JDY

Agreed. I have no major problems with the defence, the odd mistake here and there will always happen. But when your midfield gets so so easily bypassed every time you are bound to make more mistakes. The shape in the midfield is all over the place defensively, the gap between the central 2 is far too big and Juve (and other teams) have exploited the space very well. People wonder why our flanks also get exposed aswell. When gaps are created in the middle, naturally your defenders try to close the opposition down, thus leaving big gaps on the wings for them to move into. Juve could've been far more dangerous had they focused down the flanks more after drawing our defence in. By the way, Vidal was exceptional today. An aggressive ball winner that is mobile enough to get around the pitch whilst being tactically sound is just what we need in the midfield. 9 successful tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 key passes. Impressive stats.

IIRC Spurs were very close to signing Cahill on deadline day but the deal fell through because Bassong didn't move to QPR, could be the other way around.

Go back and read the last 5 pages of this thread. You'll find only a couple of people going OTT with praise, including the 'hiding from Barca' comment. If anything the majority share the opinion that he isn't yet ready for the first team, but needs to be given a fair run in the team to improve.

You seem to have fully convinced yourself with this one. I don't understand the vastly exaggerated perception you have that people act like Romeu's a truly amazing player. Everyone knows that's not the case, he will only get better through experience, which he isn't getting at the moment. He did well in the majority of games he played in last season, enough to leave an impression that he could be a very good player in time. There's no conspiracy running through people's minds as you are suggesting, some would just like to see him given more of an opportunity. The ACON is coming around this January if I'm not mistaken, so maybe that will be his time to put a marker down.

There are more people complaining about people 'hating' on Lampard than people actually hating. I think I've only seen that RamiCFC having a dig at Frank.

Ok at the moment. They have had a lot of the ball but haven't really created much. Witsel dominating the midfield though, Lukaku has also just come on.

Indeed, most players do but the level of involvement differs. Think you are reading too much into it, was just saying I'm not surprised seeing he has numerous commitments. I also don't know what Ballack has to do with anything.

Considering Malouda is closely involved in a charity to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake I'm not shocked by his decision. This seems more important to him than football at the moment. From a club perspective I still feel he could be a good squad player, but the club have made it clear he won't be anywhere near the first team. Disappointing.

Don't overrate Falcao's performance, we did half of his job for him.

I have to admit I wasn't his biggest fan and he was frustrating at times, but you can't fault his effort and willingness to help the team. Although his stay was short-lived, atleast he ended it on a high with a great performance and a win vs Newcastle (And another CL winners medal). Good luck Raul.

I'd say the Russian league is a step up from the Portuguese for sure. The only problem is that they've both now priced themselves out of a move to any top league in the future. Much more disappointed with Witsel going.

People aren't acting like he's anything. He's a player with good potential who's been given very little playing time under RDM (one sub appearance IIRC). He looked promising when he did play under AVB, and now with two players leaving, he should be given more of a chance. How is he going to become 'Premiership quality' if he doesn't play.

Tom Kundert ‏@portugoaldotnet BREAKING: FC Porto's Hulk sold to Zenit St. Petersburg. A Bola says deal was completed in São Paulo this Monday.

Reports are suggesting he's close to a move to Zenit, shame if true.

This is exactly what Fergie is trying to replicate at United this season. Do you remember the 07/08 season when United had Rooney, Tevez, and Ronaldo? These three were formidable in the 4-2-1-3 as they were able to naturally interchange with eachother and be at ease anywhere along the front line. With Scholes in behind them they had someone to pull the strings and deliver killer passes. United wanted Eden Hazard for this very reason, with himself, Rooney, and Robin van Persie they could recreate this, with Kagawa playing infront of the two protecting the back four. There was a reason they pushed for Sneijder so much, but now they have Kagawa instead. This would be very interesting to see with our team, and could be key in seeing Oscar thrive. On paper it would look promising, but obviously we are talking a bit down the line here.

Luiz had a poor night, much like the majority of the team, but the problems stemmed from the double pivot. I said this last night, some people don't understand that the 4-2-3-1 is heavily reliant on a boxed shape between your two deep centre midfielders and your centre backs. There was no shape last night whatsoever, mainly due to Lampard being positionally suspect and letting his attacking instincts get the better of him. Mikel was often left isolated with Atletico attacking fast in numbers. Watch the 2nd goal more closely and you'll see Atletico basically walk through Mikel and Lampard with short, quick passing. Any player playing between the lines last night would've had a field day against those two. The first job of the players in the double pivot is to protect the defense, then look to supply the attacking players. We have all these attacking players, but if you don't have a solid foundation to build these attacks from then it's inevitable you will struggle.

He left in the perfect way, so I wouldn't like him to return. If the rumours are true I could see him going Juve.

Off the top of my head, Papis Cisse last season. I think we are good in terms of numbers, only maybe one light in the striking department. However, short of quality in the most important positions required for the 4-2-3-1. The 2.

The most telling thing about tonight's game was how badly Atletico exposed our double pivot. We had zero shape in a formation where shape is most vital. The 4-2-3-1 relies on the box formed between the two deep central midfielders and the two centre backs. It was non existent for the most part, Lampard in particular was a liability positionally. You can buy all the attackers in the world, but if you have no foundation to defend and supply these attackers, you are going to struggle. But nevertheless, Atletico were good tonight, let's just hope RDM and co learn from these mistakes. We are still very much work in progress which some people are forgetting.

And this my friends is why our double pivot isn't good enough.

No Sturridge on the bench. Heh.

For £3m and a short term contract it isn't bad business at all. Brilliant for their formation also.

Have any of you stopped for a second and considered the players wishes? If an offer comes in for him and he wants to leave would you still want him to stay? For a player of Daniel's potential he should be starting near enough every week. He knows that, and I fear he will never be given a proper chance at Chelsea. He will be a great player, but I don't think it will be for us. He would start every week for Spurs/Liverpool, allbeit on the wing (He wouldn't start as CF for any top team yet).

It's one of the strongest midfield 3 in the league. Sigh.

Ryan Babel is heading to London. My guess would be QPR.