LDN Blue

I think people are often blinded by these goals. Not that I'm not grateful for them, but just now I see on Twitter someone say,

Perhaps so, seems every time he touches Mata for a sub the entire stadium starts booing and calling for his head, failing to see the bigger picture.

There's really not much difference between the 2. What I will say for Meireles though is his reactions are much quicker than Lampard's currently, and he had a good game in Naples despite the gloom reactions.

Has his long-range passing always been that good? Perhaps it's because we haven't seen much of him in a while but I was very impressed by some of the service he was playing to the front 3 and Lampard.

Indeed Jaimin, Luiz was brilliant, deserved to get the breakthrough. Good win, we dominated the game, perhaps we should've taken our chances earlier but most did say they'd settle for an ugly 1-0. Must use this as momentum to carry on, with West Brom & Birmingham next we have to carry on. I fear Mata's going to be burned out though, André's done well to keep him fresh by taking him off early in some games (much to our disgruntlement). Lampard's still not convincing me either, he's really slow to react with the ball and get it out of his feet. Might sound like a 'hater' here, but he's just not doing enough to warrant a place in that side..

Playing well, I'm pleased. Once again our front trio lacks quite a bit of support from the midfield but that's the norm now.

I do hope Lampard turns up today..

Indeed. He was outstanding when he used to play AM, it was the reason we & united went head-to-head in battle to sign him. I think it was Mourinho who decided he would be a better DM and all managers after have actively accepted this. It's a shame because an attacking Mikel is exactly what we need right now, but I fear he's lost almost all those abilities now.

Big clubs need players with experience sometimes. They don't necessarily have to be players that have already been at the club. United were able to do it with Scholes & Giggs because they were willing to adapt. Like we look at City and they have quite a bit of experience in Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, David Pizzaro now etc. They weren't there from the beginning but Mancini brought them in because they've been there, done that. Okay not necessarily in England (although Kolo was) but they're all title winners respectively. Mourinho did it with Makelele, who turned out to be key as a first team player too. I'm sure André realises we do need players of experience to go with his young revolution/evolution but not the players that will undermine him. Terry is one of those players that can stay, Lampard's attitude has proved he can't. I always picture Ashley as one who'd stay for experience sake, but if this argument is true then there's a real problem. I really hope André finds peace and calm with Lampard, Ashley & Essien. In the long-run these guys could be key when we make signings to be the new spine of Chelsea because these guys have been there & done that. They can be mentors and pass on secrets of their trade, that kind of thing is vital in a major club.

André seems to favour 4-2-1-2-1* so I don't see why there would be a combination of Mikel & Romeu after the defence, but I don't think Mikel (in André's eyes) is suited to the system we play which is why you'll see Essien-Romeu or Meireles-Romeu or Meireles-Essien etc. Not to mention Ramires in that fold too, it's a dilemma for him because we have too many defensive midfielders.

Midfield will be interesting tomorrow. I see a start for Essien and from recent history I'd expect Meireles to start though It would be a real surprise if Lampard starts. Heard on Twitter that Romeu's said he's fit so there could be a case for him to start maybe; ------------------Cech-------------------- Ivanovic---Cahill-----Luiz---Bertrand ----------Essien-------Romeu---------- -------------------Mata------------------- Sturridge----------------------Malouda ----------------Torres-------------------- Expect Torres to start since Drogba played 90minutes & 45mins v Napoli & B'ham respectively and the last think André needs is Drog to burn out. Bertrand might be an obvious one because of Bosingwa's injury, though if I see Ferreira I still wouldn't be surprised lol Edit: Sh't, I forgot Ramires . He'll probably be in that DM pair, or probably Malouda will be dropped, Mata out wide & Rami in that defensive trio. That poster who said Ramires must become the worst player in MF was bang on the money.

Are you being serious or sarcastic? Can't tell

Makes sense, with Hiddink there & all.

I think people just realise Neymar's the most unlikely out of the 3.

Yup, perhaps a 'Scout' section, would make sense to have a wish list there & such.

I saw on Twitter last night he's only been not playing because of an injury. Apparently he's fit now.

Enjoy the Monday hangover

Hit the nail on the head. Walcott is a pathetic excuse for a footballer. We blast Kalou for his flaws, well compared to Walcott he's the f'cking messiah for our squad, it's mindboggling people actually rate Walcott.. All pace, no finish.

Lmao how f'cking typical. It doesn't surprise me about Piet de Visser, he's been key in most of our better signings since RA took over. I'd heard about that Marina woman before, she was the one who headed the negotiations over Luiz last year. But it says all that needs to be said about that. It simply proves the manager has all-but-no say in such policies. I imagine they give him his 1 or 2 like Romeu & Meireles before saying 'now here's the players we'll also give you, no need to thanks us'

Indeed. Imo, Frank committed 'professional suicide' when he decided to throw a strop when André dropped him. Correct me if I'm wrong, but last season a majority of people here said the next manager should have the balls to drop the likes of Lampard & co. Now it's happened most of the same people are backtracking on their words. The fact is, even when Lampard does come on he's a liability. When he came on in Naples he almost cost us a 4th goal. His first touch is catastrophic, his instincts are shot, and while he'll always remain a threat for those last minute goals, some are often blinded by that and claim he deserves to start because of those. He's not as sharp as he used to be and his unwillingness not to accept that is become detrimental to the squad. It's a shame, Frank's the last person I'd expect to be causing commotion.

Has to be between Cavani and Falcao. The fact is, we play a system (and probably will always play a system) where we require a big, strong, powerful target man in our centre forward. Not someone who plays off the shoulder, with ball to feet. It's why Sheva & Torres could never function in our team and why Lukaku does have a chance in the future.

Indeed. I think he's grown to care for the club, when he started off it was perhaps a 'toy' for him, but I think he genuinely wants to see success for the club and fans. He may make rash decisions but that's down to him being surrounded by a board that don't care about the football, they simply care about their bonuses at the end of the year etc. People like Buck and Gourlay, they should've gone after the CPO fiasco.

I heard he got skinned while playing there?

I like England's.. Symbolises a new beginning almost with the change of colour in the emblem. It's a bit.. Plain though. My favourite England kit will forever be:

Do you rate Lescott? I've looked at him closely when watching City games and I often think 'how?!' how he's playing for a top side like City. He's decent, I won't lie, but in him I don't see a world-class CB