CHOULO19

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoHr3LahwcE Didn't think he was annoyed as some said. In fact, he was a lot more tolerant to the idiot questions than any normal person would be!

It's a rotation. Everyone that can speak English gets a turn to do the team talk, even the staff. Didn't the physio do it before the match at the Ettihad last season?

How did you infer that I was saying that it's definitely a "racial killing"? I have absolutely no idea if Darren Wilson was consciously racially motivated when he murdered Mike Brown. Was he subconsciously affected by the racist stereotypes? Most probably, yes. But that does not make it a racial killing nor is it the main issue here, imo. And of course that does not take away from the fact that as you said it is more of a "police issue" and there are plenty of very dangerous issues with most police in the US like militarization, over protection by the law at the expense of the citizens, lots of powers and permissions that don't really make sense, lack of state monitoring...etc. Like I said, the events after the death of Mike Brown showed a much uglier racism. From the response of the police that practically criminalized the whole community, to the shameful coverage and lies by most mainstream media sources and the attempts to dehumanize all African-Americans. Take the pic that Kieran posted. That is a terrible attempt to paint a whole race in a certain manner and worse using that stereotype as sort of a justification why Mike and others like him deserve to be killed and worst it turned out to be a complete fake: http://kfor.com/2014/08/19/officer-mistakenly-posts-photo-of-murder-suspect-in-michael-brown-rant/ I really don't have time to answer this properly but there are plenty of scientific studies that show that the attitudes of African-American communities (political and social opinions) have almost zero influence on state policies (as does the lower 70% on the income spectrum, but that's another discussion). People of color, especially males, are also very unlikely to get a decent chance of being integrated into the mainstream society. Are there exceptions? Of course there are, but they don't change the facts above. I'm by no means an expert on the subject, but the "thug culture" you speak of is a result of much of the mainstream society not accepting them as their equals even now. It's also a result of a methodical targeting by state and it's laws for African-American communities such as lack of funding, lack of interesting in developing vital sectors such as educational, health...etc. Even things like state support of investments and eagerness to find economical solutions differs completely between say Mississippi or Detroit and New York or California, as does the manner in which the police are trained and equipped. Racism is undeniably still very much alive in the US, and trying to deny that is a very dangerous slippery slope, imho. Finally, I'm not at all calling for "race war", however, I do think that a civil rights fight is a good idea that everyone in the US should back, regardless of race or ethnic background. Reforms and before that a genuine, honest debate about racism and the widening of the socioeconomic gap that leads to a cultural and political change is very sourly needed. The usual empty rhetorics in US politics and iteration between the two faces of the same coin will likely drive the country into self-destruction.

If this was at the Lane I'd agree, but I just can't see them pulling it off at the Bridge. Their central midfield is just too weak, imo.

That settles it, then!

Tbf, Jose is a glory hunter

Still, it's surprising (and entertaining) to see just how much we've had the upper hand on them this season and the past 25 years. Just 5 losses in the last 57 matches! Do we have a better record against any other team?

Match Preview Here

On Wednesday at 19:45 UK time, Chelsea will host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in what is expected to be a thrilling London Derby. If history and stats are anything to go by, then the Blues are firm favourites to emerge victorious from the clash. Chelsea come into the match comfortably on top of the EPL table and still undefeated in all competitions despite a minor blip in the form of a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light in their last match. And while the draw itself might not be a worry for Jose Mourinho and his men, the performance itself did raise a few red flags among the Chelsea fans, especially that it was the first time that the team has failed to score this season. In sharp contrast, Tottenham have generally suffered this season sitting in seventh place, 13 points behind the best team in London and the league, having already lost 5 of the opening 13 matches this season; but despite all that they go into the derby in good spirits after an important win and excellent performance against their direct Europa League rivals, Everton. But last result/performance aside, Spurs fans would struggle to find a positive indicator going into this match. Historically, they have really suffered against Chelsea in recent years, especially at the Bridge where their last win was by a Gary Lineker goal back in 1990! In fact, since that game, Tottenham have only managed to beat Chelsea 5 times in 57 meetings (all 5 coming at Three Points White Heart Lane, obviously). History aside, statistics also clearly show Chelsea's superiority at the moment in practically all aspects on the field: As far as team news go, Jose Mourinho has confirmed in his press conference that only Nathan Ake will be out of the match with his long-term hamstring injury, while Diego Costa will be suspended for the match after picking up his fifth yellow this season against Sunderland. On the other hand, Spurs' Kyle Walker will also miss the match through injury, while a few other players, including Adebayor, Townsend and Capoue. face a late fitness test. -Chelsea failed to score in the league for the first time this season on Saturday, drawing 0-0 at Sunderland. -The Blues have conceded the fewest amount of goals at home this season (3). -Tottenham have the third best away record in the league, winning three and drawing two matches out of their six away games so far. -In their last five fixtures against Tottenham, Chelsea have scored 16 goals, averaging over three goals a game. - Chelsea are undefeated this season in all competitions (W15, D5). - Their last league defeat came on 19 April - a 2-1 home reverse against Sunderland. - Chelsea have won 28 of their last 34 home league games (D5, L1). - Jose Mourinho's side have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 14 Premier League home matches. - Didier Drogba has scored three goals and assisted four more in his last eight league games against Spurs. - Tottenham have lost just one of their last six Premier League away games (W3, D2). - They have won three of their last four league games, losing the other. - Spurs and Chelsea have both won the most points from losing positions in the league this season, both nine. -Only Yaya Toure (14) and Steven Gerrard (12) have scored more Premier League goals from midfield in 2014 than Christian Eriksen (11). -Roberto Soldado ended a run of 627 minutes without a league goal against Everton on Sunday. So, in conclusion, can Spurs record their first ever Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday? Most probably not, according to statistics and historical facts. Click here to view the article

I'll just leave this here...

Pochettino did kinda play like that against us last season with Southampton, though.

Is it luck or has he improved and perfected his decision making?

Hopefully that means they're more exhausted than us, especially that we had an extra day off. But Matic and Cesc both need to be extra careful, especially that both tend to get dispossessed a bit too easily at times.

That's obviously a huge bonus because he has incredible technical ability and reading of the game for a goalkeeper, but even if you take his keeping skills alone, he's the best in the world.

Because in the real world Neuer is on a completely different level to any keeper in the world at the moment. I never know what the criteria is for the Ballon D'or. If it is for the best player regardless of what his team won or how many he scored but based purely and completely on ability then Messi should have won the past 5 or 6 and should pick up this one as well. But I guess that doesn't 'sell'.

You just know that Harry Kane will score. We ALWAYS concede to average strikers like him.

Interesting stat: Spurs ran 5Km more than any other PL side at the weekend against Everton.

Aaand that's your cue. Take care, now

Name: Cholo Reason: Aggressive/provocative behaviour Punishment: Content moderated permanentlyAbility to create content removed permanently.Suspended permanently Also move to Banned

You think Pogba does more in defense than Cesc does for us? I mean, I understand if you are talking theoretically, as in Pogba can theoretically do a lot more in defense than Cesc because of his superior physical attributes, but up till now for Juve, Pogba has the most freedom and least defensive duties among the 3 in the middle. Paul likes to have the ball at his feet.

Iva has other qualities he brings, plus it's not like we've had world class fullbacks during his time here. Speaking if Iva, he wasn't given opportunities to adjust when he first came either. He was no where near even the bench for a few good months and had to work his butt off in training and take the chance he was given when it came. Luis' first real chance was Azpi's suspension where he had 4 starts in a row and he did not show that he is better than Cesar so he'll have to wait for the next chance.

If he does get back in the team it won't be for football reasons. His replacement, Menez, looks 10 times better and scored both goals yesterday. Torres still has that ONE goal on his debut

We can't allow the momentum to start to swing in City's direction. 6 points is absolutely nothing in the EPL.

Started and played 88 minutes today as Milan won 2-0 (Torres was an used sub if you're wondering how come they won). Will most likely start the next match as well since Essien was sent off today.

Jose doesn't rotate back four. And we know he can play in the CL, it's the PL he's struggling with. Unless you're Torres, no one is given the opportunity to adjust at Chelsea!