Aina looking confident.
The 18-year-old full-back made his debut today and looked very comfortable playing in his natural right back position. Assured and confident on the ball, he made very few mistakes. Rarely beaten, the academy product looked like he could well stay this season as the youngster Jose likes to have in his first team squad. This year’s Andreas Christensen, Aina is comfortable anywhere in the back line, proving today that he’s got ability going forward, yet still possesses good defensive qualities too.
Traore and Cuadrado still not impressing.
Bertrand Traore did himself no favours once again, albeit he was playing in an unusual left back birth. He often got caught out of position due to poor concentration and positioning, along with him being over eager to intercept and failing with his attempt. Going forward he ruined numerous attacking moves with his unimpressive decision making. Juan Cuadrado, on the other hand, played in his preferred position and shown us another nervy performance. His future should be spent on loan until he can rediscover his ability and the reason Chelsea brought him. If all else fails, the Colombian winger should be sold, with Victor Moses once again impressing – proving that he well and truly deserves a place in the Chelsea squad.
Lack of creativity may cost us.
Against Arsenal, Chelsea registered just one shot on target yet looked the better team. A similar story happened tonight as Chelsea only mustered two shots on target. What’s even more worrying is the fact they had zero shots on target in the first 45 minutes alone. These statistics are extremely worrying, although many people say pre-season means nothing, it’s not going to fill you with confidence seeing your side struggling to even hit the target. Clear-cut chances are at a premium and if this problem isn’t resolved very quickly, I’d be surprised if we even finished in the top four, let alone win the league.
New signings are a must.
With John Stones and Abdul Baba Rahman looking probable to join the Blues, defensively they’ll have a strong depth. However, the unreliable John Obi Mikel and the mediocre Ramires aren’t needed, with a top quality replacement required. Ahead of these only Willian, Hazard, Oscar and Moses have looked worth keeping. Traore and Cuadrado should be loaned with the latter possibly sold and a top quality replacement brought in. Falcao may have looked disappointing, but anyone would when they don’t receive the chances.
