Blue Armour

Yeah, I think he will be a sub now that Ramires is injured...

No one was defending Kalou back there...only AVB's decision; and the second thing was people were reading too much into Kalou's interview. Also I'd rather have a player who's willing to play for the team rather than an upset one, even if he's little more than a waste of space

Maybe under different circumstances I would have agreed.. But this Sunday, one of the Manc teams are definitely going to drop points, and we have to take advantage. Yes, we may be in a transition period but that shouldn't stop us from trying to win something this season.

Anyone can make mistakes, but surely no-one would have guessed Kalou was dead certain to give away an own goal... AVB has and wants to keep his entire squad happy by being fair to every player on it. That much was clear from his interview regarding Josh. There's always a chance that half the squad gets injured and Kalou will have to step in, so AVB's just trying to keep him interested.

Meh... its not for me to decide if he's "worthy" or not...If the coach and the management still see a use for him, they can keep him... although personally I do think he'll be wasting his time here if he has ambitions of getting a regular role... All I said is there's nothing unethical (even if most fans don't see it that way) in what he said in that interview...

That article is incomplete. He also said:“I hope I can play more. I can push myself, train hard, and come in if I have the opportunity and score. The rest is normal. The manager picks the team and every player respects the decision." On a side note, EVERY player (yes even the bad ones), has the right to prove himself worthy of a new contract just like a lot of under-qualified people fight to get jobs...

Hmm...I'll probably save a screenshot of that one

I don't know about DD's form but he's certainly not worse than Lukaku at the moment

Agreed, it was naive on his part But its also possible that the Spanish press wheedled it out him. The media loves controversy....

Actually Malouda, and I'm sorry to say this, even Sturridge suffer from a similar syndrome. They tend to think that they can make a better impression on the manager through great goal scoring feats.. Now that Daniel knows that he has a regular spot in the starting 11 he has become a better player, since he no longer has the distraction of proving himself. In case of Malouda, its the exact opposite. To tell the truth its his own fault that he lost his starting 11 position. He should just keep his head low, and concentrate on doing his best for the team with the minutes he gets on the putch, because whatever his attitude may be, the quality is still there.

Exactly. While I do agree he needs more chances, he's younger than Wilshere and Cleverly (who's 22 compared to Josh's 18). He has time on his side

Torres for obvious reasons... Credit to Oriol for giving more drive to the game, making sure the team never sat back after we went 2 up. Also praise to Anelka who played with professionalism despite not having regular playing time

Yeah I heard he snubbed the news reporters on his exit from the stadium...every right to do so...

I can't help but feel that it was only after Romeu started charging at and harassing the opposition for the ball, that the team really turned it up a gear... Well played by "The Bull"...I'm sure even the Bison would agree.

Too easy, but nonetheless orgasmic football....

Awesome from my killah bull Romeu

Sorry if I'm wrong but it sounds to me like you're saying we need a Xavi, Iniesta and a Sergios Busquets type model for our midfield... I think we just need a midfield that works...one that has all the necessary tools in it such as creating chances, scoring goals, keeping possession, passing quickly, pressurizing the opposition and winning the ball back....

No, he won't because he's not the same kind of player... Then again I don't see why he has to

Nope...To be honest, I keep hearing about a new opinion from the commentators on what position the guy is supposed to play in. I hope he doesn't turn into one of those wasted utility players

His one-two with Lamps this season was also a beaut..you should definitely include a few Lampard-Drogba goals in there, its a combination that's very under-rated compared to the old Gerrard-Torres one...

^^ Yeah, its best we secure a hold on the group before experimenting with the line-ups...

I had forgotten about that one... When Bacelona's play acting and posturing came to the fore over the past two season, I guess all the preconcieved opinions about their heroism just faded...

I think what is generally perceived as poor touch is mostly because of the breakneck pace at which he plays. His control over the ball is pretty decent actually.

I wonder who can claim the assist for Terry's goal....Lampard or Mikel? :eyebrows:

Respect for Barton's candour, but I don't think I would go that far