Madmax

Our work rate off the ball was the most pleasing aspect of the match, I thought.

Should have had a perfect hattrick really with that left footer that struck the post. Nevertheless, really positive performance from him. The work rate, the intelligence, the confidence ... everything. Enjoying his football and it shows in his gait and body language. The fact that we didn't take multiple laborious, contemplative touches on the ball in midfield before throwing a hopeful punt forward helped as well. Not at all surprised to see him come good, it was always gonna happen and now that it has, long may it continue. Bollocks to the 'meh ... it's just Genk' theory too. You could have put the Torres we saw yesterday against any defence in the world and he would have been a real nuisance. Now that he's on a 4 in 3 streak, all the haters (read : English bog rolls masquerading as newspapers) have gone quiet. Kicking a man when he's down - very easy; eating humble pie - entirely different proposition.

Liked what I saw of him yesterday. Spots a pass early and has the ability to pull them off. Would have liked a better work rate but I understand he's coming back from an injury?

We can't even give a game to Josh, who's to say we sign this chap for 20 odd million and he ends up somewhere like Vitesse or Hamburg a couple of years down the line.

Go easy on our Giggsy, lads.

Didn't look out of place at all. Likes a tackle, keeps it tidy, not afraid to have a punt either ... but best of all - really quickened up our passing from midfield going forwards.

-2nd goal against Arse in the CC final. -The freekick against Arse at Emirates in the 3-0 in 09-10. -Exulting dive in front of Benitez by the touchline after the first goal against Liverpool at the Bridge in 07-08 UCL semi 2nd leg. This was after Benitez had rubbished him as a player in his media comments the day before.

Would like some rest for Cole. Ferreira at LB maybe? If only we'd picked Bertrand in the squad ....

^Thanks.

Who is the player the journo asked AVB about? Something about scouting him as a potential future Chelsea player? Was it de Bruyne he asked about? And what did AVB say in reply? My stream is really laggy and I didn't catch the name.

Love elephants. Great beasts.

Strange to hear Barton spout pearls of wisdom on morality and etiquette.

Seems Mr Bevan and his buddies got really bored during the intl break

Because he spots potential and knows how to transform that potential into performances. Ability + Application = Success.

Just to be clear, I didn't compare their stats at all. I merely stated the numbers and said that they were in the Xavi category. They're two players world apart in terms of position, style and responsibilities, which is precisely why I didn't bother responding to the user who ignorantly pointed out that Xavi makes more forward passes. That wasn't the point I was trying to make.

First touch as subtle as a sledgehammer. If he improves on his touch and on-the-ball play, he'll threaten the 20 goal mark every season. There's atleast a couple of instances every game where he's virtually through on goal courtesy sheer pace and determination but his touch lets him down and the defender can track back. There's something lovable about him though, comes across as a grounded family man and a hard worker to boot.

Josh has to start.

Yeah I meant the defending. Given up on his crossing for a long time now.

Great quick feet, best first touch and close control among all our forwards.

Even Bosingwa had a good game!

Anyone who makes Phil Neville look like the right tit that he is deserves my vote. Step up, Juan Mata!

Why do cunts like Roy Keane never suffer such injuries? Instead it has to be one of the few good guys around. Get well soon and Godspeed, Guddy.

Mikel : Passes completed - 94 out of 97. Those are Xavi-esque numbers. Chelsea : Passes completed - 733 out of 831.

Stressed with exams around the corner.