Waterfall

Pass completion rate in isolation tells you little about the player's passing ability, even less if you are talking about just one game. Drogba in last two seasons has had just as many assists as Torres in his entire career while being among the league leaders in chances created. And I shouldn't have to tell you about all the quality/crucial long passes he's made for us over the years. I can hardly remember one Torres made. And this isn't a knock on Fernando because Drogba's been one of the most complete forwards in the world.

Yeah I remember the Wigan game where he only had to make the littlest contact with the ball to be one on one with the keeper. Benayoun also made a very nice pass to Torres near the end which Fernando probably should have scored, but he blew both chances.

You are absolutely delusional if you don't think Torres' had more than 1 chance to score here.

Much more than 1. If Kalou's been performing like Torres has, EVERYONE would be calling for his head now.

Did you see Torres on 3 on 1 situation vs Sunderland?

No he's not. Even when he's not scoring goals, Drogba is still a much better passer, bigger set piece threat and better defender. Torres for the last few months has been one of our worst strikers in recent memory.

Pato wouldn't be bad, but I doubt there's much truth to this

Probably massively underestimating Lverkusen and at the same time overrating Stoke, but I actually think this match is going to be easier than the Stoke one at Britannia

Alex - Terry partnership is too slow to deal with Hernandez, Rooney, Young and Nani. With high defensive line, it's only going to look worse.

Picture of the decade:

Is that why we had to best defence in the league last season?

Terry for me. Scored a good goal and defended well.

Made a good save just a few minutes ago

God's work

So when Lamps AND Torres both play poorly, only Lampard must be dropped because he's a leader? Great logic.

yes, you did. we are trying to rest Mata so that he doesn't get hurt.

oh the irony

seriously is that all you are gonna talk about?

you answered your own question.

You realize the goal is to win the game, not necessarily to let Torres score, right? Manager did what he thought would help the TEAM most.

It's called resting your best player who just came back from international break before a CL week and a match against United.

Makes more sense to rest Mata who just came back from the international break. Guys, this game isn't all about making sure Fernando score

He didn't look poor at all. If anything he played better than Sturridge and Lamps

One player who looked a little different (in a good way) is Ramires. He's got so much potential

Very good half. Would like to see McEachran come on at one point.