CHOULO19

So does Guarin. That's what I've been trying to say all along! They both could play at CM but are primarily attacking midfielders. Speaking of Guarin, I came across this today: according to Opta, Guarin has lost the ball the most times in the serie A in 2013. 479 times in 12 months! http://www.sempreinter.com/2013/12/29/optasports-guarin-has-lost-most-balls-in-serie-a-during-2013/

I think he'll continue to make the odd appearance off the bench. Believe it or not, Ba has already made 14 appearances for us so far this season!

Probably in the summer, but I doubt now. No team wants to lose players in Jan, even backup players like Ba. I was actually going to write that, but then thought that it's probably best for Bamford to spend the second half of the season playing regularly in the championship rather than throw him in the deep here immediately.

Watched it again today and you really don't appreciate how good the game was live because of the nerves. It was seriously one of the best matches this season with an incredible tempo from start to finish. And to think that the players put in this performance just two days after playing another match. Just incredible. I love the EPL!

It's so funny reading this thread from before the match till after it. It's like you suddenly moved to a completely different thread. The change in tone is hilarious

Well there's only space for one striker in the lineup and one on the bench so one will always have to miss out. Think he'll probably be on the bench vs Southampton.

Shit! Well, at least he didn't get injured over the busy Christmas period.

Any time frame to his injury yet?

Same here. I take back everything I said about his signing.

Would be a shame, honestly. Our problem is not our third-choice striker it's the ineffectivity of the first choice strikers. I think Ba is not bad to have around. He offers something different which we can use in some games. Plus him leaving means that we'll need to get another back-up striker which I find unlikely. I think he's staying until the summer at least.

Yeah, I remember that. I think we'll probably end up selling him to Vitesse which honestly won't be bad at all for the kid. They're becoming one of the best teams in Netherlands and with a great chance of winning the tittle this season. His performances even earned him a cap with the NT last month.

I don't think Jose will have many selection headaches. The team practically selects its self with Luiz suspension, Lampard and Bertrand (and Iva?) injuries and all the running that Willian Oscar did against Liverpool. Honestly I'm not too worried about Southampton, not because they're not an excellent side because they are, but their style of play allows us to play our game. Plus, Jose seemed to have them figured out in the game at the Bridge. They didn't have a single shot after the first minute. Hopefully we can repeat that performance, minus the Essien howler, of course!

I just feel that bringing him back to sit him in the stands for a season or a season or a half is just unfair to the boy. We've stalled his career enough, imo.

He's been injured for only three weeks and we only found out about it last week. I think Ryan is as good as gone, unfortunately.

Here's another idea, can we leave the politics out of this thread Please continue the political discussion here, guys: http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/13128-politics-stuff/page-50

Already? If he can make it in the championship at this age, the boy's gonna be something very special.

We already have Bertrand here and we're not giving even him a chance. Patrick is having a wonderful season with Vitesse. Why ruin it for him?

Forgot that it was 2013 yesterday. What a performance! It was simply the Super Frankie of old completely bossing the midfield and being his effective self going forward. So unlucky that he picked up that injury.

Hahahahahah John ringing Hodson?! LMAOOOO If anything, it's the Hodgson and the FA who should be kissing his ass and begging him to return.

Proper Right-Back. Enough said.

I think you could tell it was not serious. First time I see an injured player coming off the pitch running

I was happy with his performance yesterday. He showed a lot of discipline that I did know he had in him. Despite a few small mistakes especially early on, he stayed close to the back four, rarely left gaps and kept his passing safe. It's quite an achievement for a CB to play like that in midfield. But, tbh, I was probably just as happy when Jose confirmed after the game that he won't play him in there again unless he has no other choice. He's a CB and belongs in defense, imo.

Azpi was my MOTM and was just brilliant throughout. Willian and Hazard were also amazing. But what a first half Lampard had! It was like watching Super Frankie of old. Completely bossed the midfield and was effective going forward. Such a shame he picked up that injury!