DYC.

I remember waves and waves of counter-attacks drowning the Blues. Falcao alone could've scored 5 goals. Up there with the worst of games. Edit:

Bang. Precision at it's finest. Let me guess, the RW problem has been solved.

You weren't wrong. Falcao was never a speedster, but he was very quick the first few metres. Like you said, he would use that to get away from his markers and move in behind defences. Most defenders couldn't keep up with him. Suarez is similar in this. Giroud for example would be world-class if he had that in his locker. Falcao's lost that, and he's not quite as sharp as he used to be. He possessed great athleticism, with his amazing leap and agility. And at 29, I doubt he'll ever get that back. As a football fan, I was amazed when this happened and couldn't help but enjoy his class. But the embarrassment I felt this day... CL winners absolutely destroyed. Thank God it was the Supercup. Can't believe it's already been three years.

You are a crazy person, LDN. Kos is fantastic. Gives away too many stupid penalties? He has made some stupid/clumsy fouls in the box, but you're talking about a few incidents over a number of years. He barely commits fouls and barely gets carded or sent off. Arsenal have a fantastic squad. They're just never fit over a full season. I'd take quite a few players from their squad. If they manage to get Cech and a striker like Lacazette, and keep fit (that would be a miracle), they're challenging for the title.

I'm not familiar with the Reus of Gladbach, but I can't imagine current Reus on the right tbh. Not without his level dropping. Very much like former right winger Cristiano Ronaldo. The Griezmann stories seem to be based on pure speculation.

Koalas live the good life. High out of their minds, 24/7 relaxation.

That koala looks familiar...

Messi was magnificent. His first goal will be replayed for many years to come. Outrageous skill and vision. Barca should've scored a few more goals, total dominance. Now to complete the treble. Juve is tough, but if they play like they did today they will win. Dani Alves is the most ridiculous character in football. Laughed all night because of his hair.

I was asking the same question. How can you be that good? No words to describe him.

De Gea Clyne Koscielny Terry Azpilicueta Fabregas Matic Sanchez Cazorla Hazard Aguero Subs: Courtois; Fonte, Ivanovic; Schneiderlin, Silva; Costa, Kane Player of the season: Eden Hazard Youngster of the season: Harry Kane Veteran of the season: John Terry Performance of the season: Santi Cazorla vs Man City (a) / John Terry vs Arsenal (a) Signing of the season: Alexis Sanchez Value signing of the season: Esteban Cambiasso Most improved player: Lukasz Fabianski / Marouane Fellaini Surprise of the season: Francis Coquelin Flop of the season: Mario Balotelli Worst goodbye ever: Steven Gerrard

Haha I even disagree with that. Backing your countrymen... I really don't understand that. But I'll leave that alone, it's not important. Fair enough, I misunderstood then. I don't understand why a young player would leave being first choice role at their club to become a back-up though. Jese never plays up top, Cristiano only plays centre-forward with a partner. Benzema and Hernandez are Real's strikers. Neymar never plays striker for Barca. Once Suarez claimed the #9 spot, Barca never looked back and only use him. If he's injured or rested. Pedro comes in, a natural wide man. Most top teams with a one-striker system have two strikers, with a wide man or attacking midfielder (or youth player) as the third option. It's not an crucial role that needs to be stocked with a great option imo.

Thanks. Not much of a difference.

Van Persie and I sharing a nationality has nothing to do with it. This is the first time I've been called biased towards Dutch players, I guess it was bound to happen. There are only two Dutch players I've been a fan of, Bergkamp and Robben. They've could've been Nigerian for all I care. Being a fan or being biased towards a player that was born in the same country as yourself is something I find utterly ridiculous and have never understood. I judge based on quality. Looking at his minutes per goal is fine and all, but that's not what you focus on in a back up striker. And Van Persie has never been a pure goal-scorer, he offers more than that. Remy is 28 if I'm not mistaken. Costa is 26. They have plenty of years ahead of them, and then there's Solanke. Chelsea can also buy players every summer and winter, not every signing has to be and can be long term. You seem to be part of the group that places a lot of importance on having two quality (even though Van Persie is still quality imo) strikers on the bench. Take a look at the other elite clubs in Europe and look at their options.

14/15.

Any idea where you can find info on clean sheet records? They only conceded 6 more goals than Chelsea.

I never said Van Persie never had injury problems so I have no idea where you got that from. His injury record since 2007 is irrelevant. It's about right now. He'd be a squad player, not a player expected to start two, three games in one week. Which means his body would have to go through less strain. Chelsea's excellent medical staff is an added bonus for the sake of his physical condition. Edit: He started 25 league games last season, 18 the season before. That's more than he'd start here. If you actually think there's a possiblity Mourinho would have to miss Costa, Remy and Van Persie (if he joined) for even one game, let alone a lengthy period, because of injury, than I can imagine why you would not like him to join. I say that's never happening. Come on now, I don't have to explain to you that he would of course have to accept lower wages. That goes without saying. No one is offering Van Persie a contract for over 200k in wages, not a top side anyway. And on Van Persie not being good to be a back-up... no comment.

Van Persie started 25 league games + 2 sub appearances (and he didn't miss the other 11 games just because of injuries). And you're exaggerating Remy's and Diego's injury troubles. I'd love him here. A striker with an excellent first touch, he can hold the ball and link up expertly. Great option on the bench.

If Utd come in for Cech, I'd include Van Persie in the deal (if he wants to join).

That Polish midfielder (Sevilla) is an impressive holding midfielder. He'd cost you less than Schneiderlin but he's just as good, possibly better.

I agree with you on that. It's not easy for a player to barely play and then expect him to perform when called upon. I was shocked Remy scored as often as he did, including important strikes. Falcao had to come in as substitute pretty often last season and he didn't actually make an impact. He's always been first choice. I prefer the club looking for a striker with a specialty. Whether that's being strong in the air, holding the ball, a workhorse, speed demon etc. That way he can have an impact without having to score. Falcao is not that player.

If you believe Mourinho, we can expect a great evolution. Ideally, he'd be right and people will have to find someone else to complain about.

Read the article.

Carrick, Oscar and Ramsey embody the value of the selfless midfielder http://www.espnfc.com/barclays-premier-league/23/blog/post/2471725/michael-carrick-oscar-aaron-ramsey-selfless-midfielders What a coincidence.

In their current system, no one quite suits the #10 role. I don't understand what Pirlo has to do with De Bruyne. Edit: Well, there's Pereyra. He's pretty good but Kevin would be an upgrade. I think he'd be brilliant for them. When you look at the counter-attacking Juve displayed against Dortmund and Real, Kevin's style would suit them perfectly. He's absolutely deadly on the counter-attack.

I doubt it, on the Solanke part. And I think Cech is off. He's too good to be a cup GK (didn't Mourinho pick Courtois for the final of League Cup? That must've hurt), and I'm sure Courtois wants to play in the cups as well. The way he's been going on and on about it, I really think he's telling the truth.