lionsden

Why we played poorly especially in the first half is very simple. Lack of penetration in opposition's final third and horizontal passing and lack of movement was responsible for the shambolic display. we saw a different Chelsea in the 2nd half and AVB should take the credit for it. People should stop overreacting as we played well in the 2nd half and things can only get better from here.

The 2nd half was a total contrast to the 1st. our passes and movement were more vertical and created more chances. why didn't they play at a high tempo right from the start instead of the dreadful slow backward and sideway passes of the 1st half

How shit was Drogba, Lampard (1st half) and Kalou today

Goal

YOu hit the nail right on the head. someone who finally gets the problem I have said so many times that a manager is only as good as the players at his disposal. This team needs major rebuilding. we lack ideas, urgency, passion,creativity, precision and cutting edge.

I'm at a loss for word and that's saying something as I'm usually very opinionated

Our problem is more deeply rooted than Kalou.

Same shit, different season

Is Odewinge in the starting line-up for westbrom?

irrespective of this match outcome, AVB has some explaining to do regarding team selection and he damn well better have a good reason.

Tip 1- Volunteer as a cameraman at your college/university.

Atleast Hilario is starting ahead of Turnbull. That's the only positive so far

Kalou and Lampard in the starting line up?. . .I reserve my comment for now

The mata being discussed was starting to get out of hand

Conveniently ignoring the "but it's not a big deal" part of my post. well done to you sir

He couldn't have resisted such an offer though. if anything the blame should go to the board/those responsible for signing him.

I sense vernom and enmity

Who gives, arguably, the most valuable squad number to a fringe player. numbers such as 1, 4, 5, 7,8,9 and 10 should be reserved for key/regular starters only imo but it's not a big deal.

Even the most unreliable sources does get it right once in a while and given the inevitable nature of this deal and the fact that marca is a spanish media outlet, there's a legitimate reason to believe the news.

And how is skysports or BBC any more reliable than marca? Valencia have already declared their intentions to sell Mata to the club that meets their 30m valuation. Considering we are the only club currently in the race to sign him, why would it be hard to believe that our offer has been accepted regardless of the media outlet that published the news?.

dúo mortal :eyebrows:

Happy days ahead. Even though hazard was my preferred choice, signing mata would be a cracking piece of business. I'm more confident than ever in our ability to get Modric with an improved offer. £30m plus Anelka or kalou should be enough. I suspect Redknapp would prefer Anelka.

Me too. at this point in time, I would welcome any player.signing that can/would offer more than Malouda currently does on the left wing in terms of genuine width and creativity.

AVB's system does not require a specialist winger like Robben or Sanchez. A technically gifted forward,which I believe Sturridge is, can easily adapt to the 4-3-3 system as he's already shown in Bolton and pre-season and if you need further prove, look no further than Hulk with porto last season, he isn't a proper winger neither but adapted well to AVB's system. Because that would be a luxury purchase and given the new FFP rule, we need to spend wisely to comply with the FFP.

Why buy 2 wingers when all we need. unless Ofcourse we still have some critic that doubts sturridge ability as an inverted RWF and would want him to rot on the bench or loaned out. Modric+Hazard is sufficient.