misschief

LMAO. you're right though, I wouldnt want to go back to that permanently but we know its effective so fuck it, at home just go back to doing what works.

I'd written about this earlier and I think Scolari's as blind as a bat if he can't see we have to change our formation at home. It's impossible for Anelka to be up front on his own at home when his game relies heavily on his pace - thats not a luxury he's afforded against teams parking the bus. Why we started with Drogba on the bench yesterday is a mystery - Scolari's seen the formation hasn't worked at home all season so why stick with it? I'd go 4-4-2 at home. Usual back 4 of Bosingwa, Terry, Alex and A Cole because we haven't got a choice with Carvalho out. Mikel in front of the back four in a diamond with Ballack and Lampard either side and Joey sat in behind Anelka and Drogba. I know Ballack's been a bit off his game lately but I'd still stick with him for now. I wouldn't even consider Malouda and Kalou because theyre bloody useless and as for Deco at home he's a total waste of space, he just doesn't fancy these games where he's hassled a bit and doesn't get as much time and space.

Behave

The votes are in and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who voted. I bloody won!!

Yay, we're away again! Thank god for that.

I don't think we'd be struggling at home like this if we still had Clarkey. I think Wilkins is too much of a 'yes' man.

Spot on, although I think we shouldnt rush out and get another striker when we havent even given Anelka and Drogba a proper shot at it together. Pushing Anelka out wide isnt the way to go at home, we should play 4-4-2. Im glad you said that about Mikel, I thought he was probably our best player out there today and I really dont think his contribution gets the recognition it deserves. For a 21 year old to be asked to fill Maka's boots and to come in and do the job he has is just brilliant.

Scolari's learned fuck all from our woeful home form this season. Its alright playing 4-3-3 away when teams have to attack us more and we get to play about a bit. We cant try and walk it into the net at home though. When Anelka came on I thought Scolari would finally have a go at 4-4-2 but he just doesnt seem to get it. To think even Avram bloody Grant did better than this at home last season - its a joke.

Be interesting to see what happens here. If its true it'd be a bit of a shock but I still cant see the point in Chelsea making him stay.

This bloke's got some front. Does he honestly think it makes him sound less clueless by saying he told Anelka he didnt need him? Surely the fact that Anelka is scoring this season shows him something? He'll be out of work a lot longer with this sort of statement. Total dick.

Funny how Drogba suddenly fancied it when a 'big' game comes along. Still, really good take from him and it'd be good to think we'll see a return to form now. Thought Anelka looked a bit pissed off though which isnt a good sign. We should be playing 4-4-2 at home against these defensive sides I reckon, looked a lot more effective.

Fuck me, Kalou finally scores then thinks he's done for the night. A bit of effort to get his foot in the way wouldnt have hurt, lazy twat.

Was saying something similar to someone last night. I wonder if whatever it is thats not going quite right for us at the minute is connected with Clarke not being around anymore?

Most people don't. Thanks for the votes everyone, its all good so far.

He agreed an improved contract with us just after Mourinho was spouting his shit in the summer about taking his pick of our players, so its not like he actually wants to leave Chelsea anyway. But I agree, Real Madrid can be the first club on the list to go fuck themselves.

The racism charge wasn't proved, that doesn't mean quite the same thing as it not actually happening. I still think Chelsea should've sacked the fucking Millwall thug tbh. Is supporting an employee who brawls with professional footballers instead of sitting on a lawnmower like he's paid to really good for PR?

Funny that, I was just thinking the same thing this afternoon.

I've always maintained it takes more than just money to be successful - as Man City will no doubt prove, lol - but of course to an extent our success was funded by Abramovich, yes. Whilst we were there or thereabouts before Roman, we were never able to quite make the step up as Champions until we could compete financially. And unfortunately, if he's now going to refuse to freshen up the squad when there's clearly a need for it, we'll be falling behind our rivals again. As for the second question Biru, it could be a bit of both?

To be fair FB, even when the supporters were behind Drogba he was talking about wanting to leave. Of course on occasion he'll have been misquoted but by his own admission in the autobiograhy he wouldnt have been misquoted in, he's more or less wanted to leave every season. In form and with his head sorted, he's an awesome player Im sure none of us would want to leave but when was the last time he was fit, on form, and mentally up for it? He's never been the same player since Mourinho left and I just don't think his heart's in it anymore. As for the negative press, he really does bring a lot of that on himself.

I was saying exactly the same thing the other day. Like it or not, the fact is from the minute Roman started refusing to hand over money, we've stopped challenging on the same level we used to. We might be competing, but our lack of trophies goes hand in hand with our lack of spending imo. Every side needs to freshen up as time passes, we have never added enough to our championship winning side to sustain the level we were playing at and Fergie was right unfortunately, it is hard to see what else the side we've got has got to give. Meanwhile, the Russian continues to refuse his manager's money, whilst he's happy to shell out £3.4million for Hiddink's wages. WTF is that about?

Have you not read the comments? The Arsenal lot love a healthy debate with me

FB, can I have an interpreter for that? Just coming to the end of another diploma course for work, then I should be around again. Thanks for the votes. :thumbsup:

Thanks lads

I know I haven't been around in ages but it don't mean I can't come back and ask a favour, right? TheChelseaBlog has been nominated in the category of the Soccerlens "Best New Blog" award for 2008. It's not everyone's cup of tea but if any of you do happen to read/like it, vote for me here pleaseeeee.

He's right, Boro did have a bad day at the office but that doesn't mean Chelsea (who tbf still werent playing in first gear) didn't do a good job against them. How bitter is he? lol