bookd.
Barcelona5 - 2Rayo Vallecano
Rayo are in shambles rn. Best LB and CB leaving. The coach who led you to the UECL final and almost led you to Europe again getting food-chained by Villareal. A crumbling stadium. No like-for-like signings for the players you lost last season. Shit ain't easy. And despite that, they went toe-to-toe with the best club in the country for 60 minutes. No mean feat given the circumstances. Lamine and Raphinha picking up from where they left off last season. Still think Barca needs a number 9 who can act as a focal point (as good as Hamza is, he's still very raw) and aid Raphinha and Yamal during transitions. Espart continues to impress with his versatility. He and Gordon worked their socks off on that left wing. As a neutral, Barca vs Madrid might be fun again. #ViscaLa Madrid
BarcelonaChelsea4 - 3Brighton
The usual Chelsea experience then? Control and press like demons for 20 minutes and then allow the opposition to take control of the match. Xabi saved the game with those subs tho. Lavia deserves so much love. Man has been through so much during his time at Chelsea getting unnecessarily flamed for something beyond his control. Frontline once again cooked. CPR (Cole said the old one sucked) balling for us once again. Even with all the goals conceded, Emi Martinez was a figure of calm and composure at the back. Made silly individual mistakes during defending but I trust Xabi. UTC!!
Chelsea
Tottenham0 - 2Newcastle
"It's da history of da spurs", "Tunnel oncoming train" and all that. Unironically though, I think Spurs weren't as bad as the scoreline suggested. The midfield seems to be finding its feet, with Fernandes and Bentancur in particular having some cute little exchanges throughout the match. Felt like Newcastle were much more efficient in taking their chances in front of goal. They may not have signed flashy players, but the signings of Dedic and Hornicek were astute. Also, picking up Jaissle from the Saudi League was a fine piece of recruitment from the Newcastle hierarchy. If they can keep hold of Lewis Hall this window, I feel like Newcastle may just have an outside shot at claiming those European places. Spurs just need to ride this out. Get another right winger who can actually take on his man instead of dallying on the ball, and they might do well. It's a big risk spending so much money on a transfer for one of the most volatile managers in recent football history, but I hope he's honed his skills after some horrid times at Brighton and Marseille.
NewcastleChelsea2 - 0Luton
Could've rested Palmer and Morgan but I trust Xabi to do the right thing. Barco fit into the system seamlessly. If this is the trajectory he follows, Enzo Fernandez can have fun with that rat at City. Penders didn't have much to do, excited to see him regardless. Gusto showing why you should not shoehorn every fullback in the world into midfield. That interplay with Chavaria and Estevao was solid and that assist to Welback reminded me of Poch-era Gusto (2nd best player after Palmer imo) Special shoutout to Josh Keeley for keeping Luton in this game. One of THE best goalkeeping performances in recent times
LutonChelsea W5 - 2Real Sociedad W
I would donate all my organs to Lucy Bronze if Sonia wanted her to play every game this season. Her passing and defending makes this team miles better. LJ with the usual. Doesn't even surprise me with just how good she is on the ball
Chelsea W
Fulham2 - 3ChelseaI don't wish to overreact but we are winning the league, mate!!! JP Morgan and Co are so fluid in their movement, they made me fall in love again with transitional football. Lacroix was commanding at the back. Made that CCB position his own. Robert Sanchez ensuring that I get my weekly high blood pressure. This season has to be the one where we properly compete for the title and if we are to do so, open that checkbook one last time for a competent goalkeeper, BlueCo 🙏🏼
Chelsea