LDN Blue

If we're talking youngsters.. Xherdan Shaqiri. We do need a winger..

True. I think I misspoke in that case.. They weren't in their prime as a team. The way that Valencia team was, a lot of potential, but no result. Villa was scoring for fun and Silva was a spark, but there was a lot going wrong for them in terms of team chemistry. Defensively they weren't sound and financial problems forced them to sell. So in terms for Justin's OP. Valencia weren't that great of a 'team'. Just stand out individuals.

I think you're wrong. We don't need a pure holding player. We can afford to have more attack minded player to sit ahead of the defenders, that's given more license to track back. What AVB has done in this system has made sure everyone tracks back. Like Drogba did yesterday when he followed Fellani (I think) all the way from his half to the one before. When Mikel came off, the pace and tempo of our game quickened, I don't think anyone can dispute this. Mikel is important. He's crucial in the big games where defending is important. But vs a team like Everton where they gave a lot of opportunities to break, Mikel slowed it down too much for us to take advantage. Exactly. For all of Mikel's positives, his one big negative is negative forward play.

Imo. I don't think there really was a standout performer. Mata had his usual moments of brilliance, but he did disappear for a while. Not to take anything away from him though. However, because of that assist, Juanny Cash!

True. That's why it's hard for Capello to select him.

Glad to be proved wrong.

If they were at Valencia today they would challenge. You have to remember they all peaked in their final stages at Valencia.. They're a less successful Napoli if you will. As soon as Silva/Villa came to form City/Barcelona swooped in respectively. Mata chose to stay and evolve and now we bagged him. Napoli have done one better and actually got the player in their prime playing.

Miereles, even Romeu, could have kept up with Fellani. Both those players give us an attacking edge, they initiate counter attacks and even general ones. I've always defended Mikel's role.. In the old system. This new style, with the high defensive line, and defensive awareness of all the players (Lampard, Mata et al.) all nullified the need for a literal DMF. Miereles is not a DMF. He's a central player, who will attack more than attack, which could've really helped us today. We should've scored more goals and at times we didn't because Mikel still played the "retention" game. This is not needed now. The system can work without such a defensive player.

I personally think Mikel wasn't needed today. Slowed us down, Imo.

Nah, we still need Modric..

Absolutely brilliant signing. I just hope he doesn't hold "ambitions" to return to Real Madrid one day.. It's a cliché with Spanish players, but it doesn't mean it's not true. We can enjoy him in his prime though, which is a big bonus for us. Arsene must be kicking himself.

I wouldn't blame him. They're in the Champions League, have strong ambitions & they're offering a manager's job.

For sure Max!

JT supposedly missed Friday's training with a back problem. We may see Ivanovic - Luiz in central defence today.

Good result.

He's a player England can do with imo.

Speaking of RDM. I read last night, he's linked with the current vacant FC Basel job.

Is the boycott still on?

Rajkovic was a record signing too when we bagged him. We had a habit of paying a lot for kids.. Though none of them have actually broken through..

I think that's unfair. Roman could've easily asked for those shares in 2003 before he bought the club. The fact is, he's allowed the CPO's existence for the last 8years. Chelsea only want it back now because they want to move, which is understandable. Did the CPO really have much input anyway?

Sure. Just with a new club name. CPO own the Chelsea FC name. We'll also be fucked over by FFP because Roman's not allowed to pay by his own pocket.

Isn't he still listed on the Chelsea website?

This campaign is a slight disrespect to Roman imo. I understand the need, but protests, really?

Let's hope so..