Watford vs Chelsea: The one that saw tears (and not just Chelsea fans’)

Cesar knows

There’s no getting around the fact that the Chelsea results of 2018 have been poor. Shipping seven goals across 180 minutes does not feel good. No matter who the opposition are or where the team plays. And sitting through three consecutive goalless draws did not feel a shade better. However, some people need to dial their crisis-o-meter’s back a bit.

Some people might want think about what they’re doing and give themselves a social media timeout before their faces melt off. Fans are rife with entitlement and finger pointing. Looking for any sort of scape goat. Two things to always keep in mind are that no team wins every match and when there’s a clusterfuck of results, it’s never one person’s fault. So you’re only working yourselves into an embarrassing state for nothing.

And as hideous as everyone feels in this moment because it’s cool to be reactionary - Chelsea have yet to enter official crisis mode. I don’t want to ruin some of the pity parties that are going on, but those calamitous results have seen Chelsea fall as far as the final Champions League place *gasp. The horror. Still above both sides from North London and a solitary point behind Liverpool.

Of course, if they continue to play like this, Chelsea won’t be bringing back any points from Manchester. But it hasn’t happened yet, so is getting into a state about something that has yet to happen jumping the gun?

Pretty much as classy as Troy Deeney gets

A dip in form always feels worse after a great success. Last season, for Chelsea, was full of joy and passion — largely coming from the technical area. Antonio Conte was a breath of fresh air to the club with his emotive displays. A manager that the fans could once again bond with. And there’s been a little cloud over him throughout the season. It’s natural to react to that as much as his positive emotions. But the tailspin from the stands and on social should subside for now. 

This is far from a crisis or a ‘Mourinho season’. The infamous phrase used by Conte himself. That some think has come back to bite him. That ‘Mourinho season’ saw Chelsea finish tenth. TENTH!! Just before Christmas they were 16th and a single point above the relegation places. That, my friends, is a crisis. Once a slide like that happens I welcome you to all melt your faces off on Twitter.

Rant over. For now … 

As for the match itself. Victor Moses had no business being the man to mark ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ Richarlison. Putting one’s worst player on a team’s best player is not the best laid of plans. And unfortunately tonight was no exception. Better players than Moses have struggled with BDC this season so he can’t completely be faulted for not containing him. But there is a chance that there could just have been a better plan B and dealing with him or Abdoulaye Doucoure.

There was some suggestion that when Tiemoue Bakayoko was unceremoniously removed by Mike Dean that Moses would also see the end of his night and be replaced by Cesc Fabregas. Presumably with Chelsea shifting to a flat back four. All I will say to this is — always trust your gut instinct Antonio. Don’t let those assistants talk you out of it. It would have solved so many problems.

Fabregas and Azpilicueta: Big Mike Dean fans. Who isn't?

Had that sub been made Chelsea would have been Moses-less. And therefore had a better chance t keeping possession. An attacking threat would still have been on the pitch - as Willian would have remained. And it may have given some structural guidelines for David Luiz and Gary Cahill. Cahill seemed to not trust David Luiz and continued to drift into his space. Leaving, bleeding huge gaps for the likes of Daryl Janmaat to just trundle on into. But I’m not bitter

We can all sleep soundly knowing that Mike Dean had the time of his life. Got to send a player off with with a couple of nonsense yellow cards. Got to award a penalty when Thibaut Courtois went a bit rogue. Got shouted at by Carlo Cudicini phwoar. And got himself meme’d for his little dance move on the pitch.

For you Chelsea fans to sleep a little sounder — still in a Champions League place for next season. There’s no second or third place trophy. So no actual difference between second and fourth. Semi-finalists in the Energy Drink Cup. Other beverages sponsored silverware is available. Still in the actual Champions League this season. And still in the bigger, better domestic cup trophy. And Eden Hazard done another naughty little goal. 

jb xx

Mike Dean is even better with dramatic music pic.twitter.com/25enZMaV5w

— Damon Gray (@thedamongray) February 5, 2018