Strike

HE'S GONE! THE GUM CHEWING PRICK IS GONE!

They were frustrated at his composure and first touch at the start of the season but since December he's turned on beast mode

I'm not saying Luiz is not captain-material mind you. His passion for the club is not matched by anyone. He was the only one who gave a f*** in the CWC final. But Passion is not the most important characteristic in a captain. In a high-stakes situation, I would much rather prefer a captain who keeps his composure. We are looking at different critieria in captains but I am inclined to agree that in a year's time, Luiz could be ready to take over from Terry because he looks more and more like he will be part of the club's new spine - Luiz, Azpilicueta, Mata, Hazard etc

Head-to-head Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 22 home league meetings with Tottenham (W15, D7), plus three cup matches (W1, D2).Spurs' last win at Stamford Bridge was in February 1990, when Gary Lineker and David Howells got the goals in a 2-1 victory.Chelsea Chelsea are chasing a seventh successive home Premier League win.Juan Mata has scored three times in his last two league and cup games against Tottenham.The Blues have won 18 of the 24 Premier League games in which they scored first this season, losing only once (at West Ham).Frank Lampard is one short of equalling Bobby Tambling's record of 202 goals for Chelsea.compiled by:bbc

On the whole, yes. In more than a decade he's behaved unprofessionally some times but on the whole yes. Before his personal life allegations, he was hailed best captain in the world.

Wait Wtf? Ferguson may retire?

Imo, Being happy has nothing to do with it. It's his volatility or temper that's more of a problem. In the last 2 big matches, vs ManC and ManU, he has attacked the ref. Yes, every Chelsea fan will have gleefully enjoyed that rant but do you really want to see the club captain having a go at the ref? It's the captain who speaks to the ref on behalf of the team. I would prefer a calm captain - Lampard for eg - in that Oscar-Giggs tussle, came right in between them to play peacemaker.

Cabaye and Tiote have been very poor and they were the heartbeat of the side that finished 5th last season. Cabaye's distribution has gone haywire this year. Never really came back from that double groin surgery he had. From Newcastle right now, I would take Rob Elliot. Good backup

I'll be getting the popcorn ready, This is getting interesting

Again, I repeat. I am in no way belittling the Europa League. Instead I am saying that a loss vs QPR/Reading is more humiliating than a loss vs Liverpool/Swansea. It's the human condition. A small team would at best get a draw vs Chelsea but those days are now gone. And I did not get your last point. I don't think I've ever had anything good to say about Liverpool

yeah. I agree. People are finding excuses to criticising Benitez in ways like - "Chelsea were 4 points off the top when Benitez took over, now it's 20-odd points"

isn't that the case with all small teams? Failure to win Reading/QPR is easily worse than failing to win Liverpool/Swansea

Not belittling the Europa League You're talking about Europa League as a competition, I am talking about the opposition Chelsea have faced this season in the competition.Surely you can't be saying Steaua, Sparta etc are comparable to Werder, Porto, Barca that Jose faced in CL

Lots of meaningless Europa League games doing Rafa a huge favor there

I would love Alex McCarthy - the Reading GK

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/david-luiz-says-smirk-followed-manchester-united-fans-sideshow-bob-jibe-8605311.html Is this for real? He was just having a laugh at a "Sideshow Bob" reference from a United fan? That would be pretty hilarious

Not really. Nothing to do with his attacking instincts here because United had possession all through the attack. Luiz stepped out from his CB position alongside Ivanovic to try and get to the ball. But once Rafael sidestepped him, Luiz is out of the equation and that has happened far too often. He may be the "Ball-Winning Centre Back" but against big teams, who attack in numbers, defending as a unit is important.

Yeah. which is a shame really. If done with proper precautions i.e as long as it's not high up in the stands, there's no problem with terraces

I'm not judging him. He just became my hero!

2 months and I wouldn't call you old

Mind = Blown

I can see why you feel old..You were alive when Russia was the Soviet Union

Stingray is an adult?

He is moving. That is the only logical explanation for an adult to buy 200 euros worth boxes