LDN Blue

I'm resigned to the fact Cole's leaving, cos if he hasn't signed now I just don't think it'll happen. Reminds me of Joe Cole all over again funnily enough.

Man I hope he's a success, cos I look at Rafael for United and wish we'd grabbed him in the summer when it was rumoured..

The problem with this is the step up from reserves and u21's to premier league level is just too far apart. Sure there's exceptions like Raheem Sterling but considering where Liverpool are at the moment in terms of squad strength and options on that flank (..downing), it's no surprise that Sterling's managed to excel. Not saying he doesn't deserve his run in that side, but he's excelling because the pressure isn't enormous on him to deliver because of how shit that squad is.

I was listening to Owen Coyle talk about Sturridge today on a football show on SkySports (forgot the name now. Something like The Football Presents Show) He was making a very good example for Sturridge. He hasn't been given the platform to play down the middle & even had a run of games. When he was asked to play on the right of that front 3 he was very professional in doing so. He is a defenders nightmare because he's so quick off the mark, to show such an immediate burst of acceleration with ball control is so hard and he makes it look like child's play almost. He deserves his chance down the middle. Just look at Walcott as an example. He's been raging on forever about wanting to play through the middle and when Wenger gave him the platform to do so he's been on the form of his life. I still think he's an average footballer, but he's excelling in the center-forward position that he's been rewarded. I don't buy this notion about Sturridge's bad attitude. I believe he truly deserves his chance up-front and it's very frustrating to see he isn't getting it. He should move to save his own career because it's crazy to think we're using Torres as our forward, despite his poor-continuous-form. Sturridge deserves his chance, he deserves a consecutive run of games up-front like Torres has.

That sounds waaaaaaaaay too staged And it is coming from the Daily Mail. I'd ignore it tbh..

It's quite simple.. Lampard plays for Chelsea. If Gerrard had made that 2005 move to Stamford Bridge, he'd have the same under appreciation as Lampard.

You guys ever think Ash would get the same plaudits as Gerrard's getting for his century of England caps? It's a shame I have to even ask that question..

I agree, his pace isn't the best in the world. This kind of brings me back to the days that we talked about the situations where Romeu & Mikel are more adaptable to certain kinds of situations. Mikel is very good at intercepting passes, reading opposition play and covering. But yes his flaws are in marking and with pace, however his role in the squad at the moment has been pivotal & important. As mentioned before, he isn't the best DM in the world, but we could do a lot worse than Obi Mikel.

Mikel has stepped up this season, it can't be denied.. He's doing the job where it's most required from this team, his adaptation, concentration & tactical awareness is on point. Not saying he's the best DM in the world or anything, but he has been far more consistent than any other players.

You know usually I'd be dismissive of this idea but Henrique was right in the Real Concerns thread.. We lack an experienced player in the middle. I'm not saying that it wasn't right to lose the players we did but now we seem to be too young. De Rossi's been around forever, has a little temper but, he would be good experience to close out our narrow leads & keep our defence in check. He's also no nonesense so he won't let players try to bully Hazard, Oscar & Mata.

It's good to get confirmation that the 188 pages we made this thread go to actually had some truth to back the potential excitement . I remember that window so well.. All the rumours, all the changing of minds. Incredible!

I still think it's the whole gelling process. They've done it very well on individual merits, especially Oscar. I have optimism that continuing into a season we'll see more tactically attacking movements - Things that seem as if they have been practiced off the pitch. What we're doing now is working, we are keeping the pace in the race to the title but there has to be an emergence of some structure. There's actually some valid points within the post though. It doesn't look like a knee-jerk to me because it's an issue even when we win.. I see no wrong in openly discussing the faults the squad presents. It's not fair to be so dismissive of most of the posts.

I do actually agree with the OP about lack of attacking organisation. It does seem like it's a bit 'here's the ball.. go.' and it's working to an extent. But games like today they just run out of ideas that they never actually had. I agree with most points about lack of a proper striker really is hurting us. It's because they don't have someone to spearhead the attack, which is why our attack looks tactically unprepared. Now whether that's what it is or not.. Well there's only one way to find out. In any case I still believe in Di Matteo to come through with that. He's smart & he's on a learning curve as well.. Let's hope Santa brings him Falcao.

LOL. So true.

I have no doubt in my mind that Roman's trying to lure Guardiola. That was evident when the club waited 3 weeks to award him a contract when they new Pep wasn't joking about his sabbatical. However my personal opinion is Roberto should be allowed to continue without having to watch his back, because he's achieved the one thing no Chelsea manager could.. José included!

Assistants & 4th Officials heard whatever was said though, must've been gagged by the FA though. Who knows. More racism issues over Stamford Bridge.. Sigh

Saw that flying around to. If, indeed, that's what was said then it's a simple misunderstanding and both parties can walk away with innocent consciousnesses

I'd say number two. Looks like you'd enjoy the football aspect more. Forget West Ham v. QPR. You'll get caught in a mele

It's not that I don't believe Mikel but... This just seems a bit.. Meh.

Bring on the Kenyan

Sunday 15:30. Cause it usually means all our rivals have played & usually when they all lose - so do we.

Everyone knows the story has no actual conviction behind it, but there is a discussion as to Terry's future at the club which should be held.

Indeed Leif. The problem Mr Terry has though is being accepted anywhere he plays. This allegation will follow him from here to MLS to Abu Dhabi to even Australia. He will not be able to go to any country without the racism issue following him. That's why it may be more difficult for him to find that escape unlike Lampard who has an untarnished record.

Smh at this rate we'll be forced to play our games without a striker. Eden for a false #9?

Well Cahill's done a good job with scoring this season..