Jase

Funny how this story comes up after Mikel had an excellent game against Spurs. Sounds like BS transfer story from the media, trying to unsettle the team in any way they can. As some have pointed out, can't see Barcelona selling him when he's pivotal to the way they play.

Not sure if PVA would want to stay and play as back-up to Bertrand though. At his age now, he would want to be playing week in week out to develop his career and himself further.

In your book, that would be yes.

Not necessarily. We have been fortunate to have always faced a lower league opposition in the past 7-8 years at home in the 3rd round. That streak is bound to end at some point.

And next up for them is a trip to the Emirates Stadium. Easy.

Yeah but depending on the opposition. No way we should just forgo the FA Cup, not after when we have won 4 of the last 6 FA Cup seasons. Think it's a trophy that most fans likes and want us to win it.

Said "as player and manager". Being an assistant doesn't count.

Sounds like a BS transfer story to me. We have Romeu playing as back-up to Mikel now and Busquets is pivotal to how Barcelona plays. Why would they even let him go in the first place?!

Wouldn't say our defence have been watertight either. Norwich caused several us problems defensively and created some good chances last week. Then yesterday, there were some poor marking from set pieces as well as our failure to prevent crosses coming into our own penalty box. Really need to sort that out ASAP.

Cech. He's the immediate person to take the captain's armband if both Terry and Lampard are not playing.

His presence will be sorely missed when he goes to the ACON in January. Hope Romeu can come in and do a good job in his place.

More worried about Van Persie. He has been terrific goalscoring form since joining United and of course, he scored a hat-trick at the Bridge last season.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/oct/20/roberto-di-matteo-chelsea?CMP=twt_gu http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2012/10/villas-boas_headline.html Two articles praising us and our new exciting style of play after the win yesterday.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/salomon-kalou-why-i-am-still-happy-to-back-terry-8219478.html A good interview with Kalou to read. Also spoke about Terry in relation to the recent racial issue.

Falcao said this... http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8184583/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

As amazing as that was, it was still a risky thing to do. Had he lost the ball there and Spurs went on to score, he would probably have been slaughtered for over-elaborating there.

Here's what a Spanish journalist said.

Don't see the purpose of creating the thread. So, have just merged it with this post-match one.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure if the Milan board share the same thoughts as you there. Think it's difficult for any managers to manage Milan now in their current circumstances but as you pointed out, Allegri is not the best of managers to begin with anyway. Maybe a new face at the helm may help to turn things around.

His lay-offs to setup both Cahill and Mata were pretty good too...

That reminds me of the contrasting reactions of both AVB and Wenger on the touchline when Van Persie scored that late breakaway goal at the Bridge last season.

Cahill did the same thing in the second half and Defoe took the ball away from him. Thankfully, nothing fruitful happened for Spurs then. And yeah, can never understand why defenders do that!

Damn! Was really hoping for a Napoli win. Would have made things really interesting in Serie A. And wonder how long more Milan are gonna stick with Allegri.

Bloody hell. 5-4?! Shame I couldn't watch the game!!