Barbara

exactly what I was about to say. I think from a Chelsea POV I've always said that's great business. We offload a great player, but that really isn't useful to us, to a side that is a mess and doesn't necessarily need him (in addition to having a clueless manager who doesn't even know how to use him). But from a fan perspective, I really feel bad for him because I wish him good because he's such a great guy, a lovely person, a rare character. It's sad for him, but it's great for Chelsea imo. I'm heartbroken nonetheless. Look how 19th century their football is: Thirty minutes of play and all they already crossed 18 balls in the box. They sign one of the best playmakers in the sport and still all they do is cross. That's why I said Moyes is clueless and that's the biggest advantage of selling a special player like Mata to a team leaded by a clown. update: 29 crosses in 38 minutes

That's one side of it and you're right, but I'm really more involved with domestic competition rather than UCL, so for me it's always going to be EPL >>>>>>>>>>>>>> UCL by a fair lead. I'm not a big fan of knock-out competitions and I simply love the Premier League. Ofc I love the FA Cup and UCL, but my heart belongs to EPL and if it was up to me, it'd always be our #1 priority (although I don't dismiss UCL for EPL, ofc, but I don't dismiss EPL for UCL either - which at least in Brazil is very common - fans dismiss the nation league for the continental competition). The other side is that English teams may arrive in Europe sharper, used to facing top dogs and therefore more used to the pressure, difficulty and maybe experienced on how to find a way to win those important matches. It's really a two-sides coin

I like it that Spurs won and that they're one win away from Liverpool because it puts a little bit of pressure on Pool. That way they'll always be on pressure to win to consolidate their 4th place and UCL spot. This year's championship really is amazing. Exciting times to be an English football fan.

Here what we were discussing the other day. The boy thrives under pressure and he likes it (interview given to the official site)

I'm rewatching the match now... and I must say our support seemed basically like it is away. They never stopped singing. It was really a special day yesterday here's the link in case anyone wants to rewatch it too http://livefootballvideo.com/fullmatch/england/premier-league/chelsea-vs-newcastle-united

and it must be said that the league is more competitive this year than in previous ones. Arsenal and Liverpool are stronger than they've been in years, but mainly the mid-table teams (except ManUtd ) are much stronger than they used to be. So having 56 points now or leading the league is much more difficult this season than it would have been in the past two seasons imo. Even City is a tad stronger than they were (thanks to Mancini leaving). That's how enormous what he's been doing is.

The only striker that we should keep from the ones we currently have. A lot of class and experience, he didn't score, but he's had a GREAT match, not only with the assist, but how he's linked up, dribbled, helped our attack. I want him to stay and be our 3rd striker

x

fell from the top of the table... something related to 5, I hear (have no idea, mate) I don't

everyone rejoicing with him it makes me teary, especially the cunts from FA don't recognize him in the players of the month thing. CUNTS! in other news x I love how he perfected this celebration. His slide is as perfect as he is

meanwhile Wenger... LOL

I'm not complaining or criticizing. I'm just assessing a match and a situation. I did compliment him for that amazing pass to Willian in our first goal (in the match thread) but defensively he was shaky at moments. That header someone from Newcastle had on his back, in the first half; he had an 'old!Cahill' moment in the second half where he was pointing to someone cover the wing, while slowly back-running, not breaking to the side himself, nor properly marking the man ahead of him, who's got a very good shot, but I guess Cech deflected (or someone else did, or the guy missed, although it was a very good position to shoot). I'm defending his permanence in the club and saying it's hard for him to get a streak of matches now (given the other defenders' performances and form) - which could possibly help him with his form. He's been subpar compared to himself (on his best) and compared to JT and Cahill this season. There's nothing wrong admitting that. He's still a great defender imo who just needs to find his best form. And I want him to stay.

you're right. He's only behind Cahill and Luiz, with 53 touches and 85% accuracy rate (and three key passes in the match).

He wasn't up to his best again - it was more less the same we've seen from him this season. I still believe he's very useful for us, and we need him. A few matches - as a CB - could help, but it was clear how much we've missed JT today, so I think we can cope with his sub-par season for the rest of it, and next season is a clean slate for him, especially after the WC where I expect him to do very well. Hopefully he'll be highly motivated and we'll be able to see the best of him playing for us. For now, he's clearly our third CB - but still very, very useful.

This man is impressive. He didn't have a match nearly as good as he did against City and still he's bossed the midfield yet again. There were a couple of silly mistakes - but not only every player is entitled to have those, but this is a new guy, in a new and very physical league. The way he just out-powers players with his size and strength is a pleasure to watch. He passes by them as if they were nothing, he has a great vision for a DM (or even in general), good pass. He's started some of good chances today (I remember twice, but I'll rewatch the match later and confirm it). Amazing, amazing signing. Damn it, we're so close of having the perfect squad. Make it happen, Mou!!!!

this man is one of my fave legends in the club. Words can't say how much I love Petr Cech and how amazing he's been (and continues to be) for us. Amazing goalie

He had a very good match with some very good passes today. I come back to my words a few days (weeks?) ago: without Mata there, instead of feeling the pressure to replace him, I think he'll play more carefree and less pressure. Can't wait until he improves even more

reason why I didn't post the gif when I came across it. Couldn't they have used Ronaldo's win this year

great as usual, Lex Always a pleasure to read you

Found this on Tumblr, on the press conference by Mou after the match

Why is the ball signed by some people? Did he ask the players to sign it for him?

I'm so bloody happy!!!!!!! KTBFFH

trololol also