Some observations of note from the Chelsea v. MLS game

[kjksccr]

Wright Phillips is in trouble, no? He was pretty horrible throughout I thought. I think he has lost any confidence he had when he transferred from Man City. He just doesn't look like the same player and this isn't just based on this one game. I think he should ask to leave as he just isn't at the level of the rest of the team anymore.

I think it did illustrate to some degree that Chelsea has a real challenge this year incorporating the new signings. Can the team really afford to give away points early on while new players gel? The all star MLS team and Chelsea were almost in the same boat in terms of players yelling "hey" instead of a guy's name. I think Chelsea will be a contender for the European Cup once this happens but they may sacrifice the league to do it. In fact, you could argue they made the decision to take that risk with these signings.

[Indiana Jones]

Wright Phillips is in trouble, no? He was pretty horrible throughout I thought. I think he has lost any confidence he had when he transferred from Man City. He just doesn't look like the same player and this isn't just based on this one game. I think he should ask to leave as he just isn't at the level of the rest of the team anymore.

I think it did illustrate to some degree that Chelsea has a real challenge this year incorporating the new signings. Can the team really afford to give away points early on while new players gel? The all star MLS team and Chelsea were almost in the same boat in terms of players yelling "hey" instead of a guy's name. I think Chelsea will be a contender for the European Cup once this happens but they may sacrifice the league to do it. In fact, you could argue they made the decision to take that risk with these signings.

Mourinho is on record as saying that its no problem for "big" players to play together on the pitch. Clearly the evidence so far contradicts that view - as it did for England when Lampard and Gerrard just didnt play like they can do separately.

Poor old Wright Phillips - like Duff he just didnt understand the math of football. Its simple math - only 10 field players can start a match at the same time.

[ChiArsenal]

My observations:

SWP has a knack for finding open spaces to receive the pass but holds on to the ball too long and lets the defenders close him down. All he really needs to do is distribute a bit earlier which is something he'll learn to do with more playing time. Will he get that at Chelsea? Probably not. Loan him out.

Essien and Terry are priceless. Even in exhibition matches they look world class.

Super Frankie Lampard and Ballack together doesn't work. There's no natural left wing in that formation and it hurts the flow of the offense without an agressive Left Back to jump into the attack. Maybe Ashley Cole fixes the problem but that opens a large hole defensively which should be exploited by better teams (CL, ManU, Arsenal, etc).

Drogba and Sheva playing together up front is deadly. Defenders can only cover so much and trying to handle two big targets like that will wear them down. Sheva looked much bigger than I expected.

Barring injury, I think Robben is the odd man out in a midfield that is probably too deep. I can't see him remaining happy with the reduction in playing time.

[Clan]

Mourinho is on record as saying that its no problem for "big" players to play together on the pitch. Clearly the evidence so far contradicts that view - as it did for England when Lampard and Gerrard just didnt play like they can do separately.

Poor old Wright Phillips - like Duff he just didnt understand the math of football. Its simple math - only 10 field players can start a match at the same time.

The evidence so far?

:D

*Smacks head in disbelief!

Hey - I'll bet you're a regular on YA - right?

[Indiana Jones]

The evidence so far?

:D

*Smacks head in disbelief!

Hey - I'll bet you're a regular on YA - right?

Smackhead - just dont stop pal! :)

[yasik19]

why are there like 50 threads on this game? And why is Indiana Jones still posting here?

[Clan]

why are there like 50 threads on this game? And why is Indiana Jones still posting here?

Well, when you get right down to it, he's damned funny really.

He's like Zani, harmless and amusing.

[fernb8]

Well, when you get right down to it, he's damned funny really.

He's like Zani, harmless and amusing.

Can we close a few of the threads though? Too many trolls to keep track of.

[yasik19]

Well, when you get right down to it, he's damned funny really.

He's like Zani, harmless and amusing.

but Zani's posts are short and concise. It makes it that much more enjoyable to read.

[Clan]

Can we close a few of the threads though? Too many trolls to keep track of.

Good point.