Rich102

This system is a disaster, goal after goal coming from the space between the wing-backs and the CB - and a midfield that's static in attack and bypassed in defence.

Until now I've thought we should keep MP because it's clear there's a lot wrong with the club aside from the manager. That was wrong. I still think the problems run much deeper, but it's clear he's the source of where we are now. He clearly has no confidence in the players, but in that case he's utterly worthless as a manager. If you don't think you can coach our best XI to beat Brighton at home, then you've no business being a coach of a PL team.

Disgrace but frankly on this evidence we're going to have bigger things to worry about than Europe so may be no bad thing.

Utterly depressing. Targett's confidence is clearly shot, and Martina offers nothing going forward so no width. JWP and Davis have never been able to control a midfield so nothing going forwards through the middle. Kick and rush stuff. Embarrassing.

Looks a really good player and importantly similar to Schneiderlin in style. Slightly less mobile, and needs to curb some of the horror tackles, but good distribution and was organising players around him from the first minute. Also looks good for a goal or two if shots against Mitjilland anything to go by. Far better suited to that role than Clasie - who (hopefully) was signed to be more of a playmaker anyway.

Yep, we clearly made a decision over summer to move to a more attacking formation, which probably makes sense. But starting without 5 of last years back 6 (if you count Morgan) is a bit of an ask.

Cedric looks good, but Clyne was worth two RBs at times last season. And on the left J-Rod is (currently) nowhere near enough to give Targett cover. This is where the defensive probs are coming from.

Yes - I still think Morgan is world-class at what he does, but him and VW in the same team (esp with the defence we have behind it) was probably overkill. I thought Clasie looked a bit off the pace today, but in principle I can see us being a lot more dangerous next year without being massively more open at the back. What I like is that we can play a lot of different ways right now. You saw us drop off and play them on the break for a lot of the second half (a lot like the away win over Utd last year), as well as periods of pressing, and then the more direct periods in the first half. We've been so well coached for so many seasons now and it's paying dividends.

I know it's a friendly but this is really promising. We're getting the ball forward so much quicker, whilst still looking solid at the back when we need to be. So many options going forwards.

I realise this is epic trollage, but I for one am content with being a feeder club hovering around 7/8th. Liverpool and Spurs were unusually weak last year and will pull away this season. For us to break into that club would need at least £100mil on top of our transfer budget, and then I'd still put our chances at 10-20%. Given our financial position that would be insane. This is the state of the league were in. I'm happily resolved to this season being another race for 7th, with hope of a cup run, some fun in Europe, and seeing some more young talent break through from the top academy in the country. For a club of our size (let alone our recent history) that's a hell of an achievement.

"...I would be disappointed if anyone thought that on the basis of a good season with their clubs they can walk in and demand a place." As close as we'll ever get to an admission of what we all know.

No booing - as it should be. We're on top and it's hard to score against any premier team who sits back. Pretty sure the goal will come.

Great tackle - hard to see how Pelle's fault.

That penalty went to play at the highest level.

Worth noting that goal difference suggests we're not only solidly champions league, but solidly the third best team in the league.

Says a lot more about Arsenal's shortcoming than ours, doesn't it.

Fantastic performance, defensively organized and great intensity across the pitch. Only let down by poor finishing. I was sure Arsenal would catch us over the season but based on this 4th is very much in our hands. They look nothing like champions league challengers, and we just really do.

Why the F*** didn't Pelle hit that with his left foot. We're so going to regret this.

Jesus, Ward-Prowse has to finish that.

What a save! What a pass! What an assist!

Can anyone fathom our formation? Who's going to play RB/RWB?

Would have been an unbelievably soft penalty - Fabregas was looking for it all day, and could easily have stayed in his feet. Looking for pens is part of Chelsea's MO when they can't break teams down.

Fantastic performance against one of the best premier league teams I've seen (seriously, aside from their quality Chelsea are probably the only team that presses better than us). Special mention to whole back line, esp Targett. It says a lot that Chelsea targetted (excuse pun) the other flank for the whole second half.

Yep - incredible given lack of experience.

We need to stop doing that thing where we pass it to the other team's striker.