π¨π΅ John Obi Mikel:
π£οΈ: Forget the loss. From the first minute, you could see the idea, the intent of Xabi and how he wants the players to play.
The pressing was superb, although there were moments of lapses from the midfield and the defence is still a little bit shaky, which means the players are still adapting to his style.
Estavao'w goal in the first half comes from him as an inside forward, allowing Palestra to roam wide on the right and Gittens on the other side stretching the left wing.
Alonso is definitely going to do a great job and when the squad is fully settled, with all the transfers done and senior players present, we can expect to be entertained and get the results in.
π¨π΅ Paul Merson:
π£οΈ: Chelsea keep giving late goals away and that issue was still evident in the loss to Tottenham.
In the last ten minutes last season, and under Maresca it's happened often enough to notice.
I think the club noticed and this season, that worry can be addressed. That's where a player like Henderson comes in.
He won't win you the match with a moment of magic. What he does is come on late, get a foot on the ball, and take the sting out of the game.
Younger lads start looking at him for where to stand. He's been through enough finishes to know how they go.
I think he ends up mattering more than people expect this season.