LDN Blue

Why? His whole issue at Arsenal is about him playing as a striker - Like Sturridge. We're not going to play Walcott there if we won't even give Sturridge a chance. It would be the most pointless swap ever, with Arsenal probably benefiting more than us.

It's definitely not a viable option to keep Cole imo. We've made the mistake of keeping players past their prime before (Essien), let's not do it again.

Nice one Jim!

This isn't a dig at Roman Abramovich though. It's a representation of the fans just showing dissatisfaction at what's happened to a Chelsea legend. There's no doubt that Roman is a Chelsea fan, spending over £1bn and continuing to invest into the squad shows it. It's the board that advises him that's the problem, after all he is a football fan and his board should be man enough to be able to separate his decisions from the point of view as a fan to a footballing man. The boos aren't about having a go at Roman, some aren't even that Rafa is in charge. It's a message that due to some major decisions over the last 9 years have severely impacted Chelsea's reputation. We're the laughing stock of most top clubs because of how they're running the club. Yes we can boast an impressive trophy cabinet to counter that, but there's simply more to football than shiny trophies..

Jesus, not an ACL.. Very sad for him.

It true that goal-line technology is being tested in this competition?!

I don't know. Walcott's done pretty well when he's been asked to play there.. Albeit they haven't been against the best defences, but there's always potential there. Sturridge really could've been good there if he'd been given the chance, imo. It's simply sad to see that even a chance wasn't given.

Nice one Choulo! That's kind of what I wanted with this thread but sort of forgot about it

The best thing is how he's come in and just done the basics right. Of course it helps that there wasn't much hype because of the excitement we had with Oscar & Hazard, but he's just putting all his feet right.. He's not over thinking, he just does. Gives Azpilicueta/Ivanovic great support, he's not selfish & he's direct. Something we've missing. I like how Rafa's also keeping him fresh by either starting him, then taking him off when the job's done or even bringing him off the bench. Hope Marin makes the same impact soon.

But it's not even about Rafa. The booing goes beyond hiring FSW. The fact is, any manager who would've been brought in would've got the same reception. The boos and the Di Matteo chants on the 16th minute are a message to the board, it's a message that we're not happy about how the club are treating their employees and how they're subsequently treating the fans. Benitez has broad enough shoulders to bare the brunt of it, the players won't be bothered because the fans know it's not getting aimed at them. It's not about loyalty, if it was about that the fans wouldn't pay to see FSW.

Fantastic achievement & definitely deserved.

Don't really mind the boos to be honest. If you paid for a ticket, you have a right to show if you're unhappy.

My word..

This game definitely proved Mikel's importance in the squad. There was simply no stability in front of the defensive line. I maintain that we played awful and had Sunderland been more clinical and had a proper attacking force (Wickham was virtually non-existent), we could've had another West Ham-type defeat on the cards.

Don't agree with that.. He was barely noticeable, except with a shot?

Fair play. He's trying to build bridges with the fans, can't fault him for that.

Good shout SeB, but because of the point Liquidator just made.. It'll never actually take place. Such is the tragedy of the situation.

True, I agree wholly. But if the adjustment doesn't take place sooner than later than his own personal confidence will take a hit and if he goes down the road of one Spaniard in our squad, then we could have a catastrophe on our hands. Granted there's a 7-year age gap in favour of the Belgian in this example, but I just hope we see an evident progression across the season.

i love you.

Am I the only one that keeps growing a worry? He's not really showing that quality everyone promised he has. Still willing to be patient, but if there was ever a time for some price-tag justification.. Now would be nice!

So just to confirm.. de Bruyne isn't a winger?

ESPN also reported: Thoughts?

Indeed. Tremendously lucky Larsson gave us that gift, cause we really are lucky to have that cushion.

Am I reading 'great half'? It was f'cking woeful. That midfield better get a bollocking by Benitez.

Rafa needs to slot Luiz in DM. Bring on Azpilicueta for Ramires (before he gets himself sent off).