LDN Blue

Well Carlo said "2-3weeks" before Sunderland, so by the time we play Newcastle it should be 2. No word yet though. Essien still has 1 more game to miss as part of his suspension.

But you must admit he's improved?! & how can you defend Turnbull but not Kalou?

The importance of Frank Lampard, for fans who didn't know before, has been highlighted on a whole new level. Never in his career, certainly for Chelsea, has he been out for so long. We're missing 22/103 goals (last season), that's almost a quarter of goals we scored last season. But he's more than that, he makes the midfield more organised, he knows when to find the right pass and his positioning is exceptional. He knows when/where he needs to be/get into the 18-yard box. Mikel Essien - Lampard Each member of that midfield plays a crucial role in our team. Mikel's the dividing force between the defence and midfield. When Ashley Cole goes bombing forward, Mikel is the one covering. But when our defence get the ball it's given to Mikel who usually sparks off the counter attack with a pass, worthy of Scholes' applauding. Essien is the man who will be the engine of our midfield and team. His stamina, endurance, pace and strength make him one of the most feared players in the league. His absence was highlighted very much last season and now this even more with lack of cover (the likes of Ballack leaving). I've already talked about how Lampard links the midfield to the attack.

didn't someone say a while back "once Josh has an off game, everyone will doubt him" much like Kakuta.

I love this rant. I admit, before this season I didn't regard Kalou very highly. But that all changed once the season had begun. Even last night I was a bit disappointed about his half-time appearance, (more due to Kakuta coming off) but I hold my hand up and say I won't doubt him again. On the Ramires point, most logical fans on here have realised we must give him time, so I'll say nothing there. As for Ferreira, well one of BlueLion's avatar/caption said it all.. "Loyal Servant" to the club.

You've got to love how that Suarez had the "what in the blue hell is going on?!" look!

LOL.. Here:

McEachran just proves strength isn't everything. He does not panic when there are 2 giant players attempting to take the ball off him, he's so calm and composed that he can simply play his way out of it. Also, when C.Clifford breaks into the squad we'll see an instant injection of strength. He's quite a presence in midfield.

Don't really understand the negativity towards Anelka all of a sudden. I hear he wasn't welcomed much at Stamford Bridge coming on last night.. I hope they realise Anelka is our joint top goal scorer with Malouda, in all competitions (8). Anelka's been brilliant, in my opinion, the way he can just have a burst of pace and then cut back into the area is quite magical. He's a good provider of a pass and he's someone you want playing with you if you're the main striker (á la Drogba.). I agree he's not the best as a pure striker, playing in Drogba's absence, but he's still a force you want in your attack, he's brilliant on the sides, and someone you want coming on in the 80th minute to see out a lead.

..Genius. LOL

Haha, fair game, Significant is perhaps too generous. But he's certainly improved on basic things such as first touches and taking less time on the ball. His passing has also sharpened up. I'd like to see more attack play from him though.

A slight exaggeration on that? There's no indication to say Carlo is unhappy at all. It's like I said somewhere before, for all we know, Carlo's saved more jobs/players that would've gone otherwise. At the end of the day the club is a business. If Abramovic feels there needs to be some change in the club, well then he's got a right to. I'm sure if he'd over step the mark Carlo would say something. Roman knows the last thing Chelsea need, is ANOTHER manager leaving.

only you'd go back in this thread to find that quote.

I think he's still maintaining that position. Especially last night. He's not a pure right midfielder, he's going box-to-box. With McEachran playing DMF last night Ramires was key into making sure Josh could settle in that position and he did it very well. Ramires is showing significant improvement from August.

Honestly, when my Newcastle supporting friend told me Van Aanholt was good, I thought he was lying. But my god he's impressed me so much! I see so much of Ashley Cole in him, the way he attacks the opposition and his precision passes into the 18-yard box. The fact he's only 20, makes it even better. If the likes of.. Bruma, van Aanholt, Sturridge, McEachran, Kalou & Kakuta (who's undoubtedly yet to prove his potential) are the future of ChelseaFC, I'm a very proud fan! :chelsea2:

You never know.. Sturridge impressed everyone today, standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

In a way, this was quite reminiscent to the Birmingham game. After going a goal down in the first half, we came back very strong in the 2nd. The major difference is we finished our chances tonight (most of them), if we keep this up our form will go back to usual in no time.

I'm biting my tongue for complaining about him coming on before the second half. Truly made a difference tonight.

Speaking of Ramires.. That beauty of a shot Loved the commentator "..that proves he's Brazilian then"

Got to say.. Van Aanholt & Sturridge were sublime today! Great performance from both of them. If PvA is our next 1st choice left back after Cole, then I'll be more than happy (unlucky not to score either). Took a while for Danny to get into the game, but when he did boy did he make a difference. He and Kalou menaced their defence and I'm glad he got a much deserved goal from it. McEachran had a good solid debut. Gave the ball away a bit, but he'll only learn to cut that down with more experience. Was glad to see a Mellis cameo for him though Anyway, now that we remember what if feels like to win, hopefully we can carry on this momentum at St. James' Park on Sunday. :chelsea2:

Kalou for Kakuta being rumoured. I really hope this is not true, I want Kakuta to have more time!!

Hmm.. Taking into account the strength of the side we've sent out today.. We could've done better early on to make chances from the off, but fair enough it took the kids a while to get into the game. Van Aanholt's doing really well down the left wing, making good penetrating runs and putting some good balls into the 18-yard box. He could do a bit better but he's growing into the game. Josh is having a good outing too. He's giving the ball away quite a few times now with some passes, but easy mistakes he'll make and as he goes on he'll only learn to improve them. It's taken both Sturridge and Kakuta to take a shine to the game, but they are coming alive. Sturridge had a screamer almost go in, brought out a good save tbh. They will only grow more confident as the game goes on. I just hope Carlo doesn't take them off at half time. The goal itself was a mixture of good Zilina football and poor closing down. Inexperience, I believe, was at fault for that goal. Also, Clifford on for Ferreira please?

Don't think so..

I like this squad a lot! Everyone who I wanted to start, is doing so

2012. José's 2nd reign will begin