The only defensive difference was the centre backs dropping back, the full backs still pressure high up the pitch. Against the Valencia set up the deep CB tactic is highly effective, not quite sure we can read that much into it.
What have we learned about Luiz? He played the same exceptional defensive display he produced at the Mestalla. All I've had confirmed tonight is that Luiz and Terry are far more comfortable versus a lone striker and channel running attacking midfielders in oppose to 2 strikers or wingers that stay wide.
I mean the key thing for me tonight was pressure in the midfield, Ramires/Meireles/Romeu all pressed the ball well and were generally the first to a loose ball. Something the midfield does lack with Lampard in there.
Sturridge's pace was a constant threat, but his positional play off the ball and tracking of Alba was still below par. Drogba finally pulled out a performance, his best in close to a year, and held the ball up well.
Ivanovic did well, but I still worry about him up against pacey wingers he just seems to lack acceleration more than anything else. Not taking anything away from Iva, he is a fantastic defender.
As for the AVB post match comments, very Mourinho/Fergie esque response. It's the whole 'we get special treatment from officials and/or the media' to get the us against the world spirit in the dressing room. Very clever man management tool.
With the greatest respect to AC Milan, they would be my perfect round of 16 draw for Chelsea. They just can not cope with high tempo football and if you put competent centre backs up against Ibra, as much as I do love Ibra, he does often fold under pressure.
Impressive display tonight, for the first time this season it was a solid performance all round. Clearly the Anelka/Alex situation has had little or no effect on the dressing room, time to see if Drogba can build on this or be carried by the rest of the team for another 4 games before Torres is back...