Chelsea (A) - Verdict (by Treddman)

[Tredman]

Yes thought he played really well. His role has changed somewhat and he's the shield for the defence first and the creative outlet second. Plus it's not really a day for Hollywood balls... The passes he played were generally simple, kept the ball and initiated attacks.

 

[Kenny]

We let them have the ball there. Where they had it in the last 20 mins was no different to the first 70.

If you cant look at Neves today and appreciate he had to sacrifice his normal game to be part of a structured team plan then pointless discussing it further really.

 

[Tony Towner]

I thought Neves played really well, but if you are going to the Blame Game thread it's on him

 

[Kenny]

Yes thought he played really well. His role has changed somewhat and he's the shield for the defence first and the creative outlet second. Plus it's not really a day for Hollywood balls... The passes he played were generally simple, kept the ball and initiated attacks.

His one Hollywood ball almost came off. Shame the wind pulled it back and Jota had to check and use his hand to control ( great finish though)

 

[Wilf Wolf]

Are there any stats on blocked shots? I would bet good money that we have blocked more than any other team this year. We defend with great shape which means there is nearly always a player close enough to an opponent to get a block in. I never thought I would see a Wolves team so organised and it is all down to Nuno instilling a style of play where the team is greater than the sum of its parts.

 

[Alan]

We let them have the ball there. Where they had it in the last 20 mins was no different to the first 70.

If you cant look at Neves today and appreciate he had to sacrifice his normal game to be part of a structured team plan then pointless discussing it further really.

I'm saying he didn't take advantage of the opportunities he DID have as well as I think he should be doing. He wasn't bad. He was good. I just expect more.

 

[Kenny]

Then you need to change your expectations on him in a game where he has been asked to play his role differently.

 

[Aikiwolf]

Fwiw I had Saiss, then Boly and then Neves as MOTM. Moutinho was also class but without the forward passes Neves played today.

 

[Alan]

Then you need to change your expectations on him in a game where he has been asked to play his role differently.

Not sure why it's wrong to expect his passing to be more accurate overall?

 

[Kenny]

What was his accuracy? Having seen the % yet

 

[Paul]

Did he really say that, jeez, I thought it was one of the most organized displays I've seen in many a year.....suppose he's the expert though.

"It is very difficult to play against 10 opponents in the last 25 metres. They [Wolves] were not organised, they defended very low, they didn't need any organisation in that case."

Yep don't ask what I think of you Maurizio as its probably libellous

 

[Alan]

What was his accuracy? Having seen the % yet

Don't know the number, just going off the times in this match when he went to play a key pass and it didn't come off. The late one when Traore and Morgan were running free and he missed both stands out.

Like I say, he wasn't bad overall. I just think we should be expecting more when he's asked to be the one who relieves pressure in counter attacking situations.

 

[Lycan]

Don't think I've ever enjoyed watching 2 footballers play together more than I do with Raúl and Jota right now. Telepathic.

 

[The Bear]

Neves was good off the ball, but his passing was found wanting too many times. It was a mixed bag from him and he shouldn't be anywhere near MOTM IMO.

Our counter attacks in general were poorer than usual today. Too many hopeful balls in behind or over the top for someone to try and run on to which Chelsea mopped up with ease. The one time we passed forwards in to feet we scored from it.

 

[Kenny]

Cant think of many others. Maybe a couple. We had worse culprits for being poor with the ball when regained possession.

Note how many long passes by both teams went nowhere today due to the strong wind. He might have had the chance to play a couple but went simple but that was the correct decision.


Side note - Biggest shock today. Rui cleared the half way line with a kick into the wind. Scenes.

 

[YoungWolf]

Like his forward pass that started the move for the goal? Or the wonderful one for Jota were he handled it? His passing was generally very good in a game that didn’t allow for him to get on the ball often. He did one with the outside of his right foot that was simply gorgeous to Jota in the second half

 

[sycophantia]

Neves was fantastic Alan.

No Hollywood passes or 30 yard screamers but a very disciplined defensive performance today I thought, the guy has a lot to his game

 

[Johnny75]

I thought Neves composure and reading of the game were exceptional today.

We also showed today with two ball playing CB's we look a better prospect with the ball.

Chelsea were very good at snuffing out the counter with the pace of Rudiger and coveting of Kante very noticeable. I thought Chelsea popped the ball about well in possession but created very little andlook lost without Hazard. I liked the cameos from RLC and CHO but Jonny and Neves respectively coped with them well.

 

[Paul]

Side note - Biggest shock today. Rui cleared the half way line with a kick into the wind. Scenes.

Not as funny as the one where he looked like he hadn't got a clue what to do with it so just passed it to Boly to launch upfield

 

[Kenny]

Not as funny as the one where he looked like he hadn't got a clue what to do with it so just passed it to Boly to launch upfield

He wanted the short pass as he didnt fancy kicking into the wind. Just took a while for Boly to get the message.