What great day yesterday turned out to be. First time for me at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, suitably impressed with the stadium and atmosphere.
This was an outstanding performance against what I would call a grade B European team, which is probably a grade we currently hold ourselves. Difficult to find a starting player who did not contribute less than 7 out of ten over the time they were on the pitch, although CHO was sussed from the 1st minute with Ajax sitting on his right foot. What a blessing Pulisic being introduced to the left flank turned out to be. I feel sure he will turn into money well spent. Mitchy the goalscoring hero, making up for the shot to the moon a few mins before. Dave was, Well Dave from years gone by. A truly wonderful performance against a tricky wide player who I understand is well thought of. The two boys in the centre of defence were a couple of Rocks. Seems strange pre season they were probably 4th n 5th on the depth chart in the position, yet here they are putting in fantastic performances in Europe. Alonso was solid, very unlike him. If we could get 80% of that Alonso performance in a back 4 all the time he would be far more accepting in the position. Have to give credit to Jorginho. For me he is normally a complete waste of space playing in the easiest position on the pitch, but last night he showed good experience being in the right place on a number of times. He still got run past like he was carrying a fridge on occasion, however it was nice to see him earn his money, afterall, thats the only reason he has stuck around.
Lastly, being a long time fan with clear memories of when we were shit, something happened last night that illuminated whats been missing from our players team club throughout the years of success. If you get the chance, watch our young players celebrate the final whistle. They have the club running through their veins and a unquenchable thirst for success together. It might read as a little thing to some, but to us old timers it's a throwback to who we always were, when our young boys would represent us far too early in their careers with their Chelsea hearts on their sleeves fighting for our shirt.
Gees, we are dangerously on the brink of producing something very special for us all to enjoy for years to come. Don't fuck it up Frank!