Villa v Chelsea Match Thread

[rob_bridge]

We do need to remember that ings has just come back from injury. Also, if we have everyone fit, he most likely doesn't get in. He's been brought in to compete with ollie not to play alongside IMO.

Him and Buendia good positions just lack execution

[brontebilly]

Matty Rash again I'm afraid, why is he going to ground there..no excuse for it

That aside we have played very well. Impressed with our midfield three and back 5 very organised. Front three trying hard but lack of quality at key moments. Would much prefer Watkins down the middle. Other two not offering anything.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Lukaku come in at half time. Pulisic hasn't had a kick and CHO has been rubbish. AEG likely our first sub.

[Astral Weeks]

Ings runs like he's 45.

Getting outpaced by Thiago Silva, who nearly IS 45.

Silva is world class CB in fairness. All about how to position himself at his age and he's superb at it.

Andy Hinchcliffe is certainly a massive fan.

[Beard82]

Think we have been really good - think cash doesn’t seem to learn - does this too often when there is no real threat.

Ings - just doesn’t seem to work in this set up.  emi2 ok but a should give more - Watkins and the rest of the team look very good though.

Be tempted to put on JBP or Chuck on for Ings or Emi2

[Toronto Villa]

Ings runs like he's 45.

Getting outpaced by Thiago Silva, who nearly IS 45.

Silva is world class CB in fairness. All about how to position himself at his age and he's superb at it.

File alongside McGrath, P

Steady.

Thiago Silva has had a spectacular career. I’m all for rose tinted glasses and considering our best ever defender the best ever, but compared to some of the best ever he pales in comparison when considering complete body of work. That’s not to diminish the career of Paul McGrath; it’s elevating it into that lofty conversation.

[SamTheMouse]

I dunno about matching them. I thought we were the better side in that first half.

[jwarry]

We do need to remember that ings has just come back from injury. Also, if we have everyone fit, he most likely doesn't get in. He's been brought in to compete with ollie not to play alongside IMO.

He’s been brought in to do a job for the team but as yet I’m struggling to understand what it is.  I suspect it was to give either Chalobah or Rudiger a hard time but it’s not clear

[Keeno]

Ings runs like he's 45.

Getting outpaced by Thiago Silva, who nearly IS 45.

Silva is world class CB in fairness. All about how to position himself at his age and he's superb at it.

File alongside McGrath, P

Steady.

Thiago Silva has had a spectacular career. I’m all for rose tinted glasses and considering our best ever defender the best ever, but compared to some of the best ever he pales in comparison when considering complete body of work. That’s not to diminish the career of Paul McGrath; it’s elevating it into that lofty conversation.

Spot on. The game moves in slow motion for him.

[Meanwood Villa]

Pleased with that half. Another one at that level of performance and I think we'll win this.

[tomd2103]

Good half there, but a bit of a disappointing goal to concede.  Have the ball away cheaply when we could have broken and then Cash making an unnecessary challenge in our box.

We have looked dangerous though, even if that final product hasn't quite been there at times

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Ings and Watkins the only weak link. Neither look like they know what they're doing,  poor control and needing too many touches before shooting.

Other than that we've been the better side.

[PaulTheVillan]

And now we’ll make Lukaku look like Pele

[KevinGage]

Chelsea swapping it around second half.

Let's see how we respond.

[Beard82]

We do need to remember that ings has just come back from injury. Also, if we have everyone fit, he most likely doesn't get in. He's been brought in to compete with ollie not to play alongside IMO.

He’s been brought in to do a job for the team but as yet I’m struggling to understand what it is.  I suspect it was to give either Chalobah or Rudiger a hard time but it’s not clear

Yeah still big questions over the summer business for me.  Clearly good players but haven’t actually done anywhere near enough - particularly when you consider the transformative effect the previous summers business had for a compariable spend

[SoccerHQ]

Blimey Lukaku on at half time, wasn't expecting him on that quick.

Defence will need to keep focused as they have a focal point now.