DYC.

Well that was bad. Congrats to Shakhtar, fully deserved win. Cech is godly. Mikel put in another fine performance, Ramires was good too. Cole was decent. The rest was bad. We've been below par in Europe this season but I hope we can bounce back against Utd.

Cech, Mikel, Ramires.

Cech confirming yet again why he deserves a statue.

Excellent point. Can't believe I somehow forgot about how incredibly static we used to be. In that sense, Obi lives by the Dutch & Spanish philosophy. Any criticism on his passing and his overall game on the ball didn't make sense. But I'll still say he is the type who likes to hold on the ball a bit. Not that there is something wrong with that, as long as he doesn't do it in the wrong places. That dribbble against Spurs was brilliant but if he had lost that ball, we'd be in serious trouble.

We have a special connection with this cup, I always want to win it.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2012/10/20/3464404/magic-mata-the-kingpin-of-unstoppable-chelsea-midfield http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1378345-juan-mata-breaking-down-what-makes-chelsea-forward-a-superstar Took them long enough. And this is a old one but I only just read it so I thought I'd share this as well: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1170715-chelsea-fc-is-juan-mata-having-the-better-season-than-david-silva

I agree. He's always been good on the ball but he's improving his defensive play while he's also playing a (slightly) quicker and more adventurous game. Ramires' presence also gives him more confidence of moving into advanced positions, offering support to the attacking players and he does it well. But I think the most important change is the fact that he has a (defensive) partner next to him as he used to be the lone DM. That was a much harder role.

I had 0 confidence going into big games last season, it was simply awful. So happy and surprised we're already completely turning it around this season.

Of course you can't just compare their stats. Joe was used as a winger, Hazard has a free role. Most of Hazard's goals were scored in a single season. Cole played in a superior league, he played a supporting role (which can't be compared to being the star man of a team), he didn't take FKs and PKs, he came off the bench a lot, had to return from injury a lot (lacking match fitness), he's not been the same player for four years due to horrible injuries etc. All kinds of factors to consider. I don't know if you watched Chelsea back then but Cole had a good shot on him and was a pretty good finisher in his prime.

Lionel Messi just keeps on doing the impossible. Can't believe I'm witnessing this.

Just brilliant. Now he just needs to find the confidence to play those long balls he used to do. He'd do a much better job than D. Luiz has been doing this season I'm sure.

Obi putting in another fine performance. I've always liked him but I'm starting to become a fan.

Open game, quality football, three points. That's what football's all about.

The Blue Prince has done it again. Take a bow.

This is a good trial period for the Cahill-Luiz partnership. If they manage to do well in the next four games, the coach would have no reason to make changes I think. Bad news for JT but good for the future of Chelsea.

Ash should get that 100th cap quickly so he can finally retire. He can be proud as he was England's best player in his international career.

Don't really know him tbh. He was decent against Iraq and Japan but he wasn't tested against both sides. He's energetic though. He has no problems joining attacks and getting back quickly. If we were to get another Brazilian midfielder, I'd go for Romulo. He's impressed me with his performances for Brazil. But he was injured so Paulinho was playing instead.

Assisted Paulinho's goal against Japan. Fantastic strike by Paulinho btw.

I miss Danny. Is he fit to play against Spurs?

Nico is talking about the cold treatment. Ballack also said something about the club being cold when he wasn't wanted anymore, Alex too. The club should deal with the players in a respectful manner in such matters.

Now? Where have you been the past 6 years?

You're going to live in a cave? Radamel Falcao really is something. When it comes to scoring goals, he's an absolute genius. Constantly making the best possible decisions, from timing to type of shot/header. Simply outstanding.

Hazard's only been here for a minute and I've already so often heard and read people say he's our best player. And that Mata isn't all that. I just laugh when I hear that but it's sad he's not rated highly (enough) in general. Not that it has an effect on my own opinion of him.

You're absolutely right. Which is why I said it's the next step for him as a player. He's already exceeded my expectations of him when he signed.Never expected him to be such a key player.

Never said Mata wasn't good in big games. I said he needs to put in top performances in big games to be ranked among the best. There's a big difference.