Barclays Asia Trophy (27th-30th July 2011)

[Chris Smith]

We've defended pretty well considering they're getting little protection and we can't keep the ball. Absolute nonsense about Dunne, he's looking much sharper than this time last year.

Very disjointed going forward, but then it's a line up that hasn't played together before and Cheksea are very strong.

[Holtenderinthesky]

Dunne and Given are looking good.

Warnock and Ireland not so good.

Delfouneso not at all good.


I agree with the sentiment that Given will save us a lot of points this season, he is a top player.

[Ger Regan]

I'm getting more and more worried about Albrighton.

[richard moore]

Absolute complete and utter garbage from all outfield players with the exception of Delfouneso who has been OK. Given looks very good.

Are we watching the same game? Delfouneso has been dire. Not that I particularly blame him for that, it is hard as a youngster to come into a game like this in such heat against one of the best teams in Europe. We look like what are are, a bunch of strangers for the most part. Like the fact that Ireland is shouting at the other players, what we need as long as he keeps his temper

[cdbearsfan]

Bent, Bannan and Heskey for Gabby, Fonz and Albrighton please. Mix it up a bit.

[Chris Jameson]

Absolutely atrocious first half performance.

Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?

When did Chelsea become one of the best teams in the world? Was it the numerous European trophies that elevated them to such heights?

[Clark W Griswold]

Absolutely atrocious first half performance.

Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?

Nope, because we have played atrociously. Obviously.

Whereas we were good against Blackburn.

I don't have any ulterior motive, I'm one of the happy ones, but that first half was terrible.

We were also shit against Blackburn after the first 1/2 hour.

[PeterWithesShin]

I'm getting more and more worried about Albrighton.

Glad i'm not the only one. He seems to have lost all confidence in himself. 

[Ad@m]

Absolute nonsense about Dunne, he's looking much sharper than this time last year.

Did you turn on midway through the first half or are you choosing to ignore the pub-player defending for their goal?  There was nothing sharp about that.

[Shrek]

Marc Albrighton looks shite, he has been found out and needs to mix things up.

Bannan on for Marc
Makoun on for Petrov

[cdbearsfan]

Absolutely atrocious first half performance.

Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?

When did Chelsea become one of the best teams in the world? Was it the numerous European trophies that elevated them to such heights?

You don't have to win the European Cup to be one of the best teams in the World. On the basis of the last few years, they're easily one of the best teams in the World... they regularly get to the last four/eight of the World's best club competition.

[Ger Regan]

When did Chelsea become one of the best teams in the world? Was it the numerous European trophies that elevated them to such heights?

Can't believe I'm going to say this, but they are. They're regularly in the latter stages of the CL, and while they haven't won it, that alone makes them one of the best teams in the world. I think I need a lie down.

[Dave Cooper please]

Delfouneso's crossing is wank.

Wow chill, it's only a pre season friendly.  Imagine what you'll be like if he does that against Fulham. 

Annoying isn't it?

No, not really.
Do you find it annoying when someone picks you up on a post then?

*files that away for more internet based fun later*

[PeterWithesShin]

Absolute complete and utter garbage from all outfield players with the exception of Delfouneso who has been OK. Given looks very good.

Are we watching the same game? Delfouneso has been dire. Not that I particularly blame him for that, it is hard as a youngster to come into a game like this in such heat against one of the best teams in Europe. We look like what are are, a bunch of strangers for the most part. Like the fact that Ireland is shouting at the other players, what we need as long as he keeps his temper

In fairness to him, he's playing out wide and looks the only one able to take a player on. His crossing has been a bit wank but we haven't exactly been piling players into the box for him to aim for though.

[richard moore]

I'm getting more and more worried about Albrighton.

Glad i'm not the only one. He seems to have lost all confidence in himself. 

Indeed, hopefully it will come back, anyone who has played a bit of football knows you go through spells like this. What is certain I think is that we can't rely on him as a first team starter at the moment and that any idea that he is better than Downing or Young is a bit misplaced just now. But it can change!