Tidy win I felt. Agree with Carvalho MOTM. Essien impressed for sure. Other than that a solid win - I felt this would be a tough match.
Even Malouda was alright when he came on.
I can confirm NONE of the following will be playing:
Cudicini
Belletti
Bridge
Ballack
Lampard
Sidwell
Drogba
However, chances of a debut for Ivanovic who is in the squad.
It just goes to show what a big personality Jose was I guess. Other than Ben Haim, big hitters such as Drogba and Carvalho all signed because of Mourinho.
I totally agree with the blackout - if Sky needed an extra game to make up the quota they should have chosen West Ham v Derby - two sides not even playing for anything!
I think Grant's main probem is tactically - when we have class strikers such as Anelka and Drogba in the side surely he can accomodate them from time to time? Jose used to tinker a lot with the formation during games, Grant can't seem to unless it's to go 5 at the back like during the Carling Cup which was plain stupid.
I used to think the re-emergence of Ballack, Makelele, Wright-Phillips was down to Grant but this is definitely not the case. I've been happy to give Grant a chance but the team'slack of performance in key games has worried me