Christacinto

He was an absolute nightmare for ManU last night... The way in which Vidic and Smalling were left barely standing on their legs, sweating and panting, in the dying minutes of the game says it all. Everton actually pressed ManU back to their own goal the whole match, until the final whistle, totally epic!

As glad as I am, that was some shocking defending at times ...

pathetic refereeing for that offside

Ok, so our discussion just went Either you have the IQ of a pencil sharpener, my friend, or you're just trying to dick with me.

LIKE SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER!! God, I love this fucking team... And I love you all, my blue-hearted friends!!

Coño that's NOT what I was saying... needing a string of games to peek does NOT make someone a weak character, My point was that he and Bertrand have to deal with completely different external situations: the one feels he HAS to perform to avoid the stands and avail himself a future in Chelsea, whereas the latter knows he'll remain a bench player no matter what. KDB was hoping to be close to a starting spot, something he would've had if Schurrle and Willian hadn't been bought. So he's kind of a trapped animal, up against the odds and fighting for his dream (to succeed with Chelsea). Ryan KNEW exactly that this would be his fate and can play freely, not a care in the world. On Ray's quote; Essien is a seasoned warrior with nothing left to prove. Comparing him to someone who's having his first season at a topclub makes even less sense than the first comparison you made. KDB has what it takes to become a legendary Chelsea player and what I dislike about pessimists like yourself is that you're so quick to write off one of us (read: CHELSEA, not Belgium). Still, I agree that we should loan him to a good EPL team in january.

So, I'm sorry but I don't think straightforward comparisons like that make sense. Characters of players can't be compared so easily; Kevin for instance needs a run of games to build up momentum, it's his condition to shine. Other players like Ryan or Lukaku can deal with the bench (stands in Kevin's case) statute much better. Much has to do also with the mindset with which they started the season. Ryan knew he'd be a bench player this season, so he's been expecting and preparing mentally for these kind of opportunities - he can play free of pressure because he knows he'll have to "ease into" the team over the years. I don't think that's quite what Kevin believed or was aspiring for though... Firstly, we're not sure what Jose told him at the start of preseason to keep him from going on loan, Secondly, even he must have believed he'd probably become a 50-50 starting-bench player this season. as we all believed he would be (his preseason performances, José's quote about him, Hull and Manu,starts) What happened after that was unexpected for anyone - even for him I'm sure... So, he was aiming and hoping for a first team position this season and he's ending up in the stands. How can you compare the amount of pressure this must evoke in his mind when he finally gets his shot with the calm, expected and premeditated appearances of Ryan or Azpi's? Again, they knew this would be their fate and they didn't get any direct competitors bought in their place (Schurrle and WIllian) like Kevin had. Plus, obviously, they have much more experience at Chelsea's. So yea, I think he's a good player and I think I understand why he's underperforming. To each his own opinion though!

Best for Chelsea how? Even for Kevin personally, I'm not too sure if that would the best. Mourinho must be talking to the lad and giving him motivation to work harder...I really think Mourinho knows what he's doing and that he, in some warped, mid-long term kind of way we mere mortals cannot think of, is doing Kevin a favour...

Can't believe I'm saying this but Hazard was the weakest man on the pitch for me... Shockingly absent and sloppy Torres though... seemed 23 all over again!! Imagine our potential strike force next season; Torres, Lukaku and Diego Costa ... Cheers

You're right, it's not...Technically he'd be a killer in that position. Physically though, his height would probably let us down when it comes to long balls and keeping possession up front... Wouldn't you agree? On a different note, as I just returned from honeymoon, does anyone understand why Jose's been giving NO chances to KDB in the past few weeks? I'm absolutely bamboozled by the situation Any theories anyone? In my absence, I did watch all the games but what I saw made me confused on many an occasion. Must be because I'm no mastermind like Mourinho...

What a brave, passionate finish. Completely changed the game when he came on... Gotta love this guy! Lukaku for nr 9 next year!!

These endless long balls, really... Also, Hazard is out of form - BENCH HIM and give KDB a run ffs. Etoo hasn't done xxxx either

Ugh... not even a chance to start a single game... I'm off on honeymoon now guys, doing so in off-mood, I can tell you! Let's hope this turns to be another master stroke by the Chelsea board. Just livid at the lack of respect he's getting though. Want to hear from him first, but I certainly hope Mourinho's attitude towards Lukaku didn't change after missing that penalty - that would be too much ego for me to swallow. I'm off guys, c ya in 3 weeks.

Does anyone know about his stats with Anzhi?

Listen, you dimwit. If you're a Chelsea fan, then I'm ashamed to call myself one. Your other post in the game thread especially was just disgusting... See, where I'm from, you back your team through thick and through thin; you just saw a spectacular game with plenty of positive to reflect on and our team just tripping at the final hurdle...So in stead of hate-bashing the 20 year old who didn't deal with the pressure appropriately, you should respect the fact HE'S ONE OF US. Unlike you, who the f are you anyway? Joining on here YESTERDAY just to start talking shit about one of our youngest players. Seems to me you should go back to your Spuds forum, or go bother the nanny in the nursery.

The look in his eyes after he missed said it all... like a broken doll. I feel SO bad right now, hang in there lad. Worst thing that could've happened for his confidence. Why did they let him take the fifth one btw? That was just too much pressure for any 19 year old to handle. Especially facing the rival supporters like that. Absolutely gutted, I am. I liked what I saw otherwise from him.

EPIC though heart in mouth here

Most epic Super cup ever...objectively, I mean... Not just being biased here... The tension, the PASSION!!! JOSEEEEEeeeeee

The bus has landed, people. Mikel is as blind as ever though...

Watching Oscar play tonight I'm actually convinced he'd make a great partner in the pivot for Ramires. Defensively he's just too good...

This is turning out to be the perfect football evening: amazing performances by Oscar, Hazard, Ramires, Schurrle, hell; by everyone! Great tactics, great game. The tension, the passion... I'm feeling 8 years old all over again!

loving schurrle; he's been great so far!

Any news on why De Bruyne isn't included in the team line-up?

Very happy with this draw; these are all Europa League level opponents - let's do this people!! :cfc:

I honestly believe that a lot of Hazard's "averageness" during the past games has got a lot to do with Mourinho's directives as well. Defensively he's been ten times better than last season, offensively he's been very bland and inaccurate but still he always was one of the better men on the pitch in my opinion. Mourinho's emphasis on discipline and game control is a major factor in Hazard's performances, judging from watching all three games again. He DOES seem a bit sluggish and chubby for my taste, as if his metabolism changed over the summer or sth but saying he doesn't merit a place in the team would be a bridge to far...