Chelsea 1-1 Aston Villa Post Match Thread

[rougegorge]

That was a really well-earned point and we didn’t try and defend the draw, which is a noticeable change.

I had reservations about Hause coming in but he’s really exceeded my expectations and the defence looked solid.

I just hope we can get in a decent forward in the window as we can’t expect Watkins to play every game and injuries and suspensions will catch up.

[john2710]

A well earned draw & all credit the the players & coaching staff. We've come a long way in 2 years.
If we make half that improvement over the next 2 years we'll be competing at the top table.

The team & management reminds me of the 1976 team. Young, hungry, afraid of no one & going places.

[PaulTheVillan]

That was a really well-earned point and we didn’t try and defend the draw, which is a noticeable change.

I had reservations about Hause coming in but he’s really exceeded my expectations and the defence looked solid.

I just hope we can get in a decent forward in the window as we can’t expect Watkins to play every game and injuries and suspensions will catch up.

what I like this season is the players like Hause, Trez and AEG know they have to fight and keep their places. I think they know the owners will buy new players to keep our status. They’ve all stepped up. Makes our squad stronger in reality. I think we need better back up CM. Hourihane and Nakamba might be ok for moments, but wouldn’t trust them to replace McGinn or Luiz and play as well as AEG and Hause have.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Great result .....we are certainly short of quality and quantity on the bench however it means we are having to keep the team unchanged despite the number of games at this time of year - it is highlighting the  great team spirit and work ethic .... furthermore the squad are definitely fitter this season .
Get a result at Old Trafford and I will be extremely happy, more importantly I will be eventually convinced that Smith is the man to take us to the next level .......something I didn't envisage this time last year ......well done Dean and team

[Damo70]

Hard work but given the circumstances very pleased with a point.

Oh, and I'm sure I won't be the first to say it, Jim Beglin is a ******.

Bloody hell it has been a long time since I heard any mention of Jim Beglin. I didn't see the game but I was listening in on Talksport.

[Big Ming]

Whoever is our current Fitness and Conditioning Coach deserves a blooming gold medal.

Unbelievable fitness levels.

[TonyD]

We needed a tough game before we go to OT on Friday.

Good preparation.

I’d be tempted to start Ramsey.  And have Ross coming off the bench on the hour.

[Flamingo Lane]

Our next three league games are Man Utd, Tottenham and Everton; three games to relish, and who'd have thought that, a year ago?

Edit: or even three months ago?

[Risso]

Our next three league games are Man Utd, Tottenham and Everton; three games to relish, and who'd have thought that, a year ago?

Edit: or even three months ago?

Agreed.  Really enjoyed the game today, an absorbing contest between two very good sides that could have gone either way.

[PaulTheVillan]

We needed a tough game before we go to OT on Friday.

Good preparation.

I’d be tempted to start Ramsey.  And have Ross coming off the bench on the hour.

Drop Traore for another midfielder.

Grealish out wide.

[Big Ming]

That was a really well-earned point and we didn’t try and defend the draw, which is a noticeable change.

I had reservations about Hause coming in but he’s really exceeded my expectations and the defence looked solid.

I just hope we can get in a decent forward in the window as we can’t expect Watkins to play every game and injuries and suspensions will catch up.

Hause is clearly a good central stopper and was never a left back although he was sold as cover for both.

[supertom]

Excellent display. Magnificent work rate and it wasn't a backs to the walls scrap either. It was a well matched game. On recent form and today, we look like we can compete on the same level as Chelsea are expecting to. Whatever McGinn is having for breakfast I'd like to know. He just does not stop. He was superb today.
Got to say too, on the defensive side El Ghazi has upped his work rate immensely compared to last season. He ran himself into the ground today. An excellent shift. Traore slept for their goal, but worked hard otherwise. The faith in Ramsey is also pleasing and he was unlucky not to score right from coming on.

Despite Chelsea rotating (and after scoring they had more zip than we did up to the half time whistle) I thought we ended the game looking fresher. Pleasing point and a fair result.

Another solid display from Emi as well. Much credit to the fullbacks too. Everyone is pulling their weight at the moment.

[Risso]

With the pace that Man U have we can't afford to give them the space that Chelsea had down our right side.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I had reservations about Hause coming in but he’s really exceeded my expectations and the defence looked solid.

For all his poor distribution he more than made up for it with his heading. Chelsea put a lot of crosses into the box and 9 times out of ten he was on the end of it. Great defending.

[Keeno]

After what has been a tumultuous year for everyone, and certainly for the club given where we appeared to be headed, to end it 5th in the PL, 3 points back with 2 games in hand on Leicester in 2nd, with a considerably better GD is simply astonishing.

This is a pretty much perfect summation of where we are. What a season it is so far. Love this team.