Blue Armour

Really looks like he did it on purpose...or more likely he didn't give a shit...deserves to trade places with Malouda

You're referring to the ones against Chelsea? He was highly rated even before that.. But yes, I agree its too early to think of Shaw. We have Cole for one more season, and Bertrand is more than capable of filling in when needed.

Its believable after seeing that shot of his that went for a throw-in....

But isn't it possible for any manager to have a below-par season? Yes they're in 3'rd place,.. but they're only 4 points behind Athletico Madrid (who they have already trashed once this season). You can point out that they're 16 points behind Barca, and that's perhaps too big a gap considering the quality squad they've got....., but isn't that the same kind of situation in England with Man utd and City? It can happen sometimes, when either the leading team is far too consistent, or one of your key players like say, Kompany or Ozil are not playing at their usual level....or perhaps both.. The problem is Mourinho hasn't been at any club long enough for us to truly judge him. Hopefully that's about to change..

You have to admire Terry's character when he says that we must do our best to win the trophy. I've seen lesser players deride this competition, but despite being in 2 CL finals (well almost) he treats this trophy like any other.

Angel Di Maria and De Gea, were both contenders for player of the match. Ronaldo a close second. Van Persie had 2 glorious chances to put UTD in the lead, but squandered them. Although his second attempt required a real good save.

Lol...then I suppose "late bloomers" are a myth...

True, which is why I think he should come back to club at the end of the season and talk to his manager (whoever it will be) before making a decision regarding his development. That's obviously what's going to happen of course...

Lol...care to elaborate?

The player himself feels more comfortable with another period on loan. Do you think its wise to deny him that?

You also have to remember Paulo gets opportunities to play with the first team from time to time. Not exactly a reason for a 34 yr old squad player to complain...

Absolutely agree. A loan for 1 more year, with an option for recall depending on how the next season pans out.

Doubt it...what's left of the old guard is desperately trying to hang on, and creating an uproar won't improve their chances. I'm not sure what exactly happened with club and Malouda, but if I had to guess, they tried to get rid of him in the summer transfer window and he manged to stick on for another season. Fine, the club have the right to get angry.... but tossing him in the reserves to prove a point doesn't help anyone....

Maybe, maybe not. Tell me what you know and the name the source as well, thanks.

Credit where its due, he does play a part in some of our goals like in the last match. Rafa should honestly consider playing Torres behind Ba.

How can you call Malouda a cunt or a money-grabber when you don't know the inside facts? IMO, this whole charade has left the club in bad light more than anything else...

Shame it wasn't Drogba this year, but happy for Mikel.

I just hope Benitez doesn't see this is a chance of redemption and go all out for this...its a good thing he doesn't have a Ba in the matter...

No. But he's the only one of his kind, and our squad really needs him. Hopefully with Luiz back (and Mikel returning later), Lampard can get more rest between games and perform at his best level when called upon.

Hope not...after what we went through with Essien... :ph34r2:

Apparently the sub was nothing more than a precaution, as he was feeling some discomfort in his ankle. They need him for the final, after all...

Well that's a sacrifice he won't have to worry about...

Sigh...the sight of Rafa on the touchline when we concede...I should be crying, but more often end up laughing... Nothing Chelsea does makes sense these days....

That's true, but when have we ever given a crap about the rest of the football world? I wonder if the new manager effect will always have an effect...it didn't work for the fat man. There's only so much a team can take...