Even though we won, and Conte got his tactics right in a very difficult game, I just felt he left it a tad late in the introduction of Fabregas.
If not for Costa's individual brilliance, we probably would've lost 2 valuable points.
I stand to be corrected, was it not Fabregas that supplied the pass that led to the goal?
In my humble opinion, Fabregas should have started ahead of Matic, knowing fully well that West Brom would set up to defend.
I was almost frustrated with both Conte for not realising on time that the game needed Fabregas's creativity and vision to unlock their stubborn defence, and Matic not being able to supply the killer pass for Hazard and Costa to latch unto.
I just hope that Conte has realised that Matic mustn't start all games.
Some games require Fabregas's vision and creativity, while others require Matic's defensive steel...depending on the opposition's set-up.
Looking at the brighter side, Conte realised that we needed Fabregas, and he did just that, even though it was a bit late.
In the futire, I hope he makes such changes a bit earlier when it's obvious we need vision and more creativity.
Cesc should have been introduced earlier!
posted on 12/12/16
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
I find the arguments calling for Fabregas to be picked quite simplistic.
Mr C, you rightly point out that Fabregas can pick passes for Costa as he did agst Man City, but I have to point out how much space City leave in behind their back 4 for Costa to run into.
That was simply not the case agst WBA and to pick him in a deep midfield position would have been a disaster, because he would not have been able to hurt WBA without the space to exploit.
The argument to play him is much stronger if in a more advanced position when playing this type of oppo, but then that means changing a formation that has led us to 9 straight wins and a title charge.
So far 3-4-3 is working well for us, why change it?
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Fabregas can carve chances out in limited space with quick ground passes through the lines (as we saw against deep compact sides in title winning season) or those over the top of defence passes for runners against high-line.
Was playing in midfield two against those low blcok sides at the time by the way and key to winning league as a starter.
posted on 12/12/16
comment by Chelseamf™®© (U1677)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
comment by Returning managers (U1762)
Cahill has been fine in this run and i am one of his harshest critics, in fact if it weren't for him we might have dropped points yesterday.
Also what is this big thing with Chalobah? He seems like he can be a decent homegrown squad player but no way in hell is he a first Xl player.
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Feel Chalobah can provide stronger output starting in terms of dynamism, defending, passing with both feet, resisting pressure, than Matic now (lost that invincibility/irreplaceable aura from 18 months ago).
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the pundit/summariser made reference to how strong Cahill was on sunday....don't recall who it was...maybe Neville
posted on 12/12/16
Great. I would still ideally want Cahill replaced.
One match doesn't change limitations.
posted on 12/12/16
comment by Chelseamf™®© (U1677)
posted 3 hours, 45 minutes ago
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
I find the arguments calling for Fabregas to be picked quite simplistic.
Mr C, you rightly point out that Fabregas can pick passes for Costa as he did agst Man City, but I have to point out how much space City leave in behind their back 4 for Costa to run into.
That was simply not the case agst WBA and to pick him in a deep midfield position would have been a disaster, because he would not have been able to hurt WBA without the space to exploit.
The argument to play him is much stronger if in a more advanced position when playing this type of oppo, but then that means changing a formation that has led us to 9 straight wins and a title charge.
So far 3-4-3 is working well for us, why change it?
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Fabregas can carve chances out in limited space with quick ground passes through the lines (as we saw against deep compact sides in title winning season) or those over the top of defence passes for runners against high-line.
Was playing in midfield two against those low blcok sides at the time by the way and key to winning league as a starter.
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But not in a 3-4-3 formation where the emphasis of the 2 CMs to protect the back 3 is much much greater and is in fact the conerstone of that formation.
posted on 12/12/16
The most open we have been in midfield over the past few weeks was against Man City. Yes Fabregas can pick out Costa with some great passes - but we have to score 3 or 4 goals to win when he plays because you know we'll concede at least a couple of goals.
Matic has been excellent over the past few weeks - I would start him every game over Fabregas.
posted on 12/12/16
comment by BlueJ2 (U4630)
posted 6 minutes ago
The most open we have been in midfield over the past few weeks was against Man City. Yes Fabregas can pick out Costa with some great passes - but we have to score 3 or 4 goals to win when he plays because you know we'll concede at least a couple of goals.
Matic has been excellent over the past few weeks - I would start him every game over Fabregas.
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In a 3-4-3 formation I have to agree. Fabregas just not fit that system.
But I agree also that he is an important squad player and that if the opposing team have us worked out, as WBA did yesterday, then we need to adapt and change away from 3-4-3 and that is when Fabregas becomes very important for us
posted on 12/12/16
Actually midfield was the least of our problems against City, exposed in wide areas (City were good at switching play quickly to wide).
Mostly left because Hazard was neglecting that area (yes required to defend & stick to defensive shape in big matches when we're out of possession, didn't), Alonso bad 1 on 1 and Moses lapse in concentration.
Another thing to remember is City' quality, if any team were going to expose us it was always likely to be them.
People overlook difficulty of marking De Bruyne, Gundogan and especially Silva, tough ask which any midfielder will find challenging at the best of times (Matic would have been chasing shadows at times too).
In those circumstances Fabregas did well, showed positional discipline.
posted on 12/12/16
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
comment by Chelseamf™®© (U1677)
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
Fabregas can carve chances out in limited space with quick ground passes through the lines (as we saw against deep compact sides in title winning season) or those over the top of defence passes for runners against high-line.
Was playing in midfield two against those low blcok sides at the time by the way and key to winning league as a starter.
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But not in a 3-4-3 formation where the emphasis of the 2 CMs to protect the back 3 is much much greater and is in fact the conerstone of that formation.
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I would have thought that's more the wing-backs responsibility to protect back 3.
Particularly when in defensive half as 5-4-1.
posted on 12/12/16
comment by Chelseamf™®© (U1677)
posted 47 minutes ago
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
comment by Chelseamf™®© (U1677)
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
Fabregas can carve chances out in limited space with quick ground passes through the lines (as we saw against deep compact sides in title winning season) or those over the top of defence passes for runners against high-line.
Was playing in midfield two against those low blcok sides at the time by the way and key to winning league as a starter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
But not in a 3-4-3 formation where the emphasis of the 2 CMs to protect the back 3 is much much greater and is in fact the conerstone of that formation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would have thought that's more the wing-backs responsibility to protect back 3.
Particularly when in defensive half as 5-4-1.
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the wing backs do not play in front of the back 3, so no it is not there responsibility. The two CMs are there to top oppo players running at the back 3...
I am sorry but if you think Fabregas is going to be selected ahead of Matic or Kante in a 3-4-3 set up i suspect that you are going to be a very disappointed fan. He just does not fit that system.
Furthermore, I suspect the club will be looking to upgrade on Matic either this Jan or in the summer.
posted on 12/12/16
I agree with Bigish there. Fabregas leaves us vounerable in the middle of the park. if we're to accommodate it has to be further up the pitch. Matic (though not ideal) offers more protection when played alongside Kante.