But nothing I saw in Cheatski tonight (that wasn’t of our own making) particularly scares me.
Seemed to me we played a diamond, Sarri realised the space was out wide so concentrated on that width and we were pulled around quite a bit... but when they crossed it there was nobody in the box. Not sure if that was Poch double triple out-thinking Sarri or what. But it wasn't pretty.I agree. Chelsea were playing towards the top of their game, we didn't get out of second gear. Which is understandable, there is another leg to go and we have a more important game on Sunday.
Seemed to me we played a diamond, Sarri realised the space was out wide so concentrated on that width and we were pulled around quite a bit... but when they crossed it there was nobody in the box. Not sure if that was Poch double triple out-thinking Sarri or what. But it wasn't pretty.
Every time we hoofed it out towards Kane, Rudiger beat him to the ball. I thought Kane would be far better at either winning it or buying a foul to get us out.
We were so lucky tonight, why did we keep playing the ball out to the defenders when it wasn’t working - we just kept putting ourselves under pressure needlessly.
Phew. More than a few heart in mouth moments there. Definitely not at our best and I’d feel happier going into the 2nd leg with more than the single goal lead but, yet again, we did what was needed and managed to largely restrict them to speculative shots. Gazza looked confident when called upon but there was more playing in and around our own box than seemed necessary or wise.
Sissoko, Rose and Toby had good games. Harry too, considering every time he got near the ball he was wrapped in a wrestling hold.
Eriksen had a poor game as did Dele for the most part.
Michael Oliver was a disgrace.
We will need Dele and Eriksen on form for the 2nd leg. But nothing I saw in Cheatski tonight (that wasn’t of our own making) particularly scares me.
Because we were not giving the ball to Chelski and inviting them on with the ball. Simple. And we won.
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He was way better when he moved to CM.Dele was so strong tonight, late in the second when he dropped in and put some crunchers in he was great.
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Dele was so strong tonight, late in the second when he dropped in and put some crunchers in he was great.
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But we did give the ball away, countless times.
They certainly used the flanks better today.
I was surprised by Son and Alli's positioning for much of the game. Son went wide, presumably to counter the threat down the flanks, and Alli was closest to Kane. With us sitting deep, it gave us less of an option on the break.
Kane didn't get a lot of protection from the ref today.