Nic!

Lukaku can't play against Napoli, so give him some decent amount of minutes. Otherwise he's without first team football for over 2 weeks.

Again, looked pretty okay today. Almost a goal (threw himself at the ball, something I haven't see Torres do in a long time), lost the bal once when I possession, headed the ball to nowhere (due to miscommunication) and forced a corner for Chelsea after a good dribble on the left. All in all: better than Fernando!

When Drogba is back, Lukaku will not even be on the bench. Just that you all are prepared. Question: is Torres banned for the next game? Wasn't this his 5th YC?

Lukaku should be subbed on much earlier, when it was still 1-0. He had more impact in 15 minutes than Torres in 94. Sad, but true.

Even when the CF doesn't have any impact, I'm 100% sure Lukaku would gain a lot from starting a game. Experience, feeling confidence from the manager, the little chance that he might do well and even score, etc.. Torres on the contrary would actually lose confidence when not being able to have an impact. Something we all have seen happening in the last couple of weeks. But I agree that an owngoal or a gigantic misser from Lukaku would feed newspapers à la The Sun. But sometimes you have to take risks. If you take the risk to pay 18 million, you have to have the guts to play him now and then. I think it's fair that AVB says that Torres needs confidence from the staff, teammates and fans. But I guess the same thing applies for Lukaku. Lukaku set his own goal at the start of the season: to make the CL squad in January (1 change can be made). Well he failed, and knowing Lukaku a little bit, I think he's feeling all but good now. So it's not only Torres who should feel confidence.

It's all way wishful thinking sadly. Will Torres play: yes. Will Sturrdige play on the wing: yes Will Romelu get a start: no Will Mata play on the wing: yes Will AVB bring Romelu when Torres *bleep* up again or is clearly tired: no

Give a Lukaku a start, maybe? He'll outrun and outpower Destin and Heitinga so easily they'll poop their pants.

His fourth yellow card, isn't he suspended for the next game?

First penalty is understandable and correctn, second one is a goal. En third goal was made after incorrect throw given to Man U when Mata was in the rightcorner. For once you can't blame it on AVB. Only thing I blame him for is for being so affraid. No extra attacking player when 3-3 when half your attacking line is tired as fuck.

JUST SHOOT TORRES, SHOOT!

Sturridge always so selfish, argh

First I though, no way a penalty. But in replay it shows it is.

Also, I'm quite worried about Lukaku. What's going to happen when Drogba returns? Now he's the second best choice up front (Torres being choice number one) and even then he only got about 25 minutes in what 5 games combined? When Drogba returns I can't see him playing at all. And that's just the worst thing that can happen for a striker his age. Even when he's not playing too many minutes,he's gaining some experience travelling to different stadiums, doing the warming-up, trying to handle the pressure. But when Drogba is back, he's just going to rot away in the reserves. At that point, how harsh it may sound, Lukaku has to hope that either Drogba or Torres picks up an injury. Maybe it's time for AVB to give Lukaku a start now that Drogba is still away. It might give Torres some time to reflect and his subs always looked good when Drogba started. I know AVB isn't going to do it. But hey, there's hoping!

Lukaku is 2-footed. For crossing, he goes most of the time to his left. Most of his goals are scored with his right though.

Thing is, AVB didn't made that decision. Lukaku asked to play with the reserves himself.

Lukaku had more shots on goal in ten minutes than Torres in 90! One to nil that is. Lukaku should've done better with that chance though. Was a pretty weak shot.

Torres, no. Bad pass.

Why not bring Lukaku in now? This I don't get. You have 10 minutes. Only 1 striker on the bench. You're 1-0 down. Is it me or is it just basic football logic to get (even if he's raw) a striker upfront now hen he's almost 2m big? Edit: I said nothing.

Malouda, that cross was so bad it wasn't even a cross. It was a pass with a little bit of air.

Life under AVB: one disgraceful half and one crappy half.

Okay, one Bison on. Now another! Yes, I'll keep whining for Romelu!

Okay, just my minutes were bit off.

Expected subs: - Essien for Romeu (minute 79) - No, that's it.

No Chelsea goal within 10-20 minutes: bring on Lukaku.

Could have been red for Malouda there.