I was looking forward to this game
It's the hope that kills you.
I don't think we can pile in on the players. Admittedly there were some poor decisions and mistakes were made.
In a perfect world I would hope that Chelsea fans would support our players, in particular given their youth, and the high probability that they can't resist checking out online.
At the very least could we agree not to call them c**ts?
Our main problem is obviously the system the players are asked to play, in particular the blanket instruction to take no chances. It is clear that the only way to penetrate a low block is if players are allowed to express themselves. None of our players attempt to turn on the ball when their back is to the play, for fear they might lose the ball and be subjected to endless video analysis on Mondays. Equally, given that our centre halfs have most of the ball, should they be brave enough to try and progress they are likely going against intruction. Josh did it once in the first half and it led to one of the few times we broke the lines. I am guessing his substitution was to guard against him having the audacity to try that again, as Maresca kept one eye on the point we had.
I can't remember the exact words used, or the specific game, but Cole did say once that he got fed up and decided to try something. He can afford to take those chances but most of the rest either don't have the talent or the balls to emulate him. I praised Enzo for his captaincy when giving the ball to Estavao for the pen. Perhaps he could set an example and break the odd rule as he clearly plays to instructions and consequently rarely influences a game.
Is it too much to hope that today might mark a turning point for Maresca? Surely he can see the difference when we play against teams who have a go at at us and our players look like the talents they are, and a game like today when we look toothless.
We can only hope (which of course will kill us again).
