BlueLion.

He had a disgustingly poor game yesterday and I was ready to lambaste him, but then you think that he is a holding player, playing out wide in a team that doesn't use the wings. Did a good job defensively, but hopeless going forward. I hope this serves as a reminder to the new manager we need wingers, and that Ramires is a centre-midfielder. That being said, what other options did we have? Marin is useless and Moses is out of form, so he was probably the only real choice Rafa had. I personally would have done with RDM did against Juventus, and played Azpi on the right of midfield, with Ivanovic in behind, and Luiz dropping back in as a centre-half. Ramires CM alongside Lampard, with Oscar and Mata drifting between the LM and false number 9 position, Azpi on the right, and Nando up front. Similar to what we did in Munich with Bertrand on the opposite side. However maybe that's a little too revolutionary for Rafa haha!

^ totally agreed. I said it about 6 months ago, Luiz can play as an auxiliary midfielder when we need an extra man, or perhaps when we're playing a shit team in Europe/one of the domestic cups, but against top teams he can't deal with the pace of the game.

Has he earned a new contract? 17 goals from midfield is a wonderful achievement, and of course we're delighted he has broken the record, but he has been a passenger at times this season. I would be happy to see him stay but I genuinely think it will be in a far more limited capacity than we are used to seeing him. Great option off the bench though.

[cynical]He's finally found his level. Made for the Europa League.[/cynical] Haha, in all fairness, well done to the lad. Proper dug in last night and pulled out a top performance. Beautiful goal, reminded me of the Nou Camp!

Absolutely, our co-efficient is good enough to ensure we are given a "favourable" draw - the hardest team we'd come against is on par with the likes of those we've beaten in the Europa League this season, such as Sparta Praha and Steaua Bucharesti. Arsenal WILL win on Sunday. Newcastle are a - shit, and b - safe. That means they'll play it at walking pace, knowing they're staying up. So we really could do with three points, BUT it wouldn't be a disaster. Fourth place > Spurs :lol:

Should be allowed to join our coaching set-up under Mourinho. A Chelsea icon - I dislike using legend tags too frequently, and despite being a long-serving player who has won many trophies with us, is he really on par with Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba as the legends of the past generation? - and an all-round professional and nice guy. Got a lot of time for Paulo.

Two categories went down to the wire, and YOU need to decide the victors! Polls close today!

2013 TalkChelsea.net annual Forum Awards 2013 - the winners are in! After a furious past few days of nominations and voting (with a fair few tantrums mixed in as well), I am honoured to announce the following members have officially been voted as the 2013 Forum Award winners! Best football knowledge - Peace.Best general knowledge - BluesChickBest newcomer - RmprBest article writer - Best graphic designer - DONI.Best video producer - FerozeBest staff member - CHOULO19Funniest forumer - StingrayMost-liked forumer - BluesChickWisest forumer - Peace.Most controversial - HenriqueBiggest contributor - xPetrCechxBritish Member of the Year - HutchoInternational Member of the Year - The SkipperCongratulations to all our winners! Be sure to vote in the play-off polls, which will close tonight!

Would quite happily let him pound my ass into submission after that block at the end, as good as a hat-trick as far as I'm concerned. Match-winning trophy-winning tackle.

Meanwhile, in Merseyside, Daniel Sturridge is sat watching Chelsea's celebrations.

By the way, everyone who slagged off, demeaned, showed apathy towards, and belittled the Europa League isn't allowed to celebrate. Normal day at work for you tomorrow. Tonight shows what it meant to the majority. Proper proud of my boys, absolutely delighted. 19 trophies in 17 years. Shit club, no history.

Banned.

Fucking hell, Badboy's predictions are normally spot-on. Bastard.

I wonder if he asked "are you Remy for love" beforehand?

Cech won't be happy. All the writing and banners and so on are all in red. Moscow was red, and Cech was unhappy, according to Terry. When they arrived in Munich and saw everything was blue, Cech was calm and all the players followed suit. Apparently all the furnishing, everything, is red at the Amsterdam ArenA. Serious negative omen.

^ also very true.

Thread closed, this is going nowhere.

#Lampard204 please.

I believe I was the only person to post a suggestion whilst not high on crack? Depressing when you think how "low" those first three targets were. We really should have won at least the CWC and the Supercup by now

Let's be fair, my rugby-player/fat bastard build is a bit broader than Hazard lmao!

Cheers mate! I try my best.

Frank Lampard, to consolidate the midfield alongside Luiz. I'd then have pushed Oscar out on the left, Ramires on the right (both giving cover to the full-backs), with Mata in support of Demba Ba. For further consolidation, Aké or Terry could then be brought onto the pitch. Rafa sometimes thinks too simplistically, and goes like-for-like, whereas a change in personnel and a shift in positions might have meant we'd have seen the game out, at the same time as maintaining our midfield dominance and offensive threat.

We can't risk him - he needs to take it easy, rest a lot, and be ready for next season. Besides, the kid deserves a break. He's played more games this season than Hilario, McEachran, Aké and Piazon have cumulatively played for the club!