They could certainly turn it around and all will be forgiven... but I think most people are just bummed out that he isn't getting the most out of his players up front. It is an offense that lacks imagination unless they have space which only happens in transition.... usually after a turnover and generally when CP is involved. The rest of their offense is about getting to the endline and hoping that someone can hit a cross home. They need to focus more on space... particularly between the midfielders and the forwards. Right now if I am an opposing manager of any team with less talent I am playing the low-block and attempting to catch them on the counter. It works for a lot of teams that really shouldn't be beating this team right now. At any rate... one thing I will say is that the team has been a bit unlucky too. I think if they start to catch a couple of breaks they have the potential to rattle off a very good winning streak.
I get it. But this isn't a video game. These guys need time to get to know each other. You don't figure out things like spacing, decision making, runs in the box, etc. on a tactical board in the dressing room. Those things take time to figure out on the field. We are not talking about integrating one or two new players. We are talking about four (throwing Pulisic in that group since he is coming off injury) attacking players -- all probable starters -- who are completely new to each other coming into a team with a new coach who doesn't exactly have his own identity yet.
I think this has to be the 11 for tomorrow: Mendy, Azpi, Rudiger, Zouma, Emerson, Havertz, Gilmour, Kovacic, CHO, Giroud, Mount. If Frank insists on the 4-3-3 I'd throw Mount on the left before I'd risk Pulisic. That's a fairly rested side that should be able to beat Aston Villa. If they can't it probably says more about Lampard than the players.
No one thinks he's a genius. What he is is tactically astute. Look at what happened today; the response from 1st to 2nd half from WBA was Sam's doing, and it actually earned him a point despite being played off the park in the 1st half. They frustrated the hell out of Liverpool, they got a little lucky with an injury in LFC backline, and when there was a single quality opportunity, they pounced on it. That's why he keeps getting jobs, not because people think he's a genius.
The lines are much finer than you're suggesting, especially if you're saying today Liverpool proved themselves superior and didn't win, but yesterday Chelsea played "terribly" and lost "badly".
It'll be interesting to see if Lampard risk playing CP on 2 days rest...My guess is CP starts because they just can't afford to lose this match or Lampard will be under massive pressure.
I think Werner gets the start at LW because Puli played 90 minutes, 2 days ago. Puli comes in as the super sub as needed.
At this point, I'm hoping for the bottom to fall out so FL will get the axe and Chelsea can hopefully get a decent manager. They are such a hard team to watch and it doesn't have to be that way. CP rests today, they lose, and FL is gone. Let's make it happen.
Just look at where Liverpool was and the number of goals they have given up earlier in the season, versus where they are now today. That's the result of a coach who is superior to others. I am fully convinced that in the next few months, Liverpool's lead will move into the double digits and really distance themselves from the rest.
It has been clear that Lampard just can't get his team to attack down the middle. His only strategy has been sending fullbacks down the wings and put in crosses, while sitting Giroud on the bench. You know Tammy will NEVER get to the end of those crosses.
Not sure how long you have been watching Yanks abroad, but as a guy who watched Stoke city, Sunderland, and Schalke last year, and numerous other yanks over the years, I find watching this Chelsea team mostly enjoyable. I don't want to see Frank fail. I hope our lad plays today and comes out of the game fine. Unless CFC get smoked today, I doubt Frank gets fired. and even then it is doubtful IMO. Tammy may or may not get on the end of crosses, but he manages to put goals in the net at a pretty regular clip. He is not at the top of his game yet, but OG has seen his best days. OG showed earlier this season he is not an everyday starter for a pressing team, but he is a useful piece to have on the bench.
Count me among those who the MJ that Chelsea is under achieving and that Frank bears responsibility for that. He has his players, and he chooses the lineups and formations. He runs practices, etc. (He also, for the same reasons, deserves credit for the defensive improvements.) Doesn’t mean he can’t right the ship. But they are easy to defend right now and the attack looks routinely disorganized. I agree that part of that is the lack of any attack up the middle.
I do agree with you that Tammy does tab in Goals. However, sending 20 to 30 crosses in the box for Tammy per game is just not effective.
Wow, CP starting but I suppose it makes sense with Man City likely to get postponed. Would’ve preferred a pre-planned sub at 46’ but hopefully he feels good. Seems more likely that Lampard is desperate. Your starting XI for #CHEAVL! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/JgZsRy7sqr— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 28, 2020
The hiring of Lampard made zero sense unless one assumes that it’s not difficult to be a top flight manager for a club with Chelsea’s ambitions, and one can easily learn on the job and acquire all the skills necessary to succeed. Since that is a ridiculous notion, it shouldn’t be at all surprising that it’s not working out very well. Chelsea will not play up to their potential until they sack Frank and put an accomplished professional in charge. The same thing that got him the job will also get him a longer leash...the only question is how much longer.
Well... people wanted him on the left playing off Giroud, right? I'd think this is a good thing, according to this thread.
I think people also wanted him not starting two games in 48 hours after only a few games back from a recurring long term injury.
At the very least he should’ve been withdrawn down 2 vs Arsenal if there was any plan to start him today.
Puli put in a quite a shift 2 days ago so I am seeing a bit of hopeful, desperation on FL's part to risk him starting in this game. If he can put in another production 90 minute shift this game, I would say he is 100% healthy; I have my doubts.
Those 3 up front have combined well. And the less forward wingbacks should make for more space up top.But ... 1. I think CP is at risk playing 2 days after a 90 min hard working performance on Saturday 2. That midfield does not connect well with the attack. Jorginho is an attack killer. 3. Let’s hope the earlier leaky D was a positional thing and not a Rudiger-Christensen thing.