Barbara

his situation is very similar to Mata in the last two years. When we had a dire AM for years, Mata arrived and it seemed like the second coming. Rami looked absolutely amazing in the terrible pivot we've had for so many years. Now we have some class and a technical player at Matic and he makes Rami look really, really, really poor. Yes, there's the stamina, the pace, even the tackles, and all those things are good, but they're not enough, simple as that. Has he scored some important goals? For sure, to which I'm very thankful. Did he carry our pivot for a while? Yes, he did. Doesn't change the fact he is very poor technically and a very frustrating player... Now we have Matic we should be raising our stakes. We have pace in Salah and André, we don't need to keep Ramires simply because of his versatility playing as a RW, but Mourinho won't give up on a player like him... unfortunately. I've never been a fan of his, but his good doings for us in the last couple of seasons made me forget how I used to dislike him... now he seems to remember me of that every match (even though I haven't watch today's and don't plan to) I wish we had a better partner for Matic. We needed someone that was like Lamps on his best days. That's the perfect partner for Matic as he (Matic) can hold himself in the DM position well enough. Either we get a new Lamps or we get a more defensive midfielder and morph Matic in a new Lamps. Either way, the time has come when Ramires shouldn't be more than a squad player in this team and we should accept offers for him if they come (and they're good). Having Matic but not having someone as good to be his partner only attenuates the problem. Matic is a HUGE improvement to our pivot(infinitely more than Rami was when he settled - let's not forget it took him almost two seasons to settle), but to capitalize everything he can bring to us, we should get him a better partner. Maybe van Ginkel could be the one - for the future. Haven't seen enough of Marco to say it. I just wish we had someone better than Ramires... I agree with everyone who's said he wouldn't be a starting player in any top-class team in the world. Why should we accept it then? It has nothing to do with ungratefulness - people tend to relate you wanting an improvement with not respecting the past and services done by a player - but this is about us being in a new level now and therefore requiring a better pivot. We won't make it to the next level of competitiveness with the best in Europe with Ramires as our indisputable midfielder... it makes no sense

haven't watched one sec of the match - not even followed the comments on internet, except one single comment saying they had 8-9 players inside their box. I've been saying it for a while. We don't know how to play against teams that park the bus, but maybe that wasn't the problem, as we had a lead and let them draw. I'm disappointed, but then again, the team isn't ready... we all know (or should know) that.

it's beyond cool. I've loved it! @robdog, @Jim, @Peppen, @Special Juan, thanks for the comments. Especially Peppen, not a celebrity at all. I look and sound silly, but that's who I am, I love being silly

You're my fave kitten, Jay Thanks *hugs*

that's what I keep saying is separating him from making it to the next level. Especially the most difficult and biggest games. I'm so happy he's aware of that and willing to make that step. I'm not in a rush though. Let the boy mature at his own pace. My main problem with his development curve isn't the final product - because there's time for that - but how he's so inconsistent in the first couple months of every season (the exception seems to be last season, although he had a dig of form after September). If he can fix that for next season, I think it's the right development we need from him now. I keep waiting when he'll 'explode' and just start killing all matches for us, but it can wait, I can wait and we have a system that assures us the wait may not be trophy-less. We aren't Hazard dependent, although he's a big part (individually, the biggest) of our success right now.

I know Fred rarely plays - as he's injured 90% of the time, but the main team is in theory double pivot + Oscar and ahead of them Hulk - Fred - Neymar.

you're the best Nour! I feel very tempted to send you a hug, but I won't scare you off Thanks!!!!!!

You guys have to keep in mind Brazil plays 4-3-3 and not 4-2-3-1 as we do - although a lot of people think we play 4-2-3-1. I don't know, maybe I'm going crazy, but both Hulk and Neymar played as second strikers in Confed Cup imo, while Fred was the CF. We have a pivot + Oscar in the middle and three strikers: Neymar, Hulk and whatever #9 isn't injured or sucking much. Willian's main competition is Oscar himself as our NT doesn't play wingers as Chelsea, but rather play them like some sort of strikers and second strikers - a role I don't think Willian is used to play. Ramires wouldn't be in my starting eleven (as I said yesterday I favor first Paulinho + Fernandinho and then Gustavo + Fernandinho), but I'd have him in the squad. I don't like Lucas Leiva better than Rami and definitely not Hernanes. I like Hernanes playing where Oscar plays...

no more bets. But my wonderful job now requires meetings on Tuesdays' afternoons and it'll take the entirety of the match (I know, it SUCKS). Would you or @CHOULO19 or @ kindly tweet me when goals are scored (hopefully only Chelsea will score) so I can receive a notification on my phone? I'm dying for not watching it pls pls pls? edit: btw when does the light saving time end for you guys in England? you're one hour behind your 'natural' time aren't you?

ugh! my teeth are killing me. They were both forward upper and bottom, but I had a lot of pain in the face, so I had to push the bottom teeth back and now there's this huge gap, in addition to the braces... I was supposed to have the surgery that will fix that this month, but because of my health insurance it was pushed to August. I'm not amused AT ALL. I'm indeed all teeth these days I miss the days of this pic (in my avatar) where my mouth wasn't perfect, but was okay. Now I look like a little monster Still I smile a lot because I don't give enough fucks, hahahahahaha. and you both look great!

I suppose a vid is better than a thousand pics? No... I've got it wrong... that was about words and picture, anyway, @robdog introduced me to Fancast and I took part of the show a few weeks ago. and yeah, I grimace a lot (I appear three times) oh the Rick guy is the club's official historian (@'s predecessor) edit: next week when my losing bet vid is here, I'll post in this thread too as the ManCity thread was already closed.

He was very good against Newcastle. His contribution from Luiz to Hazard for our first goal is a testament to that.

The Match As the newly crowned league leaders, Chelsea will travel to West Bromwich this Tuesday and will play the Baggies for the 26th week in the Premier League. The match will be held at the Hawthorns, 20:00GMT and the visitors will look forward to keep their position at the top of table. It’s the first time the Blues see no one ahead of them at the league since November 2012. But the West Bromwich trip hasn't been an easy one for the Londoners in the last two seasons, as they lost both matches. The teams have faced each other 130 times in which Chelsea won 54, drew 34 and lost 42, including the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier this season. When visiting West Brom, the head-to-head is 21 wins, 13 draws and 23 losses for Chelsea. The Opposition The Baggies have been struggling to stay in the league currently, being the first team into the relegation zone with only 23 points after 25 matches. Newly appointed manager Pepe Mel is going to be in the dugout for the fifth time since his appointment, but is yet to collect his first win with the team. The consolation prize for the Black Country side is that they were very close to beating Chelsea in the meeting at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, when a 93rd minute penalty on Ramires – which has been contested by many – and converted by Eden Hazard assured a draw for the home team, saving Mourinho’s spectacular unbeatable home record ahead of the Blues. Team news West Brom (LDLDL) Mel still has problems in the medical department and while Stephane Sessegnon is a confirmed absence (groin injury), ex-blue striker Nicolas Anelka (knee) and Jonas Olsson (hamstring) are unlikely to make an appearance. In addition to them defender Billy Jones will undergo a late fitness test on Tuesday morning to assess his conditions for the match. Player to watch: Thievy Bifouma has made his debut for the Baggies in the 3x1 loss to Crystal Palace last weekend and scored the maiden goal for Mel’s side. The striker is likely to start his first match at the Hawthorns. Possible line-up (4-4-2): Foster; Ridgewell, McAuley, Lugano, Dawson; Yacob, Morrison, Mulumbu, Brunt; Anichebe, Bifoum. Chelsea (WWDWW) Manager José Mourinho confirmed Fernando Torres is back in the team after missing three weeks, but skipper John Terry is still out and must only come back to team in FA Cup battle against Manchester City at the weekend. Despite Terry’s absence, Mourinho expects the defense to keep the momentum, and a partnership between Gary Cahill and David Luiz is likely to start their second match in a row, after yet another clean sheet in the weekend against Newcastle. In the attack, despite Torres’ return, Samuel Eto'o is probably going to keep his position. The question is if Mourinho will favor the Spaniard over Demba Ba. The latter has scored six goals in his latest six appearances against the Baggies. In addition to that there shouldn’t be any surprises in the line-up and the Portuguese is likely to repeat the team against Newcastle with the only likely change being Ramires for Frank Lampard. Player to watch: Eden Hazard The Belgian has just scored his first hat-trick for the Blues, in the victory against Newcastle by as many goals. The numbers – provided by EPL Index – tell the story themselves about Chelsea’s hot player. Possible line-up (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Matic, Ramires; Wilian, Oscar, Hazard; Eto'o. Match Facts West Brom have won only one of their last 15 league games and are currently in a four losses streak under manager Pepe Mel.The home team has the least wins in the league (four) and the most draws (11).Sixteen different players have scored a Premier League goal for WBA this season, more than any other side in the top flight.The Baggies have kept just three clean sheets in their last 22 league games at The Hawthorns, and they have won just one of their last seven home matches (W1 D4 L2).Chelsea have kept clean sheets in each of their last four away games.The Blues have won five, drew one and lost just one in their last seven away matches.After losing their first 11 Premier League meetings with Chelsea, West Brom have lost just one of the last four (W2 D1 L1).The Baggies have seen 16 different players score a Premier League goal for them this season; more than any other side in the competition.Chelsea have earned 26 points out of the last possible 30 and kept seven clean sheets in nine games.The Blues have the best defense in the league - 20 goals conceded (six less than the second best).Eden Hazard scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle, summing 12 for the season – three more than in his first year with the club.The Blues have scored 11 goals from outside the box in open play this season in the Premier League, more than any other side. Match Odds By Skybet West Brom – 13/2 Draw – 16/5 Chelsea – 4/9 TV Coverage United Kingdom: BBC One Belgium: Sporting 1, Prime Sport, Be Sport 1 Brazil: FoxSports (HD) Canada: Sportsnet India: Star Sports 2 (HD), Star Sports 4 Middle East: beIn Sports Arabia 1 HD United States: NBCSN For additional regions, you can check out the TV schedule for the match here. There should be many match streams that can be found online if your local sports channels are not broadcasting the game or if you happen to be busy and cannot catch the game live, follow TalkChelsea on Twitter as it would provide live match commentary on the action. Click here to view article

It happened again. I said something here and then José said the same in his presser a few hours/days later. Why I don't have the same tendency with the lottery numbers? damn it!

that I do, but I love you, so I guess I'm good for now you >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Lucas Moura

no, actually is because he hasn't (nor will in the nearby future) that people taking jabs on Mata bothers him

nice article on this unsung hero http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/02/10/six-tackles-four-interceptions-how-unsung-chelsea-star-stifled-toon-dangerman/2014021067664

not as far as I know. you should probably ask @Rmpr though as he knows much better than me NT business (I didn't even know Oscar played with Brazil's #7 ) I'm one of those people who likes Melo despite his craziness, but I also think we have better material than him for the pivot, but I like him just fine. and sorry to disagree, mate, but Lucas' isn't the highest ceiling in Brazil not even in a million years. He's a flop and you'll come back to me someday to say the same.

his reaction

I prefer Fernandinho - Gustavo or Fernandinho - Paulinho Especially Paulinho - he plays much better for Brazil than he does for Tottenham (which isn't bad to start with). I'm not a huge Ramires fan by default and I've been becoming less and less lately. has has great stamina and pace,but I think he lacks a lot in the technical aspect. Oscar works perfectly in our 4-3-3 though. I really like him as the most advanced player in midfield, building from behind. It's his best position imo.

In all honesty? Our pther options to the pivot are (much) better than Ramires. He wouldn't be part of my starting eleven for Brazil either... We have plenty of pace with Neymar and Hulk - and our FBs are way more offensive playing for the NT than for their clubs - although they aren't particularly that fast. Either way, I don't think we need Ramires' pace and that's the only edge he has on Gustavo, Fernandinho and Paulinho. Even then some of those guys can have a run... also we play 4-3-3, pace isn't one of the keys to our game.

It took me a while, but analyzing later the City match I realized Mourinho made a choice based on pace. Every time we won possession back and counter-attacked them there was a line of four players that were running to receive the ball and we were attacking with those four at all occasions: Etoo, Eddie, Willian and Rami. Oscar is decently fast, but you can't compare him to Rami. If only Rami had Oscar's first touch, class and finishing (and Oscar isn't that great in some of those, it's just Rami is much worse) we would have won that match by 2 or 3-0 (I'm not complaining about the 0-1 scoreline). I think he's been more than okay for us, but I also agree he isn't the flamboyant #10 some people expected just because he's a Brazilian. He's a complete player that is very good in most things he does, but he isn't exceptional or remarkable in any of them except for his work-rate and ability to create space for us (the latter is simply huge, I've been observing in the latest games, we don't give him enough credit for that). He can - and should - improve his overall passing and I wish we could see more of his creativity and vision because although he doesn't excel in either, I feel he has more than he shows. That said he gave some very good passes against Newcastle. edit: when did Oscar wear #7 for Brazil? that's how much I watch our NT... I had no idea it ever happened until I've watched the vid last page

Pertinent (and honest) question: What's better (or worse should be the most appropriate question)? To play 50% of the matches in a club fighting for titles and going to UCL or to play 100% of the matches in a club that is beyond mediocre and won't manage any kind of European football?

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