Madmax

Weight : 63 kg. Blimey. Our lightest 'senior' player?

It isn't just the saves though. He exuded confidence and calmness all throughout the game. He dealt with awkward crosses and loose balls with aplomb, which definitely gives a sense of security to the defence, especially when the centre-halves are having a torrid time like they did yesterday. The goalkeeper is only really spoken of when he makes mistakes and it is usual for his performances to be overshadowed by the adventure that attackers bring but I think Hilario was nigh on excellent yesterday. Maybe if it was Cech who'd made that diving one-armed save vs Tchoyi or the cool composed stop against Odemwingie late on, we'd all be lauding him.

Juan Mata Chelsea's no.10

We have closed this Mata!

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=EUNL6igxYsM

I don't expect Lampard to be benched. I expect Torres to be hauled off regardless of how good he plays. I expect Josh and Benayoun to sit on the bench watching Lamps and Anelkalouda scupper move after move. I expect Drogba the great to make an appearance and replace Torres because it's somehow crystal clear they can't play together.

Welcome!

Hilario - 7 Bosingwa - 6.5 Alex - 3.5 Terry - 5 Cole - 6 Mikel - 6.5 Lampard - 5 Ramires - 6 Kalou - not applicable Anelka - 6.5 Torres - 6 Malouda - 5.5 Ivanovic - 6 Drogba - 4

I just hope City don't come in for Mata now.

We were nothing short of awful with the 4-4-2 experiment in the middle of last season. AvB mentioned in his post match presser that we went to a diamond after Kalou was taken off. Atleast he's willing to change things that aren't working.

You don't want Yossi to get injured, it might scupper the Modric deal.

-AvB

The CB pairing today was completely exposed by their pace and our high line. Long and Tchoyi made such a nuisance of themselves. Luiz and Ivan aren't completely fit though, so I understand the selection.

Last I checked, KTF didn't mean looking away while problems stare you in the face.

Marco Ambrosio.

Is there actually a point trying to argue with didierforever?

Classic Malouda. Trust him to pop up with goals during the beginning and end of seasons. Boosts his stats, makes him look useful and books his place as a starter. Then BOOM, as soon as 'bad moment' arrives, goes missing, does fuck all apart from changing his hairdo every week. Rinse and repeat for every new manager to walk through the Stamford Bridge revolving door. Hopefully AvB sees through this and asks him to sort his crap out.

Sorry but I can't see major differences. Only visible deviation from last year is the high backline and the emphasis on crossing from width. The play has quickened up to a degree, I'll give you that. It's only been 2 games so while trying to avoid sounding like a miserable bastard, I have to say I'm worried that we still seem to feel our way into games and rely on growing into them rather than take the matter by the neck and dominate from the off. On both occasions so far the second half has seen a marked improvement over the first, which makes you think why can't that happen from kickoff itself?

I'd much rather prefer a slow start to the season if it brings along gradual improvement and momentum. We started like a house on fire last season only to wither away. Hard-fought games at the start especially under a new manager paints a true picture of where we stand and what we need to do to get where we want to be. Whereas a smashing start lets everyone get carried away and ignore issues that affect the team.

I must admit the substitution after 30 mins today made me snigger.

Benayoun could just as easily switch to another number. That rumour proves nothing IMO. This transfer (if true) doesn't make sense in a technical terms. We need more creativity, not less. What's the point in getting one creative player and letting another go? Not that they're similar players, but variety is what you need. Squad rules about over-21 foreign players is the only situation that make me understand this news to some degree.

I think there's Juan debate to be had about that Mata.

Jorge Valdano - Obviously Mourinho is not Valdano's favourite person in the world after what happened between them, but what he says here is true.

Hope we close this Mata soon. Juan more WC winner in the squad adds a nice touch.

This is no laughing Mata.