***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

[Ozil]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Encouraging last couple of games and when we finish, we're fine. I know we haven't played anyone great, but wins are wins.

Torres was better overall. His link-up play was better and his first goal was a glimpse of what he did at Liverpool. I also liked that he took the penalty and looked confident in doing so. I'm still pessimistic about a full return to form for Nando, but I'm hoping he proves me wrong about him. I love Torres and would love to see him be the player he was 5 years ago

Hazard and Mata gave the Sunderland backline headaches all day while it was encouraging to see Lamps back. The CL elimination was disappointing, but I hope we can continue our better play and hope that it translates into better results in the new year. I don't think the title race is over given the issues of the Manchester clubs so we just need a solid run and we can be title holders once again

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I also liked that he took the penalty and looked confident in doing so. I'm still pessimistic about a full return to form for Nando, but I'm hoping he proves me wrong about him.

Yeah, it was nice to see him take the ball away from David Luiz and take responsibility for it. I'm one for seeing strikers take penalties. They are paid to score, they should want to take them.

[Ozil]

My Christmas present came earlyImageUploadedByTapatalk1355171054.538582.jpg

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Looks like Romeu is out for the year with a torn ACL. Mikel will be back from suspension soon but I'd expect to see Oscar in that deep holding role. He played it pretty well vs Juventus in the 1st leg at home and he can transition the attack from defense to offense much better.

Romeu might not have been as good defensively but his passing range is/was light years ahead of Mikel's.

[Altimus]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Wow, the Romeo loss is very disappointing and will be problematic. Especially once Mikel leaves. His play in the game against Sunderland was very good until the injury.

Can't wait to get work over with to go watch the semi-final tonight!

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Here's an article today suggesting Rafa may move David Luiz into midfield after deploying him there against Monterrey.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20714845

[Altimus]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Here's an article today suggesting Rafa may move David Luiz into midfield after deploying him there against Monterrey.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20714845

He looked good out there yesterday without question. That pass to Hazard was perfect. I don't think Hazard was even expecting the pass... should have finished BTW.

Good win though and now to wrap this up on Sunday and return healthy.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Here's an article today suggesting Rafa may move David Luiz into midfield after deploying him there against Monterrey.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20714845

He looked good out there yesterday without question. That pass to Hazard was perfect. I don't think Hazard was even expecting the pass... should have finished BTW.

Good win though and now to wrap this up on Sunday and return healthy.

I know it was only 1 game but.....Luiz looked really good there. Positionally he would need to improve but he's a willing and strong tackler, has a better passing range,quicker, is MUCH better on the ball, and goes forward with a purpose. I am really curious to see how this works out long term.

You make a mistake at CDM and your teammates can help you recover. You make at CB and it's a goal.

[Ozil]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

That had to be one of the most frustrating results. We didn't show up as a team and Corinthians wanted it more. It's easy to blame Torres, but he's shown again that against better teams, he can't do anything except look like a clumsy oaf with the ball at his feet. The fact can't be hidden now that we have too many "little dudes" and not enough steel. I really hope the January window addresses that because if not, it'll be a struggle for the rest of the season.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - Fellaini would help us immensely as well as a striker who can score goals. 30 million is a lot for him, but he's been awesome this season for Everton and would add so much to the squad. Fellaini's more a threat in front of goal than Torres is ATM.

I still think Falcao is a pipe dream, but we do need someone who can mesh with our creators. They can't come soon enough

[Vermilion]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Higuain is probably your best choice, or maybe Llorente if Bilbao's management decides to actually be reasonable.

Hardly any chance of Falcao, even less of a chance of Gomez, and money would be pretty much the only reason for Lewandowski to move, and it would have to be a lot of it.

[Bezzey]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

This has been one of the most frustrating seasons in years and its only December.....

[Ozil]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I like Higuain, but not sure Real would sell him given that they are thin up front as well. Personally, I don't rate Gomez because he's too hot and cold. Mind you, I'd take him over Torres because he CAN score.

If I were in charge of the transfers, I'd look at Jovetic. He's 22 and would be a great fit for Chelsea's trio. Cavani would also be an option, but he'd be way too pricey as well like Falcao is. He can play a number of attacking positions and would be a great addition. Fellaini and Jovetic at Chelsea would be a great January.

I also think it's about time we see what Marko Marin can do. I realize he's had fitness issues, but he needs a run of games and not as a sub. I'm sure he's got something to offer....just give him some games Rafa.

It's a frustrating time, but I have hope we'll pull through and get a good second half going.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

My preference:

Cavani
Falcao
Higuain
Jovetic

Cavani's a little younger than Falcao (1yr), has more pace, and is better on the ball than Falcao. Falcao is clinical with both feet, positionally solid, and on fire right now. Gonzalo is a lesser version of him with some injury history concerns but all 3 would come in and get goals and make us instantly better. Jovetic is too similar to Lukaku IMO. Big, young, physical and loads of potential. Considering Oscar, Mata, and Hazard are all pretty young it might not be a bad long-term deal but we're good enough now to plug in a proven commodity and challenge for the league.

[Ozil]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

My preference:

Cavani
Falcao
Higuain
Jovetic

Cavani's a little younger than Falcao (1yr), has more pace, and is better on the ball than Falcao. Falcao is clinical with both feet, positionally solid, and on fire right now. Gonzalo is a lesser version of him with some injury history concerns but all 3 would come in and get goals and make us instantly better. Jovetic is too similar to Lukaku IMO. Big, young, physical and loads of potential. Considering Oscar, Mata, and Hazard are all pretty young it might not be a bad long-term deal but we're good enough now to plug in a proven commodity and challenge for the league.

The thing Jovetic has over Lukaku is that he's playing first team football regularly and is a little more developed than he is at this point. I do agree with your assessment of the other strikers.

Bottom line - reinforcements are needed in January. Hopefully, as Blues fans, we'll get the midfielder and striker we're lacking.

[Bori Blues]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

We need a striker no doubt, Id go with Falcao and Walcott at mid. I wonder if we change formation at end of season think will work find a way to create more goal opportunities like a 4-3-3.