Assessing our Defence

Tactics will be as important as personnel. José got his spot on last season, and so long as he alters the 'outscore you' mentality we've thrived on thus far this term, I think we could be alright. As you said, City are far from at their best as yet.

I don't doubt Jose can get tactics right, besides, our players will be right up for it, a chance to put real daylight between us and the champions, that'll be incentive enough.

Indeed. As I devote an entire segment to in my match thread

It'll also prove any doubters wrong about this season. (if we win)

Concerning what? Our ability to replicate our sensational form against the top sides last season in this one, you mean?

The doubters have been saying that we've yet to prove ourselves against a top side (More of an insult towards Everton) which is why we're sitting top.

Irony is Utd are struggling against weak teams.

Arsenal drew against "easy team" Leicester. We beat them.
Arsenal salvaged a last-gasp draw against "easy team" Everton at Goodison. We battered them.
United were held by "easy team" Burnley. We beat them comfortably.
United were beaten at home by "easy team" Swansea. We dicked them.


The early pace-setter is always pelted with accusations of only being there because of an easy start. It's now our job to prove ourselves against the better sides (which we already have started to do in the form of Everton and arguably even in-form Swansea).

I completely agree but there will always be doubters.

I just want this run to continue for as long as possible, the more points we can pick up in this form, the better off we are.

It's a very up-and-down set of fixtures over the next month or two if you take a look at it (example). It reads something like big team–small team–big team–small team and so on and so on. Real test for our boys but if we're to be champions come May, it's the kind of thing we need to navigate effectively through. I've faith in the quality of our side and the experience of TSO to do just that.

I honestly believe this is our year.

I'd like to think so as well, but as I just said in the Chelsea 14/15 thread, I'll be more comfortable judging things in another 6 weeks or so.

Frank Leboeuf backs Terry for another fantastic season:
Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf says he's “not worried at all” about 33-year-old John Terry and believes the Blues skipper will have another stellar season this year
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/512895/EXCLUSIVE-Frank-Leboeuf-backs-Chelsea-defender-to-stand-tall-once-again-this-season

"Of course John has got another season in him - he can go on for another two or three years. He's only 33."

"He had a great season for Chelsea last year, only missing three games. He showed he can still do it at this high level. I'm not worried about him at all."

"If Mourinho had any doubts about John, he would not have given him a new deal. Mourinho does not do sympathy. He knows what John is capable of doing because he is putting him out there to do it every week, and trusting him to do it."

I think he'll be fine for a year or two.

Kurt Zouma doubts led Chelsea to make Raphael Varane and Eliaquim Mangala enquiries:
Chelsea boss José Mourinho made frantic enquiries at the end of the transfer window following some underwhelming displays in pre-season from Kurt Zouma in an attempt to bring in a more experienced defender before the start of the campaign
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/514727/Kurt-Zouma-doubts-led-Chelsea-to-make-Raphael-Varane-and-Eliaquim-Mangala-enquiries



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They've yet to score against us since Jose has returned

We've also conceded just 5 goals at the Bridge in calender year 2014

John Terry hails André Schürrle and Eden Hazard as the secret behind Chelsea's resolute defence:
John Terry reckons Chelsea's collective defending is the secret behind their run to the top of the Premier League
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/404207/John-Terry-Andre-Schurrle-Eden-Hazard-Chelsea-defence

“We have had a few clean sheets on the bounce, defensively we have been doing very well, not just the back four, but it’s also people like Eden, Andre coming back and able to go forward as well.”

“There are so many good teams and individuals in the League, we are going to concede goals.”

“The important thing going forward is we have goals in us – as long as we’re not conceding too many.”

Schurrle? I think he means Willian.

Yes, not sure what he was talking about there

I know what he is saying, but Willians is better than Schurrle at it.

If we didn't have Cesc be even fewer goals conceded