Nando

He makes us play sexy.

After a great weekend for us, now we must step up and top the table. We should always try and take advantage when our rivals stumble, from the first to the last game of the season. And I'm sure we will. Expecting a strong and balanced team, with minor changes if needed. Also, I want to see Sturridge getting some mintutes in the CF role, so we can see if we really need another 9.

It may result a tricky game for us.Can't wait to see Oscar-Mata-Hazard-Torres starting together, but maybe the Spanish boys need a rest.

Oh silly Jack....

City are losing points today.

Great result! But that's all really. Watched only the 2 half and I'm wondering did we play like that on purpose, in order to keep the result or was it the same in the first half? Oscar looks magnificent, definitely has the quality to be a starter.

Have to admit, Cazorla looked good for Arsenal.

WBA want more!

I just hope Romeu gets involved this season. Also thought about Luiz in front of the back 4, but there's no room for experiments in our first game. So, I expect the same 11 as agains City. However, my line-up: ---------------Cech -------Ivan-Luiz-Terry-Cole ---------Romeu-Lampard ----Sturridge-Mata--Hazard ---------------Torres

I'm counting down the minutes to the Atletico game. A trophy in the early stages of the season will lift up the squad's spirit (and the forum's too haha). Let's just have a good start in the Prem, which I'm sure we will, and then win our first silverware for the season, much more prestigious than the shield.

I was hoping till the end for a 3-3. I'm disappointed, gotta admit it, Mikel plays like a 10 year old, so I think we need a solid DM, unless Oscar is really seen as regular starter by Robbie in that position. The Ivanovic tackle was just a complete nonsense - we've had just scored a couple of minutes away from the halftime. Totally deserved red card, but Savic should have been sent off just seconds before that. One positive, in my opinion was the introduction of Sturridge who looked very lively. Also really liked the hunger from Bertrand who played like a LW/CF. To conclude Im disappointed, but having in mind we were with one man down for 50 mins, makes the situation easier to accept.

A striker's main task is to finish the chances the team creates for him. That's it. Forget about what Cristiano and Messi are doing in La Liga. When these chances don't come for hours and hours you start thinking it's your fault, you practically lose your game. You start going out of position, receiving in the wings, going back deep in midfield. Torres is useless in this positions, but that in no way means he is a useless player. So, tell me guys what you prefer a striker who sits upfront and does nothing for 90 minutes, or a striker who is at least putting an effort to participate in the play? Just look at Van Persie at Arsenal last season! I don't know how much goals he scored maybe something like 35 in all competitions. It's mostly tap ins + a couple brilliant solo goals. Goals are goals, but when you start scoring regularly, scoring these 'easy' chances, you also start having the eye for the spectacular finish. Torres was the leader and the captain in Atletico - he performed. Torres was the starman in Liverpool - he performed. Torres is our N1 striker - he will perform.

I'll be happy with the Supercup, the World Club championship, top 4 finish and a decent defense of our Champions League trophy. Although I believe we can challenge for the Premier League, the season is long and we'll surely improve our level of play.

It looks ridiculous, moving off the ball is taught at the age of 10. One of my coaches was saying something like: "Don't just stand there contemplating the beautiful pass you just made, run and ask for the ball back instead" If the CF tracks back or receives the ball in the wing he wont be of any use. He needs to be between the LB/RB-CB and in the box in order to score.

I just lost my Nokia 6234 and now I'm with this bad boi (doesn allow me to post a picture of it, that's how badass it is) samsung sgh p400 The fliping screen makes all the girls go wild

It will be an open game. Both teams aren't fully prepared and I expect lots of chances, lots of goals and offensive play for 90 minutes. The better attack wins it, so I hope we'll be collected in front. Adding to that a solid display from the back 4 (it's finally time to see that) we're fully capable of winnig the cup. Otherwise we are just losing a friendly, no biggie

Hope he gets enough playing time in Germany and re-joins us next season, otherwise the loan wont result a smart move by the club.

We need Mata back soon.

I can't expect Torres to be fully sharp but we may see good stuff from him and Hazard combining. I hope so. Still hesitating whether to watch this one, though.

I think he has 'Oliver' on the back of the shirt :c He's definately a great prospect, but for him it's better to stay at Atleti, where in a year or two he can play regularly. Here he'll play in the academy for a year and later will be loaned.

I like the 3rd kit, the yellow strips infront make it look like some superhero suit

I think the talent is obvious to anyone and it's not something we should discuss and doubt. I am sure that a loan for a season or two in the right team, will improve his touch and link up play. On the other hand, if he stays at Chelsea he can be useful to the team in some tricky games, but that wont help in any way his development as a player.

Boring. I'm pissed that I woke up at 2am to watch the game. However, in preseason it is important not to lose, so I'm kinda satisfied with the result, but not with the game. p.s I don't wanna meet PSG in the CL

Omg he was so shit tonight, he got subbed off and Spain scored, you see?

http://estaticos01.marca.com/albumes/2012/06/14/espana_irlanda/1339701482_extras_albumes_0.jpg pointing at his ear after the goal