Here is Paul Summerside‘s verdict on a decent performance that fell short on being a winning (or drawing) one …
We are what we are. A hard working side devoid of any real talent other than Defoe and Pickford.
We defended well for large parts of tonight’s game, but it seems any mistake made is punished.
The play in the run up to Chelsea’s winner was diabolical, and once the ball was given away it was a knife through butter.
When on the ball, we were dreadful. Kirchhoff and Denayer cannot play in the same midfield as they occupy the same position. They were football’s equivalent of the Chuckle Brothers tonight.
Anichobe’s absence left us no outlet or hold up play, Ndong’s absence left us slow and indirect in the build up, and Watmore’s long-term absence leaves us unable to get up the pitch.
And then, what had been a Chelsea training game, suddenly became a contest.
A sprited last 10 minutes almost culminating in a smash and grab point, if not for Courtois.
Before the game I couldn’t see us winning and once I saw the teams I thought comfortable 2-0 to Chelsea.
So I suppose to only lose by one goal, and to fashion three good chances to draw, against top drawer opposition, leaves my glass half full.
And so on to a must win match Saturday v Watford. Players back from injury and suspension , more options for Moyes, returning players sharper.
The first of the nine wins needed to stay up.