The Red and Blue Soccer Chat - 09/06/23

The Red and Blue Soccer Chat

Greetings, Reds and Blues! Quite a lot has happened in the past 2 weeks, but sadly little has changed in our respective fortunes. Chelsea continues to look like a collection of individuals rather than a unified squad in Pochettino’s vision. United, on the other hand, seem to have a plan but not quite enough players to implement it just yet. Elsewhere, what should have been a celebration and culmination of a fabulous Women’s World Cup has descended into patriarchal nonsense. Though some justice has been done, there is still much left to do. Let’s get into it!

Chelsea bounced back from their early-season loss to West Ham with a decent victory over an already relegation bound Luton and a comeback win over Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup. But their lack of cohesion returned with a home defeat to Forest. Despite the lion’s share of possession, the final product just wouldn’t come. Nkunku’s absence can certainly be listed as a contributor, but Chelsea will need to figure out how to score and win without him over the course of the season, especially against the bottom half of the table. Other new players have not quite settled in just yet. Poch will be hoping that the international break will allow for a fresh start for many, and no additional injuries for others.

United appeared to be headed toward a second consecutive loss at home to Forest, as they shipped 2 goals in the first 5 minutes. But they recovered to provide a vintage fightback and salvage a 3-2 win. And for long stretches in their match against Arsenal they appeared composed and willing to spring counterattacks. One of which resulted in a goal late on, only to be chalked off by VAR’s narrowest of margins. The 3-1 scoreline overly flattered Arsenal, as United had been looking the likelier side to take all 3 points. But a deflected goal off a corner was enough, with an even later goal coming for Arsenal with United stretched across the field. While there are positives to take from it, it continues to be off-field issues that are distracting from the squad pushing on. Antony is the latest to make headlines for all the wrong reasons, and the Glazers have yet to finalize a sale that has lingered for nearly a year. The break has come at a good time for EtH.

We should all be basking in the glow a well-played and even more watched/attended Women’s World Cup. Unfortunately it was Spain’s own federation and employees that ruined the party for their newly crowned champions. The RFEF has taken as many steps backward as they have occasionally taken forward. Firing the coach is a good start, but others should follow. It continues to show the blind spots that so many in the game still have with regard to women’s soccer (and women’s sports in general). We must move on from the “boys will be boys” trope, especially when those boys are men who make decisions at the highest level of the game.

Finally, the USMNT will be back in action with 2 friendlies coming up. Very little will probably be learned by either the outcomes or squad inclusions, but some Americans will definitely be looking to improve on their good early-season form. Pulisic has hit the ground running in Milan, and Sergino appears to be grabbing his latest opportunity with both hands. Here’s to hoping they, and others, can continue that form through and beyond the window.

We’ll be randomly placing VAR lines on floor and hoping no one notices. So, join us live from Chatham Tap Fishers, follow along on Facebook Live and YouTube Live, or catch us at your leisure on our other platforms listed below. Please like, subscribe, and comment wherever you choose to find us. CHEERS!

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