Styles

So the squad has been reduced to give these kids playing time. Why then doesn't Sturridge, who has the most experience and isn't a kid at 21, get many games? You can not tell me Sturridge does not deserve more than what he's getting considering the form of all of our attackers. Why did PVA not play against Marseille after an impressive performence against Zilina? Why does McEachran deserve more of a chance than these two? Barcelona's B team play in the Spanish second divison which is infinitely better than the youth/reserve leagues in England. This is where they gain all their experience i.e. Pedro for example. They can also scout all over Spain and have less rules to comply with than an English club. We can never match Barcelona in terms of youth development and I don't think anybody with any sense expects or demands that. But if you think simply waiting is the answer then you're wrong. PVA, Bruma, Sturridge and Kakuta won't get better sitting on the bench watching the likes of Ferreria and Kalou when they could possibly contribute more. Either play them when the chance is available or loan them out.

We were in a crisis from the very start. The decision to go into the new season with that squad meant that as soon as players started picking up injuries, became tired or lost their form this would happen. There is absolutely no competition for places at the club which is not healthy.

I would play a 9-1 formation and hope for the best. Can't believe the lack of faith I have going into a match against Spurs. Ferreria starts?!?! Hope he brings some lube.

He's going to come good again. Keep the faith.

I'd probably feel the same way if I had to leave this behind... Drogba is hero-worshipped in Marseille. He has scored many goals for Chelsea, gives his all and is even now playing despite suffering from malaria. I'm willing to forgive him for exaggerating a little bit about his feelings at the time. Drogba :worship:

The effects of malaria can last a long time. It can stay in the system and continue to affect Drogba even though he says he is cured.

I find it pretty easy to defend Drogba's current form. Malaria is a pretty serious illness which many people can't seem to understand. Anelka and Malouda are off form however they've played more or less every game so that is expected. Unfortunately for our attackers they don't have enough quality back up to replace them when things go wrong. Bale vs Ferreria is giving me panic attacks right now. And the game is three days away.

Can't believe you stayed up for that crap. I would have went to sleep as soon as I saw the team sheet.

Poor squad rotation. Failure to use players like Kakuta, PVA and Sturridge more often. Playing Kalou as often as he does. And another big Ancelotti problem; not having the balls to demand one or two more players in the summer when they let go of so many players.

Carlo is part of the problem.

Don't worry lads, we can keep this at 1-0. We can take the confidence of a narrow defeat into the game on Sunday. Carlo :worship:

Just a thought Max, what with the way he's being treated and all. It's testament to him that he just gets on with it. And people had negative vibes about him being a big shot before he came couldn't be more wrong.

I wonder if Sturridge has any motiation to even want to do well? He's probably thinking what's the point it won't change anything.

Ooops My eyes are decieivng me on the BBC update. I keep seeing Arsenal vs Ajax

Joe rarely beat players. The few times he did it was exaggerated and put up on youtube for the fanboys to w*nk over. Johnson is a different animal. He can beat players at will and his dribbling is effective as opposed to Joe Cole's big windmill stepovers that dont fool anyone but himself. Johnson is an old school winger. Joe Cole is a five a side footballer.

Arsenal drawing 1-1 with Ajax. They're going to finish second. God I hope they get Barca again and they get smashed...again! :champions:

Joe Cole was good when he was a squad member and had compeition for places. He was useless when he was a first team player. He was even more useless when he thought he could bully a new manager (Carlo) to play him in a position he simply doesn't have the brain or ability for which was behind the strikers. I was glad to see him leave.

That would be great. Sometimes I wish he was 10 years younger. The complete midfielder.

Oh he definitely picked the team tonight. Same old same? Check Kalou? Check No Sturridge? Check This has Ancelotti's finger prints all over it.

No thanks. The old Joe Cole was pretty useless, we don't need a new one.

Offside.

Confidence is one of his few assets. No matter how many times he doesn't make a simple pass or score an open goal he keeps going. Which is credit to him. His problem is he lacks speed, strength and technical ability i.e. crossing, passing, shooting etc. All the things you would think an attacker would need, especially one that plays a lot for a big European club.

Confidence isn't the problem with Kalou.

The 5th official disallowed that penalty just to feel involved in the game. It is a boring job afterall. Just standing there, poor sods don't even have a flag to wave like the linesman.

How on earth was that not a penalty?