2024/25 Europe League / Conference League - league phase

[luiginb]

Richarlison is toast. Shouldn't be part of the squad next season. Can't stay fit.

Couldn't watch the game tonight, but your notion that Solanke's running is aimless and ineffective is absolutely not what I would say based on other games. However you said the same when they played City in the league cup, which was not the consensus.

When you get the chance to see the highlights check out his "defending" on Roma's goals. His "finishing" on three huge chances too. I hope he proves me wrong like Kulusevski did, but I'm not expecting it.

 

[cgf]

Not surprised either lost, but how did Hoffenheim & Heidenheim look yesterday? Did Wanner or Bischof do anything of note? How was Arrey Mbi?

 

[Wee Baby Seamus]

Not surprised either lost, but how did Hoffenheim & Heidenheim look yesterday? Did Wanner or Bischof do anything of note? How was Arrey Mbi?

Wanner is pretty amazing, I gotta say.

Wanner was extraordinary. Easily Heidenheim's best player, creative and tricky, consistently able to take advantage of Chelsea playing two non-DMs in the double pivot. Had one great chance where he basically wriggled through multiple defenders and got a great snap shot off (Jorgensen made a very good save on it).

Heidenheim were very open, very offensive. Chelsea played a pretty offensive XI (Caicedo didn't travel, and so the double pivot was Dewsbury-Hall and Casadei, both of whom are 8s), which left a lot of space for Heidenheim to work with. But Heidenheim were also very accommodating in providing space for Chelsea to work with! The final shot (on target) tally was 16 (11) to 17 (9). Major issue for Heidenheim was simply that they could not figure out how to adjust to Chelsea's high line. Even when defending deep, Chelsea hold a firm line on 18 yds (they do it in the league also, there was a great write-up about it in The Athletic recently). Heidenheim were caught offside 6 times. Multiple goals disallowed on offsides that were not even close. It was almost strange.

2-0 likely a harsh result on Heidenheim - there's a reason why Jorgensen was given MOTM (the first time this season he's actually seized an opportunity to look good and potentially displace Sanchez) - but the Chelsea win was fair. It just simply should've been, like, 5-3 instead of 2-0.

 

[cgf]

Wanner was extraordinary. Easily Heidenheim's best player, creative and tricky, consistently able to take advantage of Chelsea playing two non-DMs in the double pivot. Had one great chance where he basically wriggled through multiple defenders and got a great snap shot off (Jorgensen made a very good save on it).

Heidenheim were very open, very offensive. Chelsea played a pretty offensive XI (Caicedo didn't travel, and so the double pivot was Dewsbury-Hall and Casadei, both of whom are 8s), which left a lot of space for Heidenheim to work with. But Heidenheim were also very accommodating in providing space for Chelsea to work with! The final shot (on target) tally was 16 (11) to 17 (9). Major issue for Heidenheim was simply that they could not figure out how to adjust to Chelsea's high line. Even when defending deep, Chelsea hold a firm line on 18 yds (they do it in the league also, there was a great write-up about it in The Athletic recently). Heidenheim were caught offside 6 times. Multiple goals disallowed on offsides that were not even close. It was almost strange.

2-0 likely a harsh result on Heidenheim - there's a reason why Jorgensen was given MOTM (the first time this season he's actually seized an opportunity to look good and potentially displace Sanchez) - but the Chelsea win was fair. It just simply should've been, like, 5-3 instead of 2-0.

Glad he met the challenge well, Heidenheim has been a good step for him this season. I won't blame him if he eventually opts for Austria...but it's hard not to get excited at the thought of Wanner playing alongside Wirtz & Musiala after the WM.

 

[Jussi]

 

[robertmac43]

They also alowed 2 goals to Bodo while at home....

Impact.

 

[Jussi]

They also alowed 2 goals to Bodo while at home....

Impact.

Can't really blame them for the first one, that was a great shot. Second one was poor defending and Malacia's rusty play.

 

[Wee Baby Seamus]

With today's Chelsea game further east than Mumbai, kickoff is at 1030 EST.

3 academy kids in the starting lineup - Tyrique George (who has played in every Conference game so far, including a start against Noah), Samuel Rak Sakyi (who has made two appearances off the bench), and - most excitingly - Josh Acheampong, whose contract situation is on the cusp of being resolved. Very very excited for him to make his second senior appearance, having previously made a cameo last year against Spurs.

Bench is exclusively Cobham, including (not limited to) Michael Olise's younger brother Richard Olise and Harvey Vale, who made a handful of first team appearances at 18 under Tuchel before then really struggling on loan in the Championship.

 

[Wee Baby Seamus]

2-0 inside 20 minutes here in Almaty, first is a great show of strength from Guiu to power inside and then deftly chop it in at the near post, second is likely an OG following some great wingplay from Neto. Perfect start on a very cold day (-11 right now).

 

[Wee Baby Seamus]

3-0, Veiga off a corner. His marker is behind him, doesn't even move into space, just jumps up and heads it in.

 

[Jussi]

Poor passing choice there from Amad. Bruno was on.

Typical United really, final third decisions and passes are terrible.