Madmax

One average year? He contributed nothing of note from summer 2007 to the second half of 08-09. Began 09-10 brilliantly and then went missing when it went tits up pre-Christmas, only returning to form during those few weeks when we were scoring 7 every other game. Started 10-11 similarly in good nick and then disappeared, never to return. That's a cumulative 2 decent seasons out of 4. He only plays well when the entire team is doing well. His attitude stinks, he looks like he can't be arsed to make a positive difference and on top of that he comes out with ridiculous comments in the media.

This. The amount of exposure he gets on the official site is severely disproportionate to his squad role.

I miss the sentences starting with 'cool ...' or 'damn...' But I'll let it slide

Got to commend his knowledge of the game, it's encyclopedic. Very well-informed on football history in particular.

Be a tragedy if you were, considering your age.

You're deluded.

Please point out the part where I mocked his thread.

Meh. Futile exercise to compare players of different eras.

Good read about him in the Guardian today --> http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/sep/15/juan-mata-chelsea-spain-torres This bit was great - :chelsea2:

Why are people bent on seeing him as a DM or RB I'll never know

Less than a year ago Manchester's favourite Scouser was openly questioning the ability of his teammates and the ambitions of his paymasters. But of course, you'll never be reminded about it.

Ivan - Luiz - JT - Cole Bosingwa at RB against Utd just gives me the creeps. Too immature positionally and too vunerable to lapses in concentration. Ivan, while more solid than spectacular, will do his job and keep their winger in check. Having Sturridge ahead of him makes a difference as well, last season Anelka/Kalou kept straying in midfield and it increased Ivan's workload on the right. Also I'd imagine Ramires will be asked to help out the RB with defending, much like against Bale at WHL last season. In the middle I'd go for Luiz regardless of whether Mikel plays. As much as I rate Alex, he's a little limited in what he brings to the table apart from bread and butter defending. He's been making some mistakes lately (Newcastle late last year, WBA this year) and isn't suited to the high line. His match fitness is a worry anyway. Even though Luiz is very capable of having a rush of blood to the head and ending up doing something silly, he's just as likely to make amends and make a telling contribution at the other end.

Would imagine his career is in grave jeopardy. 3 knee surgeries in 3 years is unthinkable for a pro footballer.

I'm not sold on Ivan as a CB. He looks decidedly uncomfortable there. Wouldn't play him at all if he's not playing at RB.

Chelsea's Premiership record at OT : Won 5, Drawn 8, Lost 6. Best record for any visiting team. Bring it on.

Was DD wearing glasses?

Maybe they should be more worried about why they haven't won the league since 2008 ...

No Kolarov? I'd imagine your first choice back 4 would be Ivan-Subotic-Vidic-Kolarov?

Not sure about that. He was already on a yellow when he went and ploughed into Shrek last season at the Bridge.

On the contrary. He is obviously the most desperate man out there to score and get people off his back. So he could have easily grabbed that chance and tried to curl it past the keeper but instead displayed commendable team ethic and chose to do the right thing and ensure a comfortable ending to the game while forgoing personal glory.

Was obviously fired up for this one. Got into great positions and worked hard for the team, which is a start. Just lacking in the finish., but won't complain if he sticks a couple in the onion bag up at Old Toilet.

Incredible finish. Hitting it first time and curling it past the keeper .... genius. Not sure people fully understand the difficulty of that strike, top quality strikers would have skied that one high into the stands. His exuberance remains a worry, arguably should have been sent off much before he scored.

Hah, he's finally got his wish. Our little squirmishes are well known but that doesn't mean I've got anything against him. Sure it was a tad irritating at the time but I think two adults should be able to put a fucking internet argument behind them. So congratulations to him and Zansnake of course, who's one of the more sensible guys around here. Welcome to the club lads

He's hit the ground running when theoretically it should be difficult for him, coming into the most competitive league in the world. Truly inspired signing.