29 Jan 2026 12:35:39
I thought the initial line up was rather brave by our new head coach with just one centre back and 2 full backs either side but in fairness he did eventually change it but if he continues to experiment in such high profile games against better teams it will potentially be his undoing. I saw shades of AVB in that first half.

The introduction of Cole Palmer changed the game as he and Jaoa Pedro seem to have a telepathic understanding with each other and the way Pedro took those goals shows just how good he can become and in this his first season he may well become the first Chelsea stiker in a long time to bag 20 goals and solve our need for a proper striker. I'm not getting carried away but the signs are very promising.

Looking at the draw for the next round shows we are likely to play PSG or Newcastle if they both win their respective play off games so no real reward for us finishing in the top 8 other than 2 less matches to play.

1.) 29 Jan 2026
29 Jan 2026 18:25:32
Good post RPD and thanks for it. 'Brave' seemed like an understatement when I saw the lineup and funnily enough also thought of AVB while watching the first half. But have already commented on things I found strange there.

Yes CP did become a game changer as he is probably the best we have in terms of passing between the lines/defense splitting passes. Estevao and Enzo next best bets perhaps. Point is that though Pedro does his best as a classic hnumber 9 -playing hold up with back to gaol and pass ball to others or be fighting in box for headers etc - he will thrive far more if ball played through for him to run on to.

Who would we prefer PSG or Newcastle? Might be different reasons for choice.

2.) 30 Jan 2026
30 Jan 2026 00:12:25
I don’t think it was a massive experiment. Both LR and Chelsea have played a back 3 in recent history. Many of us were frustrated with Maresca being unwilling to switch up his tactics ever. Granted it didn’t work with some players seeming to not know where/what they should be doing but LR recognised it and made the changes. I think he should be applauded both for the flexibility of trying to match up a system to Napoli and changing it when it didn’t work.

The line up boggled my mind and perhaps with different players/ more time on the training ground to work on it, it might have worked out.

Finishing in the top 8 does just get us spare us 2 extra games. Tbf it’s kind of expected that the last 16 will in general see any team matched up against a big team.