Based on today…

Our full backs are weak links. Ward is better defensively than Mitchell but has little ability linking up going forward.

I don’t mind the club playing out from the back but when the keeper passes it backwards to a defender deeper than him…something is not right there. When Andersen came on he changed the feel immediately. He can play out from the back but the full backs are not comfortable at all.

Mateta was woeful.

Ayew holds onto to the ball far too long. He’s a liability when breaking out through the centre of the pitch.

We looked like we started in a 442 formation and I think that was a mistake vs a good side playing wing backs. I think we looked much better when we went with 5 at the back.

We need someone in midfield that looks to find some space for themselves. Every time we get the ball we are surrounded by the opposition…every time they get the ball we are never close enough.

Bit frustrating today but it’s only the first game and we were up against it. Positives were the two new centre backs who I thought looked comfortable and Andersen looks top quality.

Calm down, Statto.

They scored from a direct free kick and from outside the box for 2 of their 3 goals, the other was a bit jammy and was very scrappy.

Chelsea are one of the best sides in world football.

Give PV 10 games or so ffs.

Trump lost. Badly. Hahahahahahaha.

Just watched very brief highlights.
Ward is a liability again.
He gets sucked in and is off the pace.
If Clyne is fit then he should play.
Other than that two wonder goals and we again will struggle to score.
Gallagher will make a difference of course as will Oleise and Eze when fit.
In the meantime it will be a struggle but with a new Manager that is only to be expected.
Chelsea are a great team mind you, so no shame in losing.

PV does not have the calibre of squad to make his system work.

We played our defensive and counter-attacking system because there was nothing else that worked for us.

Wishful thinking but the PL is a cruel place.

Willo - you are really fast becoming a joke..!!

Chelsea and Man City away will be every team in the Division hardest fixtures - it’s as simple as that..!!

If you stand back and look it objectively we had at least 4 out of what would be our starting XI - Anderson, Gallagher, Eze and Olise - you could probably also add Benteke into that..!!

I personally had already written off today - Chelsea and City will be in a league of their own this season.

But to take today’s result and then translate it into relegation talk is ridiculous beyond belief..!!

Sometimes I really wonder whether you are just a wind up merchant or in fact a Brighton troll..!!

COYP

It’s a tall order to go against the Champions League winners with a midfield of Jairo (converted defender) , Schlupp ( never a central midfield player) and Mcarthur (a proper player but at the veteran stage).
Vieira commented in the post match interview about players work off the ball not being at the required standard.
Gallagher is a genuine midfield player and will assist , but we need at least one other.
Sadly I’m of the opinion that Jairo is only an option for less pressurised games despite having high hopes for him because he’s clearly talented.
Schlupp has a role to play with his drive and pace, but perhaps not in a central midfield role.