@mods why was my thread moved to the match thread, this wasn't just match specific feedback this was general weaknesses I feel we need to address moving forward.Just got back from the game, ultimately gutting and not a good start to Wembley but performance was fairly good, if we'd taken our chances and not made mistakes we'd not have lost that.
However...I did notice a few real weaknesses which were apparent and I'm hoping Poch realises this and any further new signings address these:
1) Pace: We've all been banging on about it,especially the need for a Mane type wide forward of real quality to stretch teams. Now while I'd welcome a player like that I'm not sure it's vital as our gameplay vs Chelsea worked reasonably well we just weren't clinical, but where we did miss pace was from our fullbacks, it's hard to admit it but we missed Walker and Rose's athleticism. If we're going to play with 3 at the back or one of the DM's dropping in then we need our full backs to get in behind teams and too often Davies and Trippier would stop, pass back or cross. I like both of them but i think we clearly need to replace walker and an Aurier type RB would be ideal. If not then we really do need to look at a pacey attacking option who is closer to the first XI than sissoko or GKN.
2) Trippiers height: From their goal kicks, or our goal kicks wide or our diagonal switches of play if it was lofted Trippier had no chance vs Alonso and we lost possession, one thing which was underrated was how Walker used to win a lot of these header duels, sometimes even doing a flick on to start an attack. Trippier has a good delivery but this lack of height given how we play can be a weakness at times, I saw how Dier kept switching with him to try and win the header.
3) Dier : I love Eric Dier, brilliant character and constantly improving as a player however he got the run around from Kante and Bakayoko today, he's not got much pace and he's not amazing on the ball, sure he's a decent DM but with him and Wanyama there (who uncharacteristically had an awful game by his standards) this made us a Little predictable and slow.
4) Dembele replacement : Not sure if The plan would be for Barkley to cover AM and Moussa but if he's just for AM if he get him then I think we maybe need another CM possibly next summer if Winks doesn't step up another level.
All in all, a very disappointing and frustrating result, it's a shame also as now the 'Wembley whoodoo/curse' will carry on in the media, today was a big chance to 'end' that but take that away and also the fact we hate Chelsea, they are last years champions and hazard aside that was actually their best team, we dominated them for most of the match and one piece of quality and a mistake from us has given them the win, I'm afraid that is premier league football for you against any top team, we had 15+ corners and 18 shots, we hit the post and their keeper made some good saves but ultimately if you don't take your chances you can lose games vs top top sides and Chelsea I'm afraid are a top top side and are very well drilled, it was always going to be a close game, last seasons was also but we got the first goal and in games like that when we both defend so well the first goal is vital.
That aside I hope Poch has realised these weaknesses and that any new signings address these. I'm sure he has and will but if not these small things could be the difference between us challenging for the title again and going far in the CL and coming 5-7th and going out in CL group stages.
We can move on from today and hopefully can beat burnley to get a win under our belt at Wembley next weekend but we do need to realise a few weaknesses which Chelsea exposed today.
@mods why was my thread moved to the match thread, this wasn't just match specific feedback this was general weaknesses I feel we need to address moving forward.
Just remember they are Chelsea. Despite everything would you ever envy someone who supports THEM? As I keep saying, you can put lipstick on a pig but it is still a pig.
Too many players did not perform.
Looking at Dier, Wanyama, Dele and Lloris.
Sissoko, too poor to mention.
Chelsea played us perfectly, dominated, scored, shut up shop, counter attacked and scored !
Trippier (and KWP who did not play) are nowhere near the game that Walker possesses . We have made a massive error letting him go.
Both are way to small to have an effect in the PL.
Sometimes Lloris needs to get the ball out way into the opposition half rather than a throw to an instantly shut down team mate.
Very disappointed with the team.
How long will they hang around if we continue this !
but Tripper is what we got, and walker is gone..we can replicate what was, because it wasn't , we got to move onI agree. I think Trippier is fine against weak teams where his main job will be to cross the ball. He looked tiny next to the Chelsea players though and could not compete physically.
He was out on his feet.
We need to be careful how we attack at Wembley, the pitch is an energy sapper.
Too many players did not perform.
Looking at Dier, Wanyama, Dele and Lloris.
Sissoko, too poor to mention.
Chelsea played us perfectly, dominated, scored, shut up shop, counter attacked and scored !
Trippier (and KWP who did not play) are nowhere near the game that Walker possesses . We have made a massive error letting him go.
Both are way to small to have an effect in the PL.
Sometimes Lloris needs to get the ball out way into the opposition half rather than a throw to an instantly shut down team mate.
Very disappointed with the team.
How long will they hang around if we continue this !
This is why I find it ridiculous that we sold Walker, his pace would stretch teams, we don't have that anymore.
When people talk about Walker they always say "He isn't that big of a miss, Trippier has better end product"
Thing is though, it wasn't about his end product, it was about how he stretched teams wide and made spaces for players like Eriksen and Kane and Dele, Trippier rarely does that and frankly he and Davies both looked out of their depth yesterday.
I wasn't very clear; what I meant was Son, plus another. Wholeheartedly believe Son is a game changer. Admittedly, I was in the aftermath of the game yesterday, coupled with several cold beverages! That's my excuse for my poorly argued point anyway!You are actually arguing against your own opinion. Son does not belong to UTD, Chelsea or City, he belongs to us. So arguably our bench do have game changers as well without having to look at the others in envy. That is the point I was trying to make.
This is why I find it ridiculous that we sold Walker, his pace would stretch teams, we don't have that anymore.
When people talk about Walker they always say "He isn't that big of a miss, Trippier has better end product"
Thing is though, it wasn't about his end product, it was about how he stretched teams wide and made spaces for players like Eriksen and Kane and Dele, Trippier rarely does that and frankly he and Davies both looked out of their depth yesterday.