Blue Armour

The hypocrisy around here can drive a guy mad, but let's look at it objectively. Its not an over-reaction to say that TODAY DiMatteo screwed up badly. Yes, dropping Torres was what most of us wanted but when the alternative was to play without a proper forward (due to Sturridge's injury) , then I'm not sure it was wise to use that formation. I think the truth is that RDM was furious (deservedly so) after the recent run of games and overcompensated for our shortcomings in defense.

He could make an impact, but his eventual departure could also have a demoralizing effect.

Guess RDM has seen the light:

Hence why I mentioned CURRENT season in my post.

Are you're basing this on his performance during the current season? His finishing is pretty good...and before someone else says it, yes he's good with his right foot as well.

Hazard should have been subbed early on in the second half. I don't think RDM had enough faith in Marin's match fitness to bring him on at a crucial point in the game. On a bright note, RDM should have noticed how displacing Torres in favor of a mobile striker can help the team.(At least I hope he did..)

True. Drogba's character is as strong as his physique.

Lol..how did Seb come to that conclusion..

Balotelli has certainly fallen down the pecking order at City...although I doubt they would sell him to us.

Haha...Mata looks like JT's cape in that pic...

Even Didier used to lose the ball when it was played to him so that he could hold it up..and its not just that...With his off-the ball movement Torres also succeeds in drawing defenders to create space, that in very dangerous areas... I know it looks like I'm trying to find excuses but I too would love it if he was replaced ASAP. I'm just trying to say that RDM might have his reasons for continuing to start Torres despite his poor record..

That's what I'm (and I think RDM) not sure of. Criticism of Torres , whilst deserved, has been slightly exaggerated. He still serves as an outlet for the midfield players helping with the passing around the final third, as well as occasionally holding up the ball.

I hope you guys don't. His character isn't as strong as Drogba's....Once he realizes the crowd are on his back, whatever's left of his form will dry up and we'll have to suffer till will we get a replacement.

Yeah our rotation policy is pretty bad...especially when you see that Torres hasn't done enough to seal a guaranteed start every game.

I'm not putting everyone in the same category... I was also encouraged by our run of performances up till that Man Utd game, where I thought RDM, by luck or better judgement, had actually put together a title-winning side...Whilst I still won't write off our side as contenders, the last few performances haven't been very encouraging, and this result (annoying no doubt) typified that...this has a lot to do with the lack of goal threat from our strikers, and shows how woeful our depth is in that department...

Not excusing what they did, but neither of those three are proven goal-scorers...Mata should have passed to Hazard and that was really bad... Torres is trying his best, but this team will NOT bring out the best of him. He will not always get chances delivered on a plate...We need a different type of forward..some one who can drop into midfield like Totti or Rooney and help create their own chances..

Sturridge probably deserves to start, but that doesn't change the fact that he's not exactly an impact sub. At least not in the mold of Kalou or Drogba... The fact is our striking options are woefully limited...we need more firepower..hopefully in Jan.

A lot of you seem to be throwing a fit just because we dropped out of the top 2.. Did you really expect us to be a title-winning side without an in-form forward?

I wonder whether its possible to get these guys on loan now that their season's over: Probably the only way to catch up with Chicarito's and Utd's goal count...

Then I take it you don't remember the start of last season when he was there. To summarize: Ivanovic is a better RB than CB. Luiz is still a VERY good cb. But what annoys me is that he takes things too casually at times, and RDM should tell him to drop his lackadaisical attitude and get on with the game. Cahill is solid, pretty fast and good on the ball.. but his positioning is suspect and this has led to goals,.. although many are quick to ignore this and pile the blame on Luiz.

Hopefully he won't act like he's shot on the pitch..

Really disappointed that it took till the 88th minute for him to be brought on... I guess its not a good time right now for Sturridge at Chelsea...there were even a few jokers on another forum berating him for giving away possession as soon as he came on...

It pains me to say it, but his movement and link-up play has actually been good most of the time this season. This is probably why RDM prefers to start with him. The big negative is that he simply goes to pieces whenever he gets the ball in threatening positions... either failing to control the ball or just running into a defender. Then there's the fact that he won't shoot...I'm guessing Oscar has more shots than he has....

Let's just hope that he at least comes on for Torres and not some other unfortunate soul.

Going with Toronto..