LDN Blue

Perhaps so. People Fans are still allowed to change their opinions though, it is not only based on results that fans have made judgements on Carlo. It's also things like his track record with AC Milan, his youth policy, him being a "yes man" and other, valid, points. You may not agree, but calling them plastic is a cheap come back, a much better option would be to debate their views - not label them glory hunters or plastic.

Justin_3d you have failed to understand the difference between a "plastic fan" & giving a valid input in a debate where both sides have a good point. Just because some fans say Ancelotti isn't the right man for the manager role does not make them a "plastic fan" it simply makes them a fan entitled to their opinion. Even now, when we're supposedly in a good moment, some fans don't want Ancelotti here next season, even if we win the Champions League. So how does this make them plastic fans? They are looking at it from a long-term point of view.

Ah fair enough then. I agree he wasn't my player of the year, because Cech was - But I understand what you meant now

It's good to hear from you Vincent. We're all happy that things are looking up and I hope the bone marrow punction will deliver some good news for you

LMAO! Wenger you total

Can we just have a single "Chelsea manager" thread please? The number of threads we've got about our manager is insane (insanity: doing the same thing over & over again). Thanks.

Good thing with Luiz is, he's very young & adapts very well. Now that he's settling in with players like Ferreira, Alex & Ramires he's becoming more and more comfortable. It was good to see passionate words of praise from the like of Lampard, Drogba & Terry after full time. He has his flaws, but with time & experience he will learn to correct these. Everyone knows about how he should've got sent off versus United but immediately after he stuck that leg out - He realised what he'd done and tried to apologise to Wayne. It's something he will learn not to do in high pressure matches. I think it kind of works in our favour that he's not eligable for the Champions League this year, it keeps him fresh & he's less likely to pick up an injury. One day we won't call him "the next Carvalho" we'll say "better than Carvalho"

It's an honour to have you on TC! Your videos are outstanding, please keep up the good work!! Welcome to the forum

Yeah he couldn't be more right. Good point about the new blood being a kick up the a*s for the old guard. We will see the best of Torres soon, we can't give up on him at all.

Have to disagree on the overall message of that mate. Ivanovic has got one thing that most our players don't.. The ability to win the ball aerially above everyone else. I've lost count of how many times Ivanovic is the first man to meet a corner when attacking & defending! His had so many scoring opportunities from simply winning a header, over defenders who are much taller than himself. Aside from his, his commitment to win the ball when one-on-one with a defender is next-to-none. He'll never commit too early for a ball and his strength is far more than Luiz's. His composure is also better than David Luiz's. He always runs after the ball to prevent corners & get them for throw ins instead. He's always there to get a block in when attackers are about to strike a ball, it doesn't matter how powerful the shot, he'll always sacrifice himself to prevent it going goal-wards. You are right in the fact, he's been consistent because we've had injuries at the back. What makes Ivanovic different from that, is that he's always had a good personal game. Hardly ever puts a foot wrong & deserves an enormous amount of credit for that.

Without a doubt it's Cech. Cech, Terry & Ivanovic have been our most consistent players all season. The all deserve the award, but Cech literally kept us in several matches (especially during the crisis period!)

Great post Blue Heart! Chosen that specific part because it embodies the course this thread has gone, it has really shown the impact Ramires has made & how quick his improvement has been since joining us last summer. I'll be the first to admit I had my initial doubts - never wrote him off, but thought he's not what we needed at that time - but he's proving me wrong. Still improvements needed (such as those you've pointed out), but brings a lot more positivity in our midfield. The players love him, the fans love him & he believes in himself (proof: that goal on Sunday).

As much as I'd like to think we can, I just don't see it.. I don't see United slipping up to the extent that will grant us the title (I know we still have to play them). It's an ideal dream though, especially to clinch it from under their noses. The Champions League will be a huge distraction too. We've got a difficult fixture vs United, they'll make it a hard & long battle and it will test the mental & physical strength of this squad. Imo, all efforts should be on the Champions League now.

FA to investigate laser pen incident

Good call about Coentrao, Mike! Shone at the World Cup last year, and I hear he's been on great form for Benfica. Though I think they'd be reluctant to sell to us now, they & their fans must be sick of us by now

Agree there. Kalou complimented Torres very well, a bit greedy (perhaps trying to do a Malouda in front of Carlo), but his positioning and awareness is the type of player we should look for. Like you said, we need a player like him but tactically better. In terms for the last point, it wasn't Lampard's best game. But he is showing signs of his old self in the last few games, we'll have to be patient with him really, he'll find his good form soon. Remember that pass to Anelka vs Copenhagen in the first leg?

I dunna. Depends who's instigated the transfer though isn't it. We all have the feeling Carlo's say on transfers is not 100%, I think Torres is definitely an Abramovich buy. Luiz might be different, he could be the case of Carlo telling Roman he needs a defender, Roman's scouts coming back with Luiz and starting proceedings - with minimal say from Carlo. We can't say for sure, obviously, but it's well established he is a bit of a yes-man. Remember, Ballack said, Carlo wanted to keep him.

This could've been a disaster in all honesty. Torres was very annoyed at being taken off, he was shaking his head and notably upset. Had we not won today, that could've had serious implications for Carlo.

& also, "thank you geezer"

Cech 7 Ivanovic 8 Luiz 9 Terry 8 Cole 7 Essien 7 Lampard 6 Ramires 8 Malouda 4 Torres 6 Kalou 7 Zhirkov, Drogba, Anelka N/A

Indeed. Didn't look too happy when Torres was taken off though - Perhaps he'll forgive Carlo because it worked (Drogba assist) A great, solid, organised win today. Defending was class, as was the midfield discipline. Missed the first half, in the second, Torres look lively - It's a shame he wasn't allowed to carry on (instead of Anelka coming on). Going 3rd will be a huge boost for the team, especially with a game in hand. If we stay organised, 2nd can look a possible target. Inconsistency of Arsenal will grant us that wish

4-5-1 from City. No surprises there

Yep! End of the day, it was his fault really. He's brought himself as much negative press as JT's getting

This should've been Torres' first goal for us.. http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/MROdgR5RU2MjQc2YYf3n Looks like he'll have to do it vs the "noisy neighbours"