No pressure, Ruben.
Whenever Mourinho has discussed youth players and their game time, he has always stated that they need to play without pressure. Today, as well as the remaining games this season, was a day where the pressure is off. The talk at the rear end of this season has been regarding Ruben Loftus-Cheek becoming a player fighting for a spot in the Chelsea starting XI next season, and as he proved today he seems more than ready to fit into the team without looking out of place. The battle between himself and Coutinho was one I thoroughly enjoyed, as it wasn’t the toughest he could have been matched with, nor the easiest. Time and time again Ruben intercepted his passes or tackled him, hassling him at every opportunity, often using his physical presence as a weapon. His passing was precise and simple, nothing too fancy, however over time we will see him impose himself more on the game as he gains experience at senior level. When Nemanja Matic stepped up to the side-line, I was expecting John Obi Mikel to be replaced as I personally felt that Ruben had played the better. With Mourinho’s guidance and the right opportunities, I really believe that we have something special on our hands who could be every bit as good as regular transfer target Paul Pogba with potential to be better.
Hazard on his holidays already?
He’s won the PFA player of the year award, he’s also won the Premier League. Who could blame him for not giving his all today? That’s the view of some supporters but I don’t share that. There’s two games left to go and I expected a better game from Eden. There didn’t seem to be the same creativity or urgency today as we have seen throughout the season. Maybe I am expecting too much, I am not in his shoes, to motivate yourself for a meaningless game could well be hard, yet I’d expect the paying fans to be enough motivation to give your all. Every player has bad games and no-body’s expected to perform at a 10/10 standard every week, it’s impossible. I just hoped that he could show those scouse lads up like he has most other clubs this season.
Playing for their futures.
I expect Jose Mourinho was thoroughly monitoring the likes of Loic Remy, John Obi Mikel and Filipe Luis today. With the end of the season not far away, the trio have all been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge. Speculation has been often and incoming transfers have also been mentioned to replace the aforementioned. The players I assume are being given an opportunity to impress and decide their own futures, whether they’re in the shop window and looking to attract interest or whether they’re hoping to convince The Special One they still have the quality to play for Chelsea Football Club. My verdict is that Luis had a very good game, however the other two I can’t speak as highly of. I believe Remy is a good second or third striker option, which he has proven over the season with his performances, although today wasn’t his best game in the Blues colours. John Obi Mikel on the other hand, his time is up, he’s been a very loyal and fantastic servant, yet with him still in the squad it means barely any playing time or he’s blocking the path for Ruben.
Captain, leader, legend and Record breaker.
Is there anything John Terry can’t do? The guy’s been instrumental in creating an incredible trophy cabinet at Stamford Bridge as well as picking up various different individual honours. Today he re-wrote history once again and cemented his legacy by becoming the all-time highest goal scoring defender in the Barclays Premier League. Scoring his 39th goal he overtook David Unsworth with a trademark bullet header from a corner. Irreplaceable, it’s as simple as that.
Before the game I hoped Chelsea fans would show Steven Gerrard the respect I felt he had earned. This was demonstrated by the standing ovation he received. However after his lack of appreciation and total disrespect towards our football club, I’m happy to see the back of him.
