Mceachran

Thoughts on Lampard's Performance? And whether Mata could have brought something to the team or if his non-inclusion was necessary for this approach (all injuries/fitness aside)?

Iva-Luiz, only bc of Terry losing some physical ability.

Rooney: Hey Jose, I want a new contract but Moyes won't let me have it. Can you make a big deal about me and help me out? Jose: What's in it for me? Rooney: Screwing with Moyes' head. Jose: DEAL!

I drink enough to stay snarky and pretentious.

oh OK, got it.

In case some were wondering, Oscar said about his favorite music: My early memory and one of my favourites is Every Breath You Take by Sting and The Police. I have the tattoo of some of the lyrics around my arm, which is in memory of my father who passed away. Love this guy.

Agreed. Very confusing inside my own head. I felt like if Mata were on the pitch, he could have unlocked Man U's defense a few times. But I saw how organized and hard-working Mo had our attacking mids, I just couldn't help but to think he might have hurt us there.

Thank you for posting this! I was having very similar thoughts, and was ready to rant when I read your post and sighed in relief that you had already done all of the hard work. My only question to you is: If Luiz and Mata were completely fit...what do you think could have changed?

Do they count it as an open at cross when Dave just breezes by the opposotion's left back and passes it backwards from their end line? I like when he does that.

Main reason why Willian can't compete with Mata at Chelsea right now: Willian is expecting a proper striker to pass to; Mata knows better.

Loan'm out!!!

His shots against AC Milan were vicious!

All of this.

OK, I'm sorry, this is difficult for me.... But I'm confused as to how this all constitutes as "game theory". The four main points you bring up, are actually standard statistical/probabalistic observations that are used in penalty shootouts etc. Game Theory, as I understand it, is only a new and useful theory when you have to take into consideration the consequences of your move and your opponents' counter moves; and then seek out the optimal "path" in the tree of possibilities. It seems, to me, that the ONLY TIME in the situation you described above that there was some interesting Game Theory going on, was when VDS had a counter strategy. But seeing as how you suggest that we did not have any plan for such a "counter move", then there really wasn't any Game Theory being employed at all (except by VDS). BTW I think game theory is fascinating. I'm just trying to understand how this usage is any different from the standard usage of probability and statistics. To me, Game Theory is a tool for making complicated decisions based on an array of possibilities from the opponent, using the fixed point theorem, Nash equilibira, payoff matrices, etc; where saying that "Generally if Ronaldo stops then he goes to this side" means we should just act on that information, is a bit less involved. BTBTW I really loved this post when I first read it. And I still love it because I hope this sort of thought is always used.

LOL remember when this thread was relevant!? (I look forward to the possibility of putting my foot in my mouth!)

I feel like we have no idea what this guy can do day in and day out.

To be fair, Ivanovic is quite adventurous.

"Football is full of top talents but not many top players." - Jose Love it!

Great video. I definitely can see a change in his tenacity in these clips.

Yeah, maybe we shouldn't have gone for such "freaks of nature" strikers and just gotten a solid #9 who knew how to run between the lines and side foot a finish.

I only ever really come on this site because it makes me feel closer to Juan.

He's even with Dzeko.

So you've always seen him coming flying in with high studs on his tackles at both ends of the pitch? I noticed a change from good/very good to impressive and I pointed it out. Maybe we were watching two different players when he first joined.

Mourinho for world leader... after he wins every trophy possible for the club 10 years in a row.

A man amongst men.