The last three or four games we picked were awful. So, the solution: we’ll just watch Leeds! Should be a fascinating matchup between a high-octane side that just want to outscore you and … Chelsea. The game is at 3pm EST. See you then!
The only difference between the Chilwell kick on Poveda and the Robertson kick against Brighton last week is ... that the Chilwell kick was more egregious?
Per Sporting Index, the total-goal projection for this one is 3.4 goals. Please reward us, O Whoever Would Reward Such a Thing. The clear matchup dynamic to watch is the Leeds attack (1.72 xG per game, second in the league) against the Chelsea defense (0.8 xG per game, best in the league). Another to keep an eye on: the Leeds press v Chelsea's patient possession. Leeds press more aggressively than anyone in the league (PPDA of 8.36), while Chelsea's average uninterrupted possession lasts for longer (12.3 seconds) than anyone other than City. I'm aware of the jinx potential, but: Should be fun!
Best Chelsea performance of the season? Best Chelsea performance of the season. This was their first-ish game of the season at close-to-full strength, and they totally destroyed a not-bad Leeds side. While Spurs seem like they're scraping together results to get into the title picture, this is the kind of performance that championship teams produce at home -- just a not-doubt-about-it gap in the quality of chances.
The Second Inaugural Metaphorical Spanish Ham Recipient: Mason Mount. He looks way better in the midfield, and slotting him back there not only improves his performance, it opens up a slot for one of the uber-talented attackers they've signed over the past two seasons. It's not easy being the coach's son, and I'm sure dad is gonna point out the negatives rather than focusing on the positives, but the least we can all do is throw the kid some kudos. This was fun, as always. Enjoy your weekends, and talk to you next week!
Just want it to be a matter of public record that I am a big Luke Ayling fan. Easily could've been an undead priest whose body was slowly decomposing on a hit HBO TV series and is also a fantastic fullback. Another really good one in the England RB pipeline.
Leeds are subbing off a Germany international for a Spain international. Their opening goal was assisted by an England international. They were in the Championship last season. What a world.
Kind of funny how, looking back, most people thought Leeds' defense would be what translated most to the PL. They had 35GA in 46 games in the Championship! They're halfway there already with 3/4 of the season left to go.
The out ball to Mount to break the press has been on all day. He just keeps picking up the ball right around the left edge of the center circle, and then has 20 yards of space to run into.
Really nice performance from Chelsea so far, I think. Love Leeds but early returns suggest that their style doesn't really suit them when they're at a significant talent disadvantage.
I'd like to hear the group's thoughts on Kai Havertz's first-half performance. Do you remember ... anything? (Not saying this is necessarily a bad thing!)
I've been pretty impressed by Klich every time I've seen him. His stat profile is a pretty good stand-in for how Leeds play as a whole: maniacal defense pressure, no concern for keeping possession, and constantly pushing the ball toward the goal. https://www.footballslices.com/stats/69638
ayling always reminds me of that red priest in game of thrones. also, as a straight guy, is this leeds team the worst-looking in the division? ayling, phillips, harrison, rodrigo...
Ryan do you think this is how Chelsea want to play with the attack funneling through Chilwell/James or has this developed due to injuries to Pulisic/Havertz etc?
Pulisic, McKennie, and Reyna with goals for Chelsea, Juventus, and Dortmund today. Thumbs up!
Timo Werner is gonna score like eight goals in five games any minute now.
This might be the best game I've ever seen Mason Mount play. We need to award a Metaphorical Ham at the end of this one, too, and he's about to feast.
The only difference between the Chilwell kick on Poveda and the Robertson kick against Brighton last week is ... that the Chilwell kick was more egregious?
Timo Werner just hoarded about 40 expected goals from himself in a one-second span.
More excitement in the first two minutes of this one than in last week's entire match.
Per Sporting Index, the total-goal projection for this one is 3.4 goals. Please reward us, O Whoever Would Reward Such a Thing. The clear matchup dynamic to watch is the Leeds attack (1.72 xG per game, second in the league) against the Chelsea defense (0.8 xG per game, best in the league). Another to keep an eye on: the Leeds press v Chelsea's patient possession. Leeds press more aggressively than anyone in the league (PPDA of 8.36), while Chelsea's average uninterrupted possession lasts for longer (12.3 seconds) than anyone other than City. I'm aware of the jinx potential, but: Should be fun!
HT Stat Update:
Shots (on target): Chelsea 23 (10), Leeds 8 (3)
xG: Chelsea 4.11, Leeds 0.87
Final-third passes: Chelsea 88, Leeds 67
Penalty-area passes: Chelsea 15, Leeds 9
Best Chelsea performance of the season? Best Chelsea performance of the season. This was their first-ish game of the season at close-to-full strength, and they totally destroyed a not-bad Leeds side. While Spurs seem like they're scraping together results to get into the title picture, this is the kind of performance that championship teams produce at home -- just a not-doubt-about-it gap in the quality of chances.
The Second Inaugural Metaphorical Spanish Ham Recipient: Mason Mount. He looks way better in the midfield, and slotting him back there not only improves his performance, it opens up a slot for one of the uber-talented attackers they've signed over the past two seasons. It's not easy being the coach's son, and I'm sure dad is gonna point out the negatives rather than focusing on the positives, but the least we can all do is throw the kid some kudos. This was fun, as always. Enjoy your weekends, and talk to you next week!
(I kinda think Chelsea would be smart to sell Giroud in January. Value will never be higher, and they have a ton of in-squad replacements ready.)
If you just kick the ball really high, Kurt Zouma will be the only player who can get a head on it.
Does Luke Ayling look more like a Game of Thrones character or does Kai Havertz look more like a Bulgarian assassin from an early Hitchcock movie?
Just want it to be a matter of public record that I am a big Luke Ayling fan. Easily could've been an undead priest whose body was slowly decomposing on a hit HBO TV series and is also a fantastic fullback. Another really good one in the England RB pipeline.
Barcelona are down, 1-0, to Cadiz at halftime. Cadiz have already beaten Real Madrid. Cadiz!
Llorente looks a lot like Koch out there. TBD whether that is a good thing or a bad thing.
Arteta's right... just need to cross more
Leeds are subbing off a Germany international for a Spain international. Their opening goal was assisted by an England international. They were in the Championship last season. What a world.
Is mason mount in the top 5 "coaches son vibes" in the PL?
Koeman juts lost to a manager who looks like Saul from Homeland. Messi for player manager until he leaves for greener pastures
I hope Klopp's not watching Cadiz's all at once 3 subs running riot V Barcelona. May take a bite out of his cap. "See, I'm just trying to help!"
Who would win a Cadiz V Leeds match-up that's what I want to know. The UEFA Europa Conference League could have legs...
Jack Harrison is actually the true xG felon
Kind of funny how, looking back, most people thought Leeds' defense would be what translated most to the PL. They had 35GA in 46 games in the Championship! They're halfway there already with 3/4 of the season left to go.
I'm liking the sounds the fans are making right now. Very spooky.
The out ball to Mount to break the press has been on all day. He just keeps picking up the ball right around the left edge of the center circle, and then has 20 yards of space to run into.
Really nice performance from Chelsea so far, I think. Love Leeds but early returns suggest that their style doesn't really suit them when they're at a significant talent disadvantage.
I'd like to hear the group's thoughts on Kai Havertz's first-half performance. Do you remember ... anything? (Not saying this is necessarily a bad thing!)
HT Stat Update:
Shots (on target): Chelsea 8 (4), Leeds 5 (2)
xG (per Stats Perform): Chelsea 1.40, Leeds 0.71
Final-third passes: Chelsea 42, Leeds 42 (!)
Penalty-area passes: Chelsea 7, Leeds 4
I've been pretty impressed by Klich every time I've seen him. His stat profile is a pretty good stand-in for how Leeds play as a whole: maniacal defense pressure, no concern for keeping possession, and constantly pushing the ball toward the goal. https://www.footballslices.com/stats/69638
Robin Koch might be my favorite player in the league. Also: might be the worst player in the league!
Fantastic goal from Lees. Not great from Mendy!
Lampard walks into changing room: "Lads, I'm not losing to a guy who can't pronounce Ipswich Town." Lampard walks out of changing room.
Holy shit, that pass.
ayling always reminds me of that red priest in game of thrones. also, as a straight guy, is this leeds team the worst-looking in the division? ayling, phillips, harrison, rodrigo...
During this lull, I’d just like to say Peter Drury is an awesome commentator
If Bielsa can keep this up for two seasons does a rich club give him a chance?
“Just watch Leeds every week, they said. And they were right!”
Yes! Was hoping for this. What a matchup. Hope all are staying safe and doing well.
is Oli Giroud's handsomeness overrated?
Bearded Pulisic on the “wrong” side is really throwing me off. I keep thinking it’s a Jorginho.
Is there anywhere to track live game xG?
Just a biiiiit offside
Is Kalvin Phillips good or is he a young British defensive midfielder???
Top tier time wasting from Reece James
All that for that shot by Mount?
Zouma's PUMPED!!
Yes centerback Cruyff turn!!!
Now that I’ve seen an interview where Ziyech says he prefers his name pronounced Zi-yesh, it really bothers me when I hear it the other way.
Would love to see halftime speeches from each of these coaches. Can’t imagine how different they are
Ryan do you think this is how Chelsea want to play with the attack funneling through Chilwell/James or has this developed due to injuries to Pulisic/Havertz etc?
Are people really not sitting in the away end? Lol...none of us respect COVID enough lol