That was Enzo Maresca’s verdict after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Sunderland at the Bridge, despite having the lion’s share of possession, writes Tim Harrison.
The Blues switched back into their dreary default side-to-side shuffle, with pass after pass going east-west instead of south-north; the kind of metronomic hither and thither that exasperates fans, even if Maresca looks perfectly at ease with it in his technical area.
Supporters had hoped those maddening exchanges (624 passes to Sunderland’s 281) were a thing of the past after fresh talent in the form of exuberant firefly Estevao began injecting pace and creativity while Cole Palmer – likely to be out until Christmas – makes a full recovery.
But although Chelsea pressed and pressed, it was the Black Cats who looked the most dangerous, both on the break and via the dizzyingly long throws of Nordi Mukiele, from which the visitors wiped out Alejandro Garnacho’s opener.
Sub Chemsdine Talbi’s stoppage-time winner didn’t reflect the balance of play, but the Blues only had themselves to blame for not adequately defending a late break.
Brian Brobbey, with the assist, showed Chelsea what they’ve been missing in Liam Delap’s absence; a strong No9 with the heft to hold the ball up until reinforcements arrive.
The end of a run of four wins on the trot was doubly disappointing as it could have catapulted the Blues to second in the table.
But it’s tight at the top, and Chelsea travel to Three Point Lane this weekend with a realistic chance of getting the show back on track against old foes Spurs.
Maresca, like every other Premier League manager, is having to review his snooty attitude to long throws as they are proving one of the best weapons in the armoury.
Sunderland’s fans left the home supporters in no doubt about what they thought of the World Club champions.
‘You’re having a laugh,’ was the most polite version of the jeers.