Although I thought we played very well today, and we executed the game plan almost perfectly defensively. Fabregas and Kante played very well shielding the back three, Pedro and Willian played brilliantly breaking from midfield and tracking back.
However, Hazard tactically did not fit into the game today. I'm not dead against him playing the false nine like some of others, as I do believe he has had some excellent games playing in that role. But against what is a very strong and organised back four, he was ineffective. It was only really until the last 10 minutes did we see him drive through midfield.
It's a tough call to bench Giroud and Morata, but right now Morata is not fit, and Giroud is not tailored to playing on the break. Which kind of leaves Hazard the only option to play up front. We can't really move him into midfield for games like this as defensively he is weak. Which kind of leaves the puzzle of how we play against Barcelona in the second leg.
Would it be same team selection, or do we play a striker in Giroud or Morata?
Team Selection Headache
posted on 20/2/18
Chelsea have good enough players to have hurt Barca tonite, Conte has systematically give the players an underdog mentality.
posted on 20/2/18
Sorry McCann, but your previous comment only served to distract from the my OP.
posted on 20/2/18
Pedro is always garbage, Giroud/Morata HAVE to play, Hazard is only effective in LW, one tricky pony really, does fk all elsewhere in #9 or #10 role. Ideally Giroud
posted on 20/2/18
Cannot fault Chelsea tonight. Gameplan almost worked, shame that one mistake cost them! Possibly with Giroud up top and being more direct, believe ,would have unsettled Barca.
Would have loved to see the 5 english clubs into the next round.
posted on 20/2/18
No bother Broaquin, but I just feel with the players Chelsea have they should be going out to win against Barca at home.
And you have the players!!
posted on 20/2/18
comment by I am just McCann these days, Unless I am pumpi... (U21454)
posted 6 seconds ago
No bother Broaquin, but I just feel with the players Chelsea have they should be going out to win against Barca at home.
And you have the players!!
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Personally, I don't think we have the team to try go out and attack Barcelona. There are plenty of defensive weaknesses in the team, which even the likes of Watford and Bournemouth can exploit.
Sitting back was the only way of keeping the scoreline tight imo
posted on 20/2/18
I respect your opinion you watch your team way more than me, from what I have seen of both teams(a couple of games month each) and what the line up is on paper, I make my judgement from that.
posted on 20/2/18
comment by I am just McCann these days, Unless I am pumpin ye and ye want to call me Daddy (U21454)
posted 23 minutes ago
Chelsea have good enough players to have hurt Barca tonite, Conte has systematically give the players an underdog mentality.
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This is generally when Chelsea excel in big games/CL.
posted on 20/2/18
Away goal has killed us. 1-0 was perfect but now they're in control
posted on 20/2/18
Away goal changed the whole complexion of the tie.. Everyone im Stamford Bridge, Including Conte knew it.. Im gutted I called it at half time to my mate.. A mistake would cost us