Slam Dunk

Don't think he's said anything we didn't know already. Apart from the idea of Luiz in midfield, i'm surprised they're actually considering it/he revealed it.

Haha I got it. In that case bravo

It's like i'm back at school As I said, if the manager is insistent on playing two number 10s in Hazard and Mata, then playing them both on the wings in a 4-3-3 is a waste and so is playing them in a lop-sided 4-2-3-1. The 4-3-2-1 also gives a bit more flexibility into a pure 4-3-3 if you want some width and target the fullbacks (of course it's dependant on the opposition). I still think we're lacking the great midfield passer to support a fluid front 3, perhaps that's the plan for Oscar, as I dont think Lampard would appreciate the narrowness of it all if he wants to make a trademark late run. If Oscar were to become this, I think it'd work. But let's not get into hypotheticals... @SeB - Don't know if its a language thing or whatever, but it cheapens your very well written argument somewhat when you refer casually to someone as a cunt.

Hazard is perfectly capable of playing on the wing, I know. He's not at his best there though, and neither is Mata. It just feels like when you have Bertrand - Mata - Hazard, we become unbalanced, going back and forward. Even more so in the case of Ramires at RW, who decides a RW is someone who plays a mile inside of his fullback when going forward. If you're going to rely on Hazard and Mata to be the attacking impetus of the team, you may as well give them both the freedom with another player protecting them from the midfield. As I said, it just feels more natural with the players we have. Anyway, back to Ramires...Did anyone see his performance yesterday?

Did you read the post? I said we lack width anyway when Hazard and Mata both play because they drift inwards. I'm just putting our best 11 (IMO) in their natural positions. You want width, you drop Mata and go back to a 4-3-3 with Marin & Moses out wide.

Feels like it's more suited to the players we have. Mikel in the lone anchor, Ramires as a box to box, Lampard/Oscar as attacking mid and Hazard and Mata roaming with slightly more protection behind them. We end up playing narrow with both Hazard and Mata on the pitch anyway because they naturally drift inwards so we lack width anyway. We'd keep the ball better (hopefully) without being overrun in midfield. It just makes sense. To me, anyway. Cech Ivan - Cahill - JT - Cole Mikel Ramires - Lampard Mata - Hazard Torres

Formation solved.

Can understand the anger towards us making a once-key player train with the U21s, but he was likely told a long time ago that he was no longer in the club's plans and was free to leave. He was in contact with a number of clubs but wouldn't drop his wage demands. If he wants to stay and leave on a free then he is better off being nowhere near the first team squad instead of slowing the progress of younger players who will be here for the long run. Harsh, but justified IMO.

He'd be worth it just to have him back in the dressing room. A true pro and a natural leader. Would love to have him back at the club. ...Although I doubt the board would see it that way.

I don't think he'd ever turn down playing for his country. Legend.

Russia is hardly his ideal scenario it seems. Oh well, I'm sure all that money will soften the blow somewhat.

I'd love to see us lineup something like: Cech Ivan - Cahill - JT - Bertrand Mikel - Oscar Moses - Hazard - Mata Sturridge Although I doubt RDM would ever put out this team!

I had a feeling this would turn into a Torres thread. We're interested, no doubt, so of course theres a possibility that Falcao could sign for us. The 'pre-agreement' part of the article is pure bollocks though.

I had a feeling Shanghai would let him go. Let him go pick up a final payday abroad (MLS/Middle East/Russia). He won't be coming back to England, i'm sure.

They had been granted an extension (still not sure why), but the BBC are now reporting the deal is dead. Although they'll probably say its back on in 10 minutes.

Oscar is surprisingly combative. Increases my confidence in him playing alongside Mikel somewhat.

What the fuck? What exactly have they appealed against?

I don't think anyone is complaining about the business over the summer as a whole, more so the lack of activity on the final day. Face it, deadline day is always an adrenaline rush for fans and for your club not to be involved must be disappointing (ask Arsenal fans). I mean, who would have called Essien to Real this morning? Not to mention the fact that it's popular opinion that we needed a new striker and theres always a part of us that believes we could be working on something behind the scenes. Of course, the defeat tonight means we've got a few demanding other changes and are angry that there's no time left to complete anything. As you said, we shouldn't forget the fact that as a club, we've had a fantastic summer, transfer-wise.

Yes, to West Ham.

Her news was that the show is ending early because we haven't signed anyone

Watching the deadline day special on CTV... The people that phone in are always so fucking clueless. Anyway, Gigi keeps saying she might have some news... I doubt it.

What was the point of the Bertrand sub? Just for sentimental value for Ryan?

Better than him going to Arsenal I suppose. Don't really see why we needed to let him go anyway, he's a very decent squad player to have.

Is Hazard the default option for MOTM for some now then? Glad to see Mikel getting some recognition.