[Tincanalley]

I think we were still good once he came on, I think Varane's injury and the swap of Sancho brought the slight lull.
One lesson people need to learn quickly is that Bruno does a lot for us when pressing. Eriksen doesn't offer that as an Attacking midfielder, particularly at this stage. It showed again today. It's a good option for a low tempo game or one in which we are already up and cruising, but not against a side as good as Chelsea.

In terms of our youngsters, I think we will start to see them more soon. We really needed the time and minutes to really adopt ETH's game plan. We clearly struggle to adapt to it once the season started, so every game has been important for us to develop that style. We have also had a very heavy run of fixtures to start the season, taking a risk and starting one of our youngsters wouldn't have made sense. We also don't have many youngsters that I would be comfortable giving a look in. This is not to say anything bad about the academy as we have produced good players over the years, but outside of Iqbal and Garnacho, I don't think any of our academy players are ready to play at a top level yet. I think trying to facilitate academy player growth has been one of the reasons we have struggled over the years and should not be a real focus for us moving forward.

Interesting post.

 

[Tincanalley]

Watching Jools and waiting for MOTD

 

[Belisarius]

First off, that was an enjoyable game to watch. Played at a really high pace by both teams. Lots of pressing but also lots of fast, clever ball movement. Really good game overall.

Referee's decisions really favoured the home team today.
- They denied us two clear corner kicks
- Called Bruno offside when he wasn't and was in alone on the left wing.
- Gave a ridiculous penalty. Mctominay's second arm only comes in to help him keep his balance as the Chelsea player is falling and pulling him off balance. When you include this penalty and the one called on Martinez for hand ball a few games back, we've really been getting some bad calls.

Given that and our superior control I think we just about deserved a victory. But, a draw is not entirely unfair either. A loss would have been a complete injustice.

 

[Gwhizz]

Coherency as a team is starting to form shape which is really promising. Great character to rescue a point but if we took our chances we'd be laughing right now

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

Its not that crazy a take. We have nobody that can finish right now….we’re creating the chances

Ronaldo himself has been awful in front of goal. It’s a strange take.

 

[Murder on Zidanes Floor]

Chelsea barely had a decent chance.

Neither did we

 

[One Night Only]

Was never a penalty, was 50/50 until their player was already at a 45 degree angle. Dogshit call.

 

[cyberman]

TBH that's a bit unfair and I also felt it was unfair to Tuchel too. Chelsea have a good squad and Potter hasn't been bad. However, they are missing some really important pieces. Reece James is such a massive part of Chelsea's team, Kante is another massive piece of that team too. Right now, they are having to play Loftus Cheek and Gallagher a lot more than they otherwise would. Their attack is not as good as it should be either. Havertz is nothing special imo. Neither is Aubameyang or Pulisic. I actually like Mount. However I reckon that Chelsea will do well to sustain a stable front 3 rather than constantly switching systems and rotating as often as they do.

James hasn’t been missing for long though. That’s just an excuse. Kante is shot, relying on him for anything is just of of how average they’ve become rather than an excuse as to why.
Its just the same. I dont think they’re suited to Potter at all and it’s not really the managers fault. It’s like if Ten Hag came to us after the window shut and instead of Antony, Martinez etc brought in we had Woodward go mad with magic ball Woodward signings and expect him to improve as he has with us now. That game today will resemble so many away games to lower league sides that we play now rather than a top 6 rival. 3 DMS and a DM no 10 really is something else

 

[Demaw]

I never make this call but Mainoo should be coming off the bench this season. Huge call but he is the kid we needed to get on.

 

[Bastian]

That pen situation happens probably every single corner in every single match. And the ref was super eager to give it. Thought Chelsea were very lucky to get it. Thankfully they didn't take all three points given we're fighting them for the top 4.

First half we carried on from last match, looked the dominant side at their gaff which just hasn't been the case in years and years. Potter made an astute tactical change that gave them a foothold before half time, but I still come away from this thinking as before, Chelsea are nothing special. I'd honestly be disappointed to finish below them in the table. Same as Spurs. But we lost one of our best players here which is gutting. And their fecking scummy fans jeering him off.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

Neither did we

3 clear ones but sure

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

We dominated. Chelsea were lucky to get a point. The entire first half we had our boots on their necks.

Viva Casemiro! We are almost a real threat as a team, just have to get Martial back or a replacement finisher, Sancho needs to see the sports psychologist to figure out why he has stage fright in the Prem.

 

[Fully Fledged]

Neither did we

Anthony's one on one should have at least been on target. Rashford had a couple of half chances that he got on target but were saveable.

 

[RORY65]

We played very well for the first half hour, Casemiro was running the game, but once Chelsea changed things the game was very scrappy (we did still have the Antony chance just before half time that would have altered things if we'd gone in ahead) and opportunities were limited for both sides in the second half.

It's been a very long time since we've played against some of the bigger teams and been the more proactive side, it's twice in a week we've done it now which is really encouraging and hopefully with more time under Ten Hag and with smart acquisitions in the coming windows maybe we might finally be on to something.

 

[Champ]

That pen situation happens probably every single corner in every single match. And the ref was super eager to give it. Thought Chelsea were very lucky to get it. Thankfully they didn't take all three points given we're fighting them for the top 4.

First half we carried on from last match, looked the dominant side at their gaff which just hasn't been the case in years and years. Potter made an astute tactical change that gave them a foothold before half time, but I still come away from this thinking as before, Chelsea are nothing special. I'd honestly be disappointed to finish below them in the table. Same as Spurs. But we lost one of our best players here which is gutting. And their fecking scummy fans jeering him off.

I agree, we see them situations every game, both players had hold of each other.

Not sure why the ref decided it was imperative to give this one when there were also other incidents during the game that were similar

 

[Tigersam]

Front 3 disappeared after 30 mins…

Antony should have scored, and Tashford was invisible. Ronaldo, despite everything, needs to be starting up front.

McT - WTF was that?!

Very frustrating as that’s another game that we should have one but we’re toothless upfront.

On the plus, we can see the press really starting to have an impact.

Oh dear, oh dear. Some people just cannot help themselves. Yes, he was a good player at Man United. In 2006! Just to put that into perspective: I was watching Life on Mars earlier, that came out in 2006.

Football is a team game, but he is the ultimate prima-donna. If Ronaldo was 'starting up front' as you suggest yes - he might have got a goal today - as Chelsea beat you 5:1.

The last two matches in particular, but so many since Brentford (with the exception of the derby) have shown Ronaldo should not be anywhere near Uniteds first 11. Carabou Cup, Europa league.... maybe.... to rest others, but I would even avoid that if I was ETH after his petulance in mid-week. Sell in January, even if Avram Glazer doesn't want that.

 

[Ricardo de la Vega]

Thought we were the better team overall, but we failed to score our chances which is becoming a recurring problem. All in all we're clearly on the right track.

Clearly we need a striker. We could also do with another option for the left wing - but Rashford moving there if we got a striker/Martial back would be great to give Jadon some time out of the team to recover his confidence/form. Sancho has been dreadful for so long, his confidence looks totally shot, he rarely wants to take anyone on, and there was a chance in the first half for him just to slash a ball across the face of the 6 yard box for example - and he does what he always does, find the easy pass to Bruno instead. ETH also needs more options in midfield - bringing on McTominay for his height to defend corners for example when the man's a liability because he's a clumsy oaf isn't ideal.

 

[Foxbatt]

First off, that was an enjoyable game to watch. Played at a really high pace by both teams. Lots of pressing but also lots of fast, clever ball movement. Really good game overall.

Referee's decisions really favoured the home team today.
- They denied us two clear corner kicks
- Called Bruno offside when he wasn't and was in alone on the left wing.
- Gave a ridiculous penalty. Mctominay's second arm only comes in to help him keep his balance as the Chelsea player is falling and pulling him off balance. When you include this penalty and the one called on Martinez for hand ball a few games back, we've really been getting some bad calls.

Given that and our superior control I think we just about deserved a victory. But, a draw is not entirely unfair either. A loss would have been a complete injustice.

Interesting view. I knew a player who would grab the opposing player's hand and put it under his armpit and run. The other player would grab his shirt to prevent him falling.

 

[MUFC OK]

Spurs and Chelsea in a few days, we get 4pts, and performances that showed a progression in form and an identity of how ETH wants. Dominated Spurs and if we had a guy who can hit the back of the net Chelsea game would have been over after 35 mins. I'm happy we got out of there with a draw. A striker in January please of quality and this team can go places. Casimero Motm imo.

How many chances are we creating for a CF? Seems an all too simple solution.

 

[Belisarius]

Interesting view. I knew a player who would grab the opposing player's hand and put it under his armpit and run. The other player would grab his shirt to prevent him falling.

Yes and I don't think that sort of thing is all that rare.

 

[The Brown Bull]

Should have been in front at HT. After that it was 50/50. Scott was to blame for the pen. How unlucky is Varane? Great cross , great header and great celebration by Casemiro ! Passion !
That’s what we want to see.
Reservations , we need a no 9, and I don’t get playing Sancho on the left & Antony on the right.

 

[Hester_manc]

Fred and McT can feck off out of this club....deserved draw..should of won but a good result none the less!

If they are satisfied with being back-ups, I would say that not many clubs in PL have better back-ups on their bench.

 

[croadyman]

We have done better than could be expected, except for the 2nd game. We need a couple of improvements in January, to secure a top four spot.

Will Erik be given money though

 

[croadyman]

Loved Casemero's passion in that celebration

Also feck the ref for not adding an extra couple minutes

Yeah can't remember last time I saw that level of passion from a goalscorer,see it from Martinez most times when we score

 

[Heinzesight]

I agree, we see them situations every game, both players had hold of each other.

Not sure why the ref decided it was imperative to give this one when there were also other incidents during the game that were similar

Yep. Silva tried it shortly before on a corner, going down like a sack of shit.

 

[TheReligion]

Loved Casemero's passion in that celebration

Also feck the ref for not adding an extra couple minutes

Yeah can't remember last time I saw that level of passion from a goalscorer,see it from Martinez most times when we score

 

[The1974s]

Its not that crazy a take. We have nobody that can finish right now….we’re creating the chances

I take it you didn't watch the Nicocia game then

 

[croadyman]

Yeah hadn't seen that when posting haha

 

[stu_1992]

A reliable striker away from winning this game. Can't argue too much with a draw at Stamford Bridge though. I'll take it.

Massive Shame about Varane. I hope that's not season over for him. It'll be a huge blow if so.

 

[Fully Fledged]

A reliable striker away from winning this game. Can't argue too much with a draw at Stamford Bridge though. I'll take it.

Massive Shame about Varane. I hope that's not season over for him. It'll be a huge blow if so.

I think he's worried about missing the world cup. I'm hoping he's at least back after that.

 

[El Zoido]

A reliable striker away from winning this game. Can't argue too much with a draw at Stamford Bridge though. I'll take it.

Massive Shame about Varane. I hope that's not season over for him. It'll be a huge blow if so.

Supposedly done his hamstring, so he’ll be back if that’s true. Could be out 2-3 months of months if it’s a bad one, hopefully we’ll find out tomorrow. Be a shame for him if he misses the WC but the timing would do us a favour.

 

[V.O.]

One of these days he's going to knock one of these in at the Stretford End and it will be glorious: (starts 10:06 if the timestamp doesn't work)




Because, of course, he can hit a curler from the edge of the area like Messi as well, why wouldn't he be able to?

 

[MUFC OK]

Thought like shaw was brilliant today. Probably the ultimate enigma of a player but I like what I’m seeing from him of late.

 

[Waynne]

Looks like he's leaping in for a scrap. Crazy guy and love his attitude.

 

[The Irish Connection]

Would have loved a win but a point at Stamford bridge isn’t too bad. Gutted about varane.
Striker badly needed as we know.

 

[PieCrust]

Glad to see the continued progress. Team played well, but man oh man do we need a striker.

I wasn't so mad at the penalty, it was a foul, but rather that it's so inconsistently called.

Happy with the point.

 

[SirReginald]

First half you were by far the better team. Applaud Potter for making a change early, most managers would have tried to wait until half time. Second half we probably just edged it until we scored the penalty, only after did you really threaten but then neither team really did threaten for much of the game. Both teams clearly lack a forward, I’d say Chelsea need a attacking midfielder too.

Very cagey game, a little sloppy in places. Keep saying it Chelsea lack goals. But Potter is making progress. Both better than the 2 man Spud team despite our deficiencies.

 

[sglowrider]

One of these days he's going to knock one of these in at the Stretford End and it will be glorious: (starts 10:06 if the timestamp doesn't work)




Because, of course, he can hit a curler from the edge of the area like Messi as well, why wouldn't he be able to?

I noticed how close the fans are to the pitch at the Bridge or even at OT versus at the Amsterdam Stadium. No wonder he celebrated like he did when you are literally next to the fans.

 

[sglowrider]

First half you were by far the better team. Applaud Potter for making a change early, most managers would have tried to wait until half time. Second half we probably just edged it until we scored the penalty, only after did you really threaten but then neither team really did threaten for much of the game. Both teams clearly lack a forward, I’d say Chelsea need a attacking midfielder too.

Very cagey game, a little sloppy in places. Keep saying it Chelsea lack goals. But Potter is making progress. Both better than the 2 man Spud team despite our deficiencies.

Whats going on with Havertz? I had expected him to kick-on after last season's' breakthrough'?

 

[Nicoseth]

McTominay - what a clown.