The only way it will probably make sense, is if we don't sell one of Lindelof or Bailly next summer. If one of them goes, then Tuanzebe would probably make a good #3/4 option behind the starters. Mengi, unless something changes drastically this season is not going to be ready. Jones hopefully will be sold or loaned out also next summer. If Lindelof and Bailly are fine staying as backups, then it's perfectly fine moving Tuanzebe on then. Some goalkeeping from Mendy there.
Chelsea do not need gifts from opposing defenses: Kovacic puts Chelsea 2 goals ahead.... Bailey is on for Villa: let's see if he can do anything to turn the tide.
That Chelsea team will be better and dangerous going forward, but the worrisome part is that they defend very well also. Villa did come to play today at the Bridge and had some good opportunities but their defense, along with Mendy, were up to the task.
Haven't seen the game, nor watched any highlights but it did seem kind of odd seeing the reaction of Arsenal's fans after a 1-0 win vs Norwich at home. Like they did something special. Then again, when you were at the foot of the table going into this game and win a big 6 pointer... As Lukaku secures Chelsea's win and makes it 3-0.
They had chances and Norwich weren't very good, but it was a fluke goal that they bungled across the line. Nothing like the Arsenal of old that would put 4-5 passes together before finding the back of the net. I can see them really struggling this season.
Thinking the same: think they'll struggle and won't be surprised to see them finish in the bottom half of the season, due to the sheer number of solid teams in the top 10. They still have a solid team themselves when everyone is fit and available. Problem there clearly looks to be Arteta and I have genuine questions as to whether the players fully buy into him at this point. Musiala is looking to be quite the gem for Bayern (and Germany). Had himself a superb game, played a big part in the Munich boys dismantling RBL on their own turf. Great to see Sane also reborn apparently this season: too good for what we saw from him last term...
https://www.skysports.com/football/...-his-managerial-career-after-win-over-norwich odd thing to say. then again he has said odd stuff before
Watched Napoli v Juventus last night. Fun game to watch but the main takeaway for me was Anguissa, who was sublime for Napoli against a midfield of Locatelli, McKennie and Rabiot. Played a central part, along with Koulibaly, in holding things tight defensively. Very good as a progressive player and going forward as well. They got him on loan for this season with a 15mil option to buy: could prove a bargain for them. We all know that the opportunities were there to upgrade in the holding spot one way or another. And it didn't have to be expensive at all: another example was Saul, clearly deployed in the holding role today next to Kovacic (was not stellar but decent enough considering it's his first game in the Prem)...
Pepe gonna Pepe … Only Pepe would catch an opponent in the jaw and then tell the ref to go look at VAR 😳 pic.twitter.com/uniz2HorGe— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 11, 2021
Tough luck for Elliott: not sure exactly what the nature of his injury is but it looks very serious. Pool player or not, you hate seeing a kid like him to deal with something like that... Early prognosis of the injury. Confirms our initial suspicions on Harvey #Elliott…Left ankle external rotation w/ resulting deformityConcerning for ankle fracture-dislocation OR possibly distal/lower tibia-fibula fractureHope not open injury. Immobilized & stretchered off#EPL #LiverpoolFC @DaveOCKOP https://t.co/N4Tj77JYMu— InjuryMechanisms (@IMechanisms) September 12, 2021
watched it 10+ times now. on the live it looked better than it was and he won the ball but looks like the trailing leg did the damage. don't think the tackle itself in isolation is a red but because of the damage it caused the decision. you knew right away from the shape of his leg after. i'm sure Klopp will have plenty to say
Wouldn't mind in the least seeing Zakaria in our midfield (and in a team with good players overall). Put in a very nice, energetic display today for Gladbach (capped by a well taken goal). Perfect option for a January move also, with him currently in the final year of his contract: could be had for a nominal fee then. His goal can be seen here (note his part in Gladbach's 2nd as well). 🎥 @Borussia_En claimed an impressive win against @Arminia_Int thanks to a brace from @Stindl28 and Denis #Zakaria 👏 pic.twitter.com/cA5AJwIAie— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) September 12, 2021
Much improved and enjoyable 2nd half in the match between Everton and Burnley. Interesting what a few months in Germany has done to Demairi Gray. Showed promise before when he was at Leicester but he's looking very decent so far with the Toffees.
It's no surprise really. Rafa has done a habit to do reasonably well with his teams. And he'll meet and sometimes exceed expectations (varying on the means available to him). Not to mention he organizes his teams well (defensively) and even if they can be mediocre offensively, they'll be at least tough to beat. Remains to be seen how he'll do with Everton but they'll def be in the top half of the table and will probably be in contention for an EL spot.
Saul's debut for Chelsea saw him dispossessed 3 times, incomplete quite a few passes, and fail to get any tackles in. Sounds like he played like Fred lol.