Closed Chelsea 2-1 Wigan

[Wxgba 306]

I look at the lineup and see Drogba, Malouda and Essien, players who haven't started that many games or even played much altogether as of late. Now you would expect these guys to put in an effort for at least two reasons: 1. To prove themselves worthy of a place in the starting XI or in the team even. 2. No fatigue issues from playing too much like others, e.g. Mata.

Drogba wasn't awful in all honestly but I mean besides coming somewhat close to scoring 3-4 times what else does he do? Out of all the chances I believe he created one for himself (shot in 1st half), the others were supplied to him. He's always messing about hugging opposition players and such and rarely if ever backtracks in the latter parts of the game, very frustrating to watch considering the state we've been in this season.

Malouda I'm sorry you got your chance today and didn't try hard enough because you HAVE to be better than that. Also please drop the attitude for once..

Essien? Mostly invisible throughout the game. Doesn't contribute enough going forward or defending really...Sad to see he's no longer fit enough to be the hard worker he once was, often appears exhausted.

I agree with Malouda and Essien, yes, but Drogba? Give me a break. He's a defender's worst nightmare. His physical presence alone is enough to warrant a place in the starting eleven.

"Other than coming somewhat close to scoring 3-4 times what else does he do?": 1. Isn't a striker's job to create chances on goal? 2. Do you even watch the matches? Drogba's great at holding the ball up and is often an efficient outlet when we're in trouble at the back. A big hoof up the pitch is wasteful in most circumstances, but when Drogba's up there he's a presence that will more often than not retain possession and start one of our attacks.

A great team player that definitely deserves his time on the pitch, whether that be alongside Torres or centrally on his own.

They weren't saying Kalou, they were booing him for sure, because he had elected to shoot instead of cross it to Torres for a possible shot on goal. it was a bit harsh but at the same time can you blame them? Many Chelsea fans become fed up with his constant selfishness. He's been given a role to play in the team and if he doesn't want to do that than he doesnt deserve a starting spot.

The fans were definitely booing him, but I think that it's totally unjust that they did so. Okay, his decision-making is one of his weaknesses, which I'm sure himself and the coaching staff are fully aware of and are working on improving. The fans ought to understand that he's still raw and needs a lot of development to fulfil his potential. At the minute, he's still a hot prospect learning through experience - people need to understand this and cut him some slack. It's not our job, as fans, to boo any member of our team, regardless of their actions on the pitch. He's a Chelsea player, get behind the lad. All booing will succeed in doing is hinder his confidence, and a player such as Sturridge strives on confidence. Booing him won't make his decision-making better; it's more likely to affect it negatively with him giving his all to try and win the crowd over. A player should never have to do that to his own fans.

The kid's a breath of fresh air. He's positive and always looking to run at players. Yes, he might be a little selfish, but as I've said, I'm sure the background staff are aware of this and are helping him to improve on a weekly basis. Cut him some slack, will you?

[Kezza 1,965]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/martinez-faces-fa-charge-for-disgusting-comment-7627471.html

Someone's in trouble.