Blue Armour

Wow I did not know that. And I was making a general observation, not clamoring for Essien to get an assured starting role. Irrespective of what he's been last season (mostly absent) he's looked bloody good this pre-season.

When he charged forward to foul Beckham, it reminded me of the old Bison. He's may not be at his best, but he still stabilizes that midfield and brings the ball out from defense quickly.

Coming to slightly more serious matters, Essien had been looking real sharp this pre-season.

some of the TC fans here don't seem to have a sense of humor, with all these arguments and the rants...

Haha...I wished I'd taken a pic of that Chelsea fun who shrugged and made an epic face at the cam.. Ah well, so the MLS all-stars strike again..damn.

Nice to see Lampard trying to build-up an understanding with Marin...Essien trying hard to impress DiMatteo.. Ramires also getting pumped up in the last 20 mins of first half...Henry still classy whenever he gets the ball...Only talking points for me so far.

It was the same in the previous game as well. In both it as after Essien came on. The guy does help stabilize the midfield, no doubt it. But whether he can become more than a squad option and turn into regular starter remains to be seen.

There was more purpose in our build-up play when Essien came on. RDM will do well to give him more match practice.

If Lukaku goes on loan (very likely), we will definitely need a backup striker.

Ridiculous. And besides, if ever there was a self-playing-piano-like football team it is (or was) Mourinho's Chelsea.

Lukaku did well, today but I think a loan could work in his favor. There are a few things he could add to his game. His one-touch passing, link-up play and runs at goal where great to watch though. Josh should be allowed to stay. If he goes to some lower team, he won't benefit as no-one will make the runs that Marin and Lukaku did today. Kakuta and DeBruyne will hopefully start the next game to get a better chance to impress. Kevin did try a lot though.

We seem to be keeping more possession now.

Do not loan Josh. please.

True, especially when we're getting cut open so easily...Lots of firepower, should learn to keep the ball in the opponent's half

Anyone missing Drogba?

Arsenal...gave us Ashley Cole, and Drogba goals.

LOL.

or the media simply don't have a clue.

If we are going to play 3-4 flair players upfront, we better learn to keep possession or else we're screwed to say the least.

You mean Hulk. I would love Cavani as our CF, but this story is just something out of the rumor mill. As irritating as it sounds, Gourlay has endorsed Torres as the main man for next season. I don't think they want a repeat of the Drogba-Torres scenario.

It was Kakuta..they both speak French.

True. Ever since his signing with Chelsea became official, DeBruyne has been averaging nearly an assist every game.

Not needed if we have a proper left-footed winger on the left wing.

That PSG lineup... especially the striker !!