#OpponentWatch

The truth is teams have this inexplicable yet valid fear when facing us, resulting in Playing safe and parking buses.

Against us, they deploy their best of the dark arts.

It's difficult having an open game like the one both United and Bournemouth are having against each other.

But they are right. Those that have tried like Everton have ended up crying in the toilet.

🏥 Dan Burn set to miss the next 4-6 weeks with fractured rib/lung damage. Newcastle still missing Botman, Trippier & Krafth, with the trio set to miss the next 2 weeks. Nick Pope could return on Saturday.

(via Sky Sports)

Chelsea play Newcastle next in the Premier League.

Just look at the state of Gittens. They would just blame Maresca

50M was really crazy. Total shame considering that Palmer was 42M.

Too amature

Please give Maresca some good players. i’m genuinely pleading on his behalf. This is sad to watch

Caicedo is the only one that is technically good enough in that half. Everyone else moves like football was a career suggestion.

#INGAME

They'll want and even throw tantrums to pay us 5M for Anselmino. But we paid what we paid for what they gave us.

Just unbelievable

Many will single out Buonanotte’s “basic” first-half display, but in truth he was set up to fail by the tactical structure. Operating alone in the No.10 role, every time he received on the turn he was immediately swarmed by Cardiff’s midfield, with no passing angles or support around him.

The lack of space made it impossible for him to influence the game. We set up with a double pivot and a back three, clearly prioritising protection against Cardiff’s counter-attacks. Santos hasn’t crossed the halfway line, and Caicedo has been anchored deeper, unlike our usual setup where Enzo pushes forward to overload central areas.

As a result, Buonanotte was completely isolated, forced into low-percentage touches and losing possession not through poor technique, but through a lack of structural support.

We've not even talked about the Chemistry between those attackers. ZERO.

Trott, Cardiff’s goalkeeper, is very good with his feet.

3 interceptions, 2 chances created , 1 assist.

#INGAME

The only reason Buonanote isn't getting minutes should be because of the politics. ( The loan thing)

He is a player with great potential and technical abilities. Doesn't look 20 yrs old at all

Not a dig at Gusto but everytime he comes on to play centrally, we concede.

I thought that substitution was supposed to add legs to the midfield to contain Cardiff.

RT

Pedro Neto's celebration cracks me up everytime... he reminds some people here to keep talking, he ain't listening.

“And box-to-box”

Pedro Neto is up to 9 G/A in 19 matches this season. 6 goals and 3 assists. #CFC

Best Camera man award goes to...

#Chelsea have reached the semi-finals of a domestic cup competition for the 10th time in the last 10 seasons.

◎ 16/17 FA Cup
◎ 17/18 EFL Cup
◎ 17/18 FA Cup 🏆
◎ 18/19 EFL Cup
◎ 19/20 FA Cup
◎ 20/21 FA Cup
◎ 21/22 EFL Cup
◎ 21/22 FA Cup
◎ 23/24 EFL Cup
◉ 25/26 EFL Cup 🆕

But they’ve only gone on to win the trophy once in that time…

Please let it end with a trophy this time

[via Squawka]

This win means that from next week until March, we’re basically on a nonstop schedule with a game every three or four days.

Adjustments had to be made. The squad was rotated. We got the job done.