LDN Blue

It was nothing. Drogba was just upset about throwing the lead away, he was just airing his frustrations.

to be honest, I'm a big fan of Richards. The defender side of him anyway, he's still very young, I wish we'd signed him in the past

He said nothing of the sort. That article contained no direct quotes at all. Pure speculation, the Independent is awful when it comes to football.

I'll only believe it when I see it..

Luiz it is then..

45 pages on this.. At least we can close it now

If we are really "improving" then we should win by a goal margin of 2 or more. Only then will I believe it to be honest..

After he said that, I had no hope of him standing his ground..

And if you still don't believe me, just take a look at Zonal Marking's article.. http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/07/30/central-midfield-role/ & the article Madmax wrote (you still got the link for that?)

In answer to the main question, damn right we need Mikel. I don't know if this is a cycle of attacking the players, I guess Ivanovic is next. But Mikel has been vital this season & last. His role is clear "deep lying play maker" which is exactly what he does, he'll sit deep, covering for the bombing wing backs, and when he gets the ball, he'll hold it. He'll allow the attackers to get in good positions before delivering an exquisite long pass. He can also slow the tempo of a game down, if ask to, when we're suffering waves of attack, it will be Mikel who will receive the ball and with composure, get it into the opposition half. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but does Mikel currently have the most touches on the ball for us this entire season? Mikel is a better DM than Essien, he's more disciplined & smarter, not that I'm taking anything away from Essien's football. But when you have a team where all the midfielder players are focused on attack, you need the extra man to help with the defence. Some may argue that's Ramires's role, to be the link between attack and defence, but I wouldn't agree, because I like Ramires' attacking flare more than his defensive one. The problem I find with Essien at DM is, he goes on those long, forward runs, he's famous for. But when the opposing team is on the counter he leaves that huge gap at the back, the full backs have already bombed forward so if the opposition is smart they can counter a 3/4 vs 2.

Ah yeah I remember now. Whatever the case, I hope you're right about the new guy bringing the loanees back.

you actually think it?

Drogba?

^

Hmm, if we're saying start Sturridge then perhaps move Josh to holding (as Carlo does) and put Lampard with Ramires. Bringing on Kakuta later for Ramires. I'd say no more than 4 youngsters to start, otherwise it may become too young.

Brilliant article from The Guardian (yeah them again!) about how Josh is already being compared to Pirlo! http://www.guardian....lsea-liam-brady

All the fans recognised his debut was almost perfect. Had a very good game, him vs Heskey was a miss-match from the off, but he handled him very well (aside from the goal) but sometimes that happens. The Guardian (I think it was) blamed him for not beating Heskey, I don't and I'd argue with anyone who suggests he should've had Heskey.

The big question is though, what will he do vs Ipswich next week? Personally I want a mix, because I still want the win over that scumbag Keane.. Turnbull Bosingwa - Bruma - Terry - Van Aanholt Mikel McEachran - Lampard Kakuta - Drogba - Zhirkov/Malouda Starting 4 of those guys will be fresh to see, but they'll also be supported by the experienced guys. I'd like to see Sturridge & Clifford to come on off the bench for either one youth player & one experienced player or both youngsters. Hasslebaink got it spot on when we played Zilina.. You can't field a full team of youth players, that's not how they'll learn.

LOL indeed. Carlo even went on record last week saying "I saw Ronaldinho's decline"

Blackburn make Ronaldinho bid I'd love this to happen..

Indeed, 7 players over 30. And this fixture schedule, is by no means easy. Player who are 30+ should not be playing 2 games within a week, it's club & career suicide.

Number 3 makes me laugh a bit

Anyone fancy David Bentley for a potential winger?

Personally I don't see us winning the title but I do see us being a thorn in the sides who do look like it. We can close down Tottenham and jump them for 3rd and from there be a nuisance