the player going past him. Add in Wes flapping again and the 5 man defence is reduced to 2. Agree on Anel and Trusty they battled but those around them were way off it.

First half we were disciplined but mentally and physically we were found wanting again when the oppo upped their game second half.

The players ran out of gas early as they did so often under the previous regime. The poor conditioning is evident and Prestridge has a job on his hands to rectify this. He's not a miracle worker but it was noticeable the manager saying after the game they are in for training today.

Team selection was disappointing. I would have preferred to have started with the front 3 of Archer, McAtee and Slimane that finished so well against Brentford. Even more so when Mcb went off. If you're going to bring Norwood on it has to be for Souza. We were unbalanced with the change taking Brooks off until Slimane came on down the left and yet again he produced a decent cameo. He has to start soon.

We were negative but playing a four with Bogle and Lowe as full backs was always a risk as the second half proved. The manager will have learnt more about the players in the second half yesterday than he did in the previous 225 minutes.

Luton is a big game. If we have to give Baldock more time to recover then he shouldn't start against Villa. We need his defensive and battling qualities back for boxing day. Some wheeling and dealing in the JTW would help. One of them has to be at goalkeeper to challenge for the number 1 spot. Davies is not that man and should be moved on imo. Its an area CW has shown in the past he is keen to strengthen.
 
First half I thought we looked really solid defensively. As organised as I've seen us but maybe lacking a bit of quality going the other way, albeit still loads better than anything we've done away from home this far this season. Thought we had one or two moments, Archer could've scored on another day and the ball across the six yard box by Bogle was fantastic play that was begging for a finish. Second half I agreed with Wilder, too many players got a bit giddy and left their man and/or space which unravelled everything good we'd done.

It's easy to forget the quality we're up against when we play the likes of Chelsea but I thought the players did ok in the main. We are probably short of another good midfielder and striker to give us a real foothold in these types of games.

Actually thought Bogle did really well again considering he had little help - he's probably been the most consistent player since Wilder's return. Souza had an excellent first half but then faded. Archer, Anel and Trusty all relatively decent. Foderingham, Lowe and McAtee quite poor.

One to chalk off and I expect similar next week at Villa, a lot of these sides are just too good for us.
 
I actually think your analysis is, for once, a bit flawed, Deadbat. This wasn’t a Heckingbottom type defend hopelessly and hoof performance. The players tried, mainly in the first half, to advance the ball and attack. There was little Norwood style hoofing. Yes, there were times when it went forward to to no one, but that was a combination of us clearing and McBurnie making a very poor effort at pressing. He was as poor as he was at Burnley.

The big problem was twofold. The passing was terrible when we broke, and Chelsea were excellent at winning it back, particularly Gallagher. McAtee had a stinker too.

There was no reason to bring Norwood on. Should have been Slimane then.

I also thought you were harsh on Bogle. He gave Mudryk as much attention as was required.

That Jackson was awful. I was annoyed he scored. It’s nice to see someone with as bad a positional game as Brewster.

We need something v Luton as Villa and City are lost causes.
 
Deadbat said:
United – It was very similar to many of the away games this season where we sit in, defend and rarely attack or get bodies up the pitch. It’s a very defensive and negative approach. I know we cannot go hung ho but we have interest in even progressing up the field. Yes, we defended well first half but we did at Arsenal and a few other games. However teams will pass it, pass it, pass it and we just tire, gaps open up and chances come. I’m not sure today was any different to my last trio down here with United when we surrender quite meekly to Arsenal.

Of course I understand these teams and players are much better and Chelsea have a team costing billions with subs all seemingly 50-100 million players. They will mostly always beat us and be too good but I do need to look at the manner of how we compete even if we lose. I heard Wilder say we did quite well first half and then kind of abandoned the plan? Maybe they did but I thought it was as much as the United players just tired physically and mentally. Chelsea upped it and we had no response. Our play off the ball and organisation was pretty good first half but Chelsea did not look a great side at all and felt we could hurt them or at least try and test them but other than the odd corner and the Archer effort, we did not really do that. Of course half time and you are 0-0 and probably content.

However, the decent first half in terms of organisation and concentration is completely wasted when you toss away two easy goals and basically fold second half. We were not even getting close to players, let alone win tackles. The first goal they run through us and then nobody goes with runners. Same on the second although wretched keeping adds to the problems. That was game over really. Four years ago we went 2-0 down to a much better Chelsea side and fought back but we never looked like coming back. There was no belief in the side and showed what a task Wilder has. The players are miles off competing at this level nearly every week.

Our so called flair players McAtee and Hamer were wretched at keeping the ball and their touch and passing was woeful all game. The likes of Foderingham and Lowe will get pelters and both are not good enough for this level but even the so called better technical players look a long way off and struggled to make any impact. Thought Anel and Trusty did ok with little protection down the sides or in front but the two full backs defensive limitations were exposed again. Souza had a decent first half but poor after the break where as it was a real struggle for Brookes. McBurnie did not hold it up or offer much where as Archer at least looked a threat.

Overall though we were well beaten and it was an easy win for an out of sorts Chelsea. We were probably the perfect opportunity for them to get back to winning ways and back on track. It became a bit of a training session 2nd half but we have said that a few times this season. I am sound harsh as Chelsea of course are so much better but I don’t like the way we barely lay a glove on teams and kind of give up. Today it could have been 3 or 4 which would have been a better reflection of a one sided game. Chelsea had nearly 80% possession and for much of the 2nd half we did not really compete and it was largely unopposed football.

One thing that was made even clearer today, as I sat quite low down was how much stronger Chelsea/opponents are, particularly upper body strength. Even Anel got shoved off it by Sterling! It was telling that our players just got shrugged off it. We did not win many battles, races or header at all- the things Wilder always said are the bare minimum at this level.

After the uplift of two decent performances, today we looked much like the team we have seen all season, particularly away from home. Our form on the road is wretched with one point from 8 games. We have scored a measly four goals and two were own goals. A United player has not registered since Hamer at Spurs in September. He is the only United player to score away all season too. We might look even worse and negative away from the Lane, than we did under Warnock in the Premier League.

With Villa and City next, it does not get any easier and two more almost certain defeats you feel. The Luton game has the making of a game that United simply have to win, to even keep alive any slim chances of survival. A loss or even a draw here and you’d probably concede that we are as good as down even before the New Year as we don’t get anything away and don’t play any of the strugglers at home for a while.


Ratings:

Foderingham 4/10 – He made one double save late on and denied another few half chances but overall again proved why he’s not really up to this level. His play with the ball at his feet is frighteningly bad. He made another cock up on the 2nd and continues to concern when we play it back. He started the season well but is making too many mistake, albeit put under too much pressure.

Bogle 4.5/10 – Thought he got beat quite a few times from Mudryk and gave him way too much time on the ball. A few times seemed almost surprised when the winger had it in acres of space. Twice he just then ran past him. Had one run and cross but rarely got forward and his struggles defensively continued second half.

Lowe 4/10 – He started ok and was quite tight to Sterling but then was caught ball watching as he started to find gaps. He did make one block as he came across bit second half he began to unravel. They attacked at will down this side and he failed to stop his man or the ball. He got drawn to the ball then and positionally he was all over the place. He’s another way off this level. Expect Trusty back here next week with Robinson back.

Ahmedhodzic 5.5/10 – First half he did alright and was able to get in front of his man and was tight too and denied them the chance to turn. A few stride outs from the back too which looked like the Anel of early last season. Second half he got dragged around and we lacked the shape/clear line we had to start the game. Slow to react to a few balls/crosses into the area. Did not cover himself in glory on the second goal.

Trusty 6/10 – Our best defender in the sense he continued to be competitive and kept tighter than the others who stopped doing their jobs. He made a few blocks and tackles and covered well. He is poor at using the ball and resorts to lumping it, even when under little pressure. Could have reacted quicker on both goals.

Souza 6/10 – The opening 45 minute, he was very good and carried on from last week. Got his foot in, got his body in good areas and used it sensibly when he did step in to stem attacks. However, he lost the duels second half and Gallagher ran off him or away from him more than once. Ended up losing his way somewhat and felt the midfield did not press or really compete after the break. Looked very leggy by the end. Maybe for the 2nd week running, he was caught by a challenge that could have been a red card (elbow/hand in the face)

Hamer 4/10 – Major disappointment after showing a great deal of fight last week. He was woeful on and off the ball and apart from one free kick near the end, he gave the ball away often and quite cheaply. He also did not do much defensively and they skipped away from him a few times. Seems a bit of a luxury player as he lacks the running power to get up and down.

McAtee 3/10 – A real stinker. Not sure he did much right all game. It bounced off him or away from him. Got booked for kicking it away but that’s all he did really- kick it away. He turned into trouble and never kept the ball at all. Defensively did not help Bogle at all either. Not sure we can play him and Hamer away, if they are do careless with the football.

Brooks 4/10 – Struggled today. Tried to get his foot in but got rushed out of things and the pace/physicality seemed a bit much. Taken off after we conceded and it was not a surprise but not sure Hamer or McAtee offered anything significantly more meaningful?

Archer 6.5/10 – Probably our best outfield player. He at least put himself about and also had a few efforts both halves even if both went wide. He dud hold it up and keep it more than others and he was the only one trying to penetrate. No service at all either.

McBurnie 5/10 – Disappointing. Not sure he did enough to help us have an out ball or keep it. Got muscled out of things and them did not show enough on the few occasions we did get in their half. Won the odd flick but the ball never stuck up our end.

Subs –

Osula 4/10 – Nothing really played into him at all and sort of ran around without touching it much at all. Put that McAtee one in the net but the game had effectively stopped. He was another, who is a big lad albeit inexperienced, but did not win his headers or duels. Tries hard but we are desperate for more know how up in this area.

Norwood – Him coming on for a striker showed we knew the game was up. Think they hoped he would give us more of the ball but it did not really happen and they continued to control things.

Slimane – Only got 10 minutes but did ok again and showed some neat touches and had one decent run down the left but did not get a good ball in. Probably deserves a start though as has shown bits and pieces.



Manager :

Wilder 5.5/10 – First half we were competing and did not give up many chances but we did not come out much and the plan to sit in and just defend for 90 mins is not going to work against good players. Maybe that’s all we can hope for but I’d like to see us try and get up the field. He did say that the players diverted away from the plan so maybe if they had kept what they were doing, we might have stayed in the game but as soon as they scored then the game was done. We almost never fight back these days. He changed a few from the bench but we lack options in general squad wise. If the next period sees the expected trend of this season carry on, be interesting to see how he reacts as he will surely see that the players are just not good enough, as they weren’t for his predecessor.

Chelsea – A routine win. They weren’t great at all and first half created little. However in the second half they just upped it, got the goals and then coasted and were able to rotate players. They have spent a lot of money on quite ordinary players though. Not sure they will finish in the top 6 though. Today was as easy an afternoon as they would wish for though.

Opponent Man of the Match – Gallagher and Palmer, the two young English players were probably the stand outs. Palmer scored and got an assist but Gallagher stood out even more really. He helped drive them forward and his runs led to both goals. The rest of the side were OK and just did what they had to. They did win a lot of the physical stuff and another much more robust and physical side.

Opponent Weak link – Mudryk did actually beat Bogle a few times but was wasteful in final product and finishes. Sterling drifted in and out. Not sure anyone was really tested.

Referee/Officials – There decisions did not really affect the verdict and was surprised VAR even looked at the goals as thought they were fine and did not even consider offside. The hand on Souza surely should have been at least a booking? Outside of this I felt Andy Madley gave a lot of the 50-50 challenges to them and the usual antics of whenever they fell over, he seemingly could not wait to give them things. First half in particular he gave some bizarre decisions. It just seems they seem desperate not to upset the big sides and almost as if ‘it must be a foul as it’s a Chelsea player.’

Matchday/Crowd/Coverage/Day Out – Must be odd for die hard Chelsea fans as they are another with an ever increasing tourist fan such is the cost of games. They are also getting left behind now in London both on and off the pitch with Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham in much bigger grounds and more impressive in the first two teams’ case. Today the crowd was not even 40,000 and I thought that’s not much bigger than the Lane. It ways feels a proper away day/ground with the walk up the Kings Road and all the stalls, pubs and then the Hotel/complex near the ground too. However, inside it was so quiet. Granted it was an easy win against the weakest team in the league but many left before the end too. It seems like despite the big money spending of the new US owner going on unabated, the Mourinho days are long gone and even with all the big cash outlay, they seem quite a way off the top sides.

Was quite low down today in the bottom tier. I sat in the upper tier for the 2-2. The view was ok and I do like the rail seats where you can stand but it is safe and not a scrum and you can rest your hands too in front!

The rest of the day saw us get into London OK as we got an early train before all the issues which beset many with trains being cancelled. Coming home was ok and the problems seemed to have gone by the time we came back. We strolled around London before and after and saw the lights down Regent Street. We drank near Putney Bridge where there were a fair few Blades too but I always forget how long a walk it is from there. Well over half an hour. Got in the ground but decided against the £7.80 (was it?) pint in the ground! Decent day overall but felt a fit flat after. I admire those who are going every week and I know the day out is often what makes it, but must be hard when you know we lose every week away and often quite tamely. I won’t be at Villa or City for work/family reasons but see two more difficult days/evenings. We just are almost writing half our matches off and it must be soul destroying to keep going and watching defeat after defeat, granted we know the level of teams we are up against.
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Exactly how I saw it. Great write up
 
Revolution said:
I actually think your analysis is, for once, a bit flawed, Deadbat. This wasn’t a Heckingbottom type defend hopelessly and hoof performance. The players tried, mainly in the first half, to advance the ball and attack. There was little Norwood style hoofing. Yes, there were times when it went forward to to no one, but that was a combination of us clearing and McBurnie making a very poor effort at pressing. He was as poor as he was at Burnley.

The big problem was twofold. The passing was terrible when we broke, and Chelsea were excellent at winning it back, particularly Gallagher. McAtee had a stinker too.

There was no reason to bring Norwood on. Should have been Slimane then.

I also thought you were harsh on Bogle. He gave Mudryk as much attention as was required.

That Jackson was awful. I was annoyed he scored. It’s nice to see someone with as bad a positional game as Brewster.

We need something v Luton as Villa and City are lost causes.
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To think they paid 40 million for jackson! 😱😂🤣
 
Your review of Lowe reminded me just how bad Wilder is in the transfer market. Great man manager, not bad tactically, but can we please please please get in a DOF before next season.

Also, I feel that performance would have earned Hecky a much lower mark, thing you’ve been generous to our Chris there tbh. What was the game plan?
 
Thanks for the report. I agree with Wards and Revolution overall. Thought we did ok first half—defended well and had a few moments. Wilder is obviously trying to get them moving the ball quicker and having more confidence to play football in tight spaces. Still loads of work to do in that regard as our passing was woeful at times. I back Wilder to improve them in this regard.

Second half I think Deadbat got it spot on. Chelsea stepped it up by 25% and we struggled to get near them. We made it far too easy for Gallagher to win the ball back whenever we had it.

Disappointed as I thought we’d compete in this one and at half time felt we were in with a shout. Just a reminder that Wilder and Co still have a lot of work to do with these players.
 

On the day out/stadium aspect. I was impressed by Chelsea's stadium although a bit narrow in the concourse the Emirates has much more space but the rail seating is good as you say and the view from the upper tier is great. It is a proper day out. We approached from West Brompton and drank in the Lilly Langtree and The Atlas the latter in particular is nice pub with a courtyard. It was rowdy on the walk towards Fulham Broadway afterwards with lots of stand offs, squaring up and shouting. A couple of punches were traded at one point before mounted police intervened and it calmed down. We carried on walking to West Brompton station and went back in the two pubs I mentioned. Both sets of fans were in both and mixed freely without problems. It is quite posh around there.
 
Revolution said:
I actually think your analysis is, for once, a bit flawed, Deadbat. This wasn’t a Heckingbottom type defend hopelessly and hoof performance. The players tried, mainly in the first half, to advance the ball and attack. There was little Norwood style hoofing. Yes, there were times when it went forward to to no one, but that was a combination of us clearing and McBurnie making a very poor effort at pressing. He was as poor as he was at Burnley.

The big problem was twofold. The passing was terrible when we broke, and Chelsea were excellent at winning it back, particularly Gallagher. McAtee had a stinker too.

There was no reason to bring Norwood on. Should have been Slimane then.

I also thought you were harsh on Bogle. He gave Mudryk as much attention as was required.

That Jackson was awful. I was annoyed he scored. It’s nice to see someone with as bad a positional game as Brewster.

We need something v Luton as Villa and City are lost causes.
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We attacked a few times first half but we were pretty much stuck in our own third defending for the most part - even first half.

Archer and Bogle did have a couple of runs but not sure we moved forward in groups/packs like the previous game. People are saying we have no chance v Chelsea and their multi billion squad but vefore yesterday they had the same record as Brentford - a team we were better than only a week ago.

I agree the passing was dreadful. Not sure Chelsea even put us under that much pressure either. We just tossed it away. I also thought we did go too long and too many times just kicked it away, particularly 2nd half. The lack of technical ability of all our players was really evident as at times we could not even execute simple passes. I was crying out just to keep it but we failed constantly and it kept coming back.

Chelsea just upped it 2nd half. Not sure we did much differently to the first half despite talk of our changed plan. We just tired and they played higher up. For 20 mins we barely touched the ball and showed Chelsea, an average side, way too much respect.

All I've read on various social media is how bad Wes and Lowe were but I thought McAtee and Hamers performances and inability to keep the ball was dreadful. The latter I'm still far more convinced by despite all the furore over a few good goals. He is overweight and cannot get up and down. I realise I'm in the minority but I don't really see the great player some have. I think he has been decidedly ordinary with and without the ball. Again I'll get hammered for this but I think Berge technically was a better player with a greater range of passing and carried it more. Granted he was frustratingly inconsistent.

As for Bogle he has been better but 2 or 3 times first half the old failings of switching off and being miles off his man came back. Three times Mudryk went past him way too easily but then wasted the cross/shot.

I agree the Norwood change was odd. McBurnie was poor but taking off a striker for a midfielder of his type just felt like we settled for a 2-0 loss.

I did not feel that much different after watching this defeat to Arsenal and Chelsea are nowhere near them really currently. The difference was Chelsea missed chances to make it more comfortable. The 2nd half was so dull and I felt we gave up. I think if Heckingbottom had overseen that he would have got pelters but therein lies the issue, the players are just not top level or really close to it.

We are so far off teams at this level it is untrue and its not just skill. Pace, athleticism, strength, movement and overall composure we look like we are playing a different sport most weeks. The criticism of Wes that seems to be on trend just papers over the cracks in the whole outfield in terms of being competitive.

I heard two Chelsea fans discussing us on the way out and they basically said we were the worst side they had seen at Stamford Bridge for years and we just accepted we were going to lose. It was hard to hear that but I couldn't argue.

It's quite depressing to think we have 11 more away games to come including City, Villa, Liverpool etc. Be hard to see where we get many points from. I get that's where we are (not being able to get close to such teams) but that doesn't make it any easier.

We go to Villa and City hoping we just don't get drubbed. That's sad when we should look forward to games as a fan but that's what this league has become for a side like us.

Yeah a lot rides on that Luton game. Lose that and the planning for the Championship then will start sadly. Its depressing to think that just like last time in the Premier League, we might have half a season of nothing games really.

The biggest issue, that of the ownership, seems to be just completely stagnant in terms of the change we need.

In a month or so, I fear we will be saying much the same about the side as we were under Hecky. The change was right but not sure it will matter much ultimately. I also worry if we lose every week and the euphoria of Wilder returning is long forgotten, then will he have the enthusiasm to go again next season?
 
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Deadbat said:
We attacked a few times first half but we were pretty much stuck in our own third defending for the most part - even first half.

Archer and Bogle did have a couple of runs but not sure we moved forward in groups/packs like the previous game. People are saying we have no chance v Chelsea and their multi billion squad but vefore yesterday they had the same record as Brentford - a team we were better than only a week ago.

I agree the passing was dreadful. Not sure Chelsea even put us under that much pressure either. We just tossed it away. I also thought we did go too long and too many times just kicked it away, particularly 2nd half. The lack of technical ability of all our players was really evident as at times we could not even execute simple passes. I was crying out just to keep it but we failed constantly and it kept coming back.

Chelsea just upped it 2nd half. Not sure we did much differently to the first half despite talk of our changed plan. We just tired and they played higher up. For 20 mins we barely touched the ball and showed Chelsea, an average side, way too much respect.

All I've read on various social media is how bad Wes and Lowe were but I thought McAtee and Hamers performances and inability to keep the ball was dreadful. The latter I'm still far more convinced by despite all the furore over a few good goals. He is overweight and cannot get up and down. I realise I'm in the minority but I don't really see the great player some have. I think he has been decidedly ordinary with and without the ball. Again I'll get hammered for this but I think Berge technically was a better player with a greater range of passing and carried it more. Granted he was frustratingly inconsistent.

As for Bogle he has been better but 2 or 3 times first half the old failings of switching off and being miles off his man came back. Three times Mudryk went past him way too easily but then wasted the cross/shot.

I agree the Norwood change was odd. McBurnie was poor but taking off a striker for a midfielder of his type just felt like we settled for a 2-0 loss.

I did not feel that much different after watching this defeat to Arsenal and Chelsea are nowhere near them really currently. The difference was Chelsea missed chances to make it more comfortable. The 2nd half was so dull and I felt we gave up. I think if Heckingbottom had overseen that he would have got pelters but therein lies the issue, the players are not just not top level or really close to it.

We are so far off teams at this level it is untrue and its not just skill. Pace, athleticism, strength, movement and overall composure we look like we are playing a different sport most weeks. The criticism of Wes that seems to be on trend just papers over the cracks in the whole outfield in terms of being competitive.

I heard two Chelsea fans discussing us on the way out and they basically said we were the worst side they had seen at Stamford Bridge for years and we just accepted we were going to lose. It was hard to hear that but I couldn't argue.

It's quite depressing to think we have 11 more away games to come including City, Villa, Liverpool etc. Be hard to see where we get many points from. I get that's where we are (not being able to get close to such teams) but that doesn't make it any easier.

We go to Villa and City hoping we just don't get drubbed.

Yeah a lot rides on that Luton game. Lose that and the planning for the Championship then will start sadly. Its depressing to think that just like last time in the Premier League, we might have half a season of nothing games really.
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Bit of an overreaction. Is it blob?
 
Hi Think you are harsh on Lowe though he lost it positionally in the second half i thought he has a good 45m and
it was one of his better games Willder looks to be getting a tune from him
 
A few comments:

- I thought the first half was just about as good as we could expect. We gave them very few chances, broke a couple of times dangerously and looked like we were well organised. If we could have kept them at 0-0 for another 15 mins, their fans would have got really angsty and we could have snuck something

- Mcb won more headers in this one game than Usula has all season (and i really think Usula has great potential so i am not dissing him). We are a much better team with him playing

- McA and Hamer didnt have great games, but both kept trying and working hard forward and back. Hamer especially defends very well. We need to encourage our most talented players, and if they try something which doesnt come off, so be it.

- For example, against Brentford Brooks started really well, when he made one bad error (trying a flick in our own half) which caused Robbo to have a massive rant at him - since when he has looked half the player. Our flair players - especially the kids - need support - and for it to be expected that they sometimes make mistakes

- As for Chelsea, the big change was them switching Palmer to run up against Lowe - moving Sterling inside - which changed the whole game. Palmer looks a real player

- Chelsea were great at the dark arts - committing niggly fouls when we tried to break quick (earlier enough so as not to get carded), defenders seeking contact so they win a cheap foul etc. And the referee always fell for it. Of our players only Furious George comes close to mastering these skills.
 
wadblade said:
Hi Think you are harsh on Lowe though he lost it positionally in the second half i thought he has a good 45m and
it was one of his better games Willder looks to be getting a tune from him
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It's interesting that both Bogle and Lowe have looked better defensively in a back 4 than they did in a back 5. Especially Bogle.
 
Deadbat said:
Great contribution.

Why not analyse my thoughts, say why you disagree or enter in a reasonable discussion?
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Your spot bang on Deadbat, sadly there's not one player in the squad anywhere near this level in my opinion. I go to every match home and away and apart from the beer beforehand and after 🙂 the days fucking crap,( even worse with the train delays!) Also noticed we came out with 20mins to go and Chelsea fans were streaming out more than us! Just a regulation win for them I suppose. Were just fucking awful!! Sorry I'm punch drunk with watching us at the minute.
 
Agreed, and our worst period on Sat was when Osula came on for Brooks, with the result that our weakened midfield could not protect our defence, either with or without the ball. Wilder tried to sort this out quickly as he switched back to the previous plan by bringing on Norwood for McBurnie. But Norwood doesn’t have the legs to play the same role Brooks did, and Osula’s strengths are different to McBurnie’s so we never really got back the structure which had looked relatively good in the first half.
 
Any competent team doing the basics correctly would have walked away with a point without much fuss or bother,the first15 minutes I already lost count of the basic errors we made through giving the ball away,weak challenges, poor decision making on and off the ball,that made it just a matter of time before we conceded,but the rest of the half we seemed to get some semblance of knowing what was needed.
The game supposedly opened up in the second half not because we decided to go for it more,but because of our basic defensive errors on and off the ball that let their players free to set up chances at will.
We can't break a press so we are trapped in our own half,we try to move the ball out of defence quickly but the passing is so atrocious that it just comes straight back so there's no service to the forwards because we don't have the ball long enough,opponents know exactly what to do and just high press and physical presence is enough.
We might as well go long,attempt to hold the ball up and get midfield to join higher up the pitch to get us out because away against everybody we don't have the players with the skill needed at this level to play it out of defence and give us any meaningful control of any period of a game
 
I agree Blacksea. We don’t have the skill/technical ability to overcome the press. We might do better to bypass the midfield and try to win the ball further up. Also, we need to get the ball into the goalmouth and hope for something to fall for us.
 
Rbobw said:
I agree Blacksea. We don’t have the skill/technical ability to overcome the press. We might do better to bypass the midfield and try to win the ball further up. Also, we need to get the ball into the goalmouth and hope for something to fall for us.
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Yep,the days of the ball playing centre back bringing it out of defence seems like light years ago,the goalie does that now,all your defenders have to be shit hot on the ball,,press,find space,pass and move, overlap and get forward,wing backs who can do everything are key now
 

Great report as usual Deadbat.
This season is turning out as bad as I expected and each match seems to follow a depressingly predictable pattern.
In fact Fridays game will be no different.
You heard it here first!
 
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