Shroppie

Ok, I'll answer you in case you're serious, although it looks like weak trolling to me. Yes, he's a brilliant midfield warrior. He breaks up play, covers, is always available for a pass. He's added a bit of steel to his game, can tackle, knows when to keep the ball and recycle, which he does very well, whilst his looking for the forward pass is much improved. He's our most important player by mile.

I think Diallo is close to coming back. If not, got to give Jankewitz another chance, and either three at the back with Bertrand And Djenepo wing backs or Ramsey.

It could have been very different. We were decent in the first half. Tella was impressive - our best forward. Why he went off and Adams stayed on I don’t understand. If either of Vest’s headers had gone in, if the ref had allowed Che’s goal. The pitch didn’t help. Not sure Che had any studs, but we were falling over whenever we tried to change direction or push off quickly. You can’t play tippy-tappy football on a pitch like that and we were doing better with longer more direct passes. I also think it influenced the subs: very easy to get injured on that surface and Ralph was worried. When you look at how Romeu caught his studs and damaged himself, you can see why. Big loss and worrying. Danny didn’t get into it. Armstrong some nice runs but no end product. Mccarthy didn’t cover himself in glory. The team selection gamble didn’t really fail as we looked far worse after the changes. Bednarek is a good CB and useless RB. Next game must try Ramsey or three at the back with Bertrand and Djenepo as wing backs. And remember the last game Romeu was out and Jankewitz covered? I’m worried the team have got a persecution complex now. All the VAR decisions and the non-goal tonight. There’s a desperate need for leadership and real determination. I thought we’d got that on Saturday, but it’s vanished. No confidence.

I'd guess Djenepo is a bit battered. Could be that Ralph doesn't think Ings and Minamino will last a full game, so save them for when a high-intensity Leeds maybe tire?

I thought that too. Ralph clarified: it was 4222 but Djenepo put in a great shift supporting Bednarek and at times taking the RB role allowing Bednarek to move inside.

If the team that played Saturday is fit, I'd keep it unchanged. Armstrong obviously has a niggly muscle injury that's affecting his fitness, so I wouldn't rush him back. But on the bench would be a good option. I suspect the biggest doubt is Djenepo after he was kicked from pillar to post. If he can't start, it's either Armstrong or I would go with Ings and Adams with Minamino and Redmond.

I agree that he didn't play as an out and out wingback but with the team we had yesterday it gave us the flexibility to change shape from 4222 to 343, 523or even 5221. He gave a lot of cover.

A big positive for me was seeing Djenepo can be a wing back.

The penalty was the sort where against us it was given with barely a check but for us I’m sure they’d have looked in minute detail and seen that Ings did just get a bit of the ball. I’d say it probably was a pen, but nowhere near as clear cut as some have suggested. We’ve had better shouts refused. The refereeing today, apart from the penalty, didn’t have a critical effect on the result, but how Chelsea survived all those hacks on Djenepo without even a yellow, I don’t know. There were two tackles worse than Bertrand’s when he was sent off against Leicester and Djenepo when he saw red too. And quite a few where we didn’t even get a free kick.

Another possibility is 343.

Ralph confirming Armstrong suffering after two games in 4 days.

Three game suspensions include cup games. One game don't.

I fear so. I'd think it's 343, but BT saying Salisu at RB, which sounds unlikely.

Indeed, that's true. Turned out well.

Last time we tried 3/5 at the back and ditched Ralph's philosophy, we built up to the Leicester 0-9. That's when he had a reboot and got back to what he believes in. Which is what we should stick with now. A week's rest between games will make a big difference.

Probably already does.

I would consider this as a serious option, although I assume the suggestion was a bit of a joke. He isn't contributing much in attack but does get back to help in defence and has a bit of pace as a wing back

Absolutely not.

Agree with most of this. We should have put away more chances in the first half: I think we might have done if Adams had started. But it's hard to underestimate the impact of that appalling penalty decision. Apart from the goal, you can see how the anger Bertrand rightly felt completely destroyed his composure. When things are going badly, injustices affect the team far more, and the non-penalty for Dendoncker just left the team, and Ralph, seething. Reverse those two decisions, which was totally plausible, and we're two up, composed, gaining confidence and the game is completely different. It's a Catch-22. If we'd had decisions like that during a good run, there's every chance we'd have overcome it. When you're down, everything seems to go against you.

Can only think he's in to give more defensive cover.

Won't happen

Got mine. Carrying over.

Completely agree with this. For me, the praise for Salisu is a bit excessive. He showed some good signs but could easily have cost us two goals. He may become a first choice but is behind Bednarek and Vestergaard for now. He needs easing in. I don't think there's any way Forster will keep his place either, despite him having a good game. Hope Armstrong is ok to start again. He's tended to need longer recovery. My alternative would be Djenepo

I'd suggest it's because adding a CB would invite them on to us. Ralphs philosophy is to defend further up the pitch as far as possible and stop attacks before they can develop. I thought we dealt well with Traore. The moment he got the ball there were two defenders on him shepherding him to the touchline and niggling at him. He never got up a head of steam.

Bit he hasn't had anything at all to do