Closed Chelsea v Manchester United

[Tomo 21,733]

For the last time people stop this silly height discussion. Any further thread derailment will result in warnings.

Although it's a strange topic of conversation, it's still relevant as one of the two will play on Sunday and will have to do their fair share of defending from corner kicks.

He is as main striker. He did well for half a season as a winger, and did well at Bolton alongside Kevin Davies and Elmander pretty much beside them.

And like i've said over and over, we are just what? 8 games into the league season, and Sturridge is the only other option we have to Torres so he will start games, and more than in just cup games or whatever. Then we will all see how capable he is at the position.

Cech was unproven in goal at a top team (Rennes are practically France's version of Bolton) until Jose decided to stick him in for the first time (ironically in the fixture we are about to play).

Im not saying Danny will have the same impact for the next 8 years if he gets selected Sunday, but it's worth thinking, what if Jose played safe and stuck with Carlo?

[klopfzeichen 78]

The one thing I don't get about this Sturridge vs Torres debate is that people call for Sturridge to be number 1 striker on the basis of nothing. As things stand Torres deserves to be number 1 for the fact he's been playing this season, grabbed a few goals and linked up well with the trio behind him. Rather than make outlandish and baseless claims, we should wait and see what Sturridge can do as a CF and then make comparisons and judge.

We base our call for Sturridge to be number 1 striker on the fact that Torres is embarrasingly rubbish, an absolute waste of space, and nowhere near fit to wear the shirt. So in other words any striker that isn't Torres is an improvement basically.

[Sheva. 5,373]

Cech was unproven in goal at a top team (Rennes are practically France's version of Bolton) until Jose decided to stick him in for the first time (ironically in the fixture we are about to play).

Im not saying Danny will have the same impact for the next 8 years if he gets selected Sunday, but it's worth thinking, what if Jose played safe and stuck with Carlo?

Cech made 70 apps for Rennes (wiki) enough to judge how good a keeper he is. It is also not strange to see keepers move from smaller teams to much better/bigger clubs and get games, more recent examples are Lindegaard or Courtois.

While Sturridge played 12 games for Bolton, and tbf i didn't have time to watch like 8 of those games, but the few i saw he did not play as a lone striker like he'd be asked to do here. His positioning is alright, his finishing decent and pace great, but there's more to it than that. In the 1 game he started as main striker for Chelsea against Blackburn he had a tough time shaking off Samba and Torres was brought in at half time if i remember correctly.

People who expect him to just step in and instantly shine could very well be wrong, but we will all see... eventually.

[The Skipper 20,593]

man u have a good attack but poor defence. they basically have to out score their opponents to win at the moment. so if we keep our defence tight, i believe our attacking players will cause havoc on their defence. I'm looking forward to this one. 7 points clear of man u, dream come true!

This is exactly it. Lets hope the goals go our way, the team who's the most clinical will win.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Although it's a strange topic of conversation, it's

still relevant as one of the two will play on Sunday and will have to do their fair share of defending from corner kicks.

And where does Shak fit in the game on Sunday? I'm just saying that most members would like to discuss tactics and news for the match rather than who's got a couple of centimeters on who.

[didierforever 7,349]

This is exactly it. Lets hope the goals go our way, the team who's the most clinical will win.

then we know the result. so lets hope this is not the case.

[Kojo 4,676]

I can't believe how silly the level of discussion is in the last few pages

This is the Match thread for the Manchester United game not the height thread. Get back on topic people.

Di Matteo prematch:

Di Matteo always so chilled, very likeable character, like Carlo was, he wouldn't really be controversial and would handle the media by just shutting up and not saying a bad word about anything.

[The Skipper 20,593]

then we know the result. so lets hope this is not the case.

I rather meant the team that's the most clinical on the day.

[themightyblue 443]

Based on outscoring Torres two years in a row maybe?

Based on outscoring Torres; Drogba and Anelka's combined tally while at Bolton?

Based on his footballing ability?

Based on being younger and having his best years ahead of him?

I don't know it annoys me, when people say Sturridge is unproven but yet forget that we have given Torres an automatic first team slot based on one and a half years of pain and misery for all parties involved.

Sturridge hasn't played as a main striker for us, those goals came from the wing which is completely different to the CF position. Often he'd just be taking on the opposition full back, whereas as the lone CF he has to contend with 2 CBs. A lot of Sturridge's goals also came from arriving late at the back post from the wing position, he won't be able to do that anymore as CF. Once again while at Bolton, played in a two striker system playing of Kevin Davies who'd act as a target man and win flick ons etc. This is what i'm trying to say, there is no evidence for saying 'Sturridge should be number 1 striker'. He should be given a chance which I think everybody wants and Di Matteo will do, but if we're going to base making him number 1 striker on football ability and being younger then it'd be an incredibly silly thing to do and luckily Robbie isn't doing this.#

I don't think they are outlandish claims. We have seen what sturridge can do at striker from his loan spell at bolton. We have also seen his impact he has made in his rare appearances as sub. Most of the time he makes more of an impact than torres had done in his previous 75 mins on the pitch. And we can't really do a comparsion without giving him a chance. Also, he has grabbed some goals which everyone is glad at, however we do have hazard mata oscar behind him. As a trio that is probably up there in the top 4 AM trios in the world. As a lone striker with that creativity behind you, you should really be scoring goals. For me, it is clear who atm is the better out and out striker.

Once again, playing as a striker at Bolton in a two striker system is completely different to playing as a lone striker at Chelsea and your telling rare sub appearances are enough to make somebody your lead striker? All i'm saying what Sturridge deserves is a chance, which he would have gotten by now if he hadn't been injured, but say he's number 1? Don't make me laugh mate

[Tomo 21,733]

My worry is the centre half's. Both Cahill and Luiz are fine with Terry, but im really not convinced on those two as a partnership.

[bababoom 4,478]

My worry is the centre half's. Both Cahill and Luiz are fine with Terry, but im really not convinced on those two as a partnership.

I'm more worried about Luiz than Cahill.

[Tomo 21,733]

I'm more worried about Luiz than Cahill.

Im worried about their partnership as a whole, both their worst performances in a Chelsea shirt have came when they have been pairing with each other.

[Land 331]

We won a CL final with Cahil-Luiz....

[Tomo 21,733]

We won a CL final with Cahil-Luiz....

Yes we did but Bayern still created numerous chances in that game.

There is also Athletico, Naples, United last season even last week at Spurs to a lesser extent where we were getting carved open for fun with this partnership.

[YouNameIt 1,511]

Height is important,End of story. As i said above Drogba headed out 90% of balls from corners and set pieces when he plays, so do i want my CF defending? if he can score and do both why the hell not? i get mad when people think they shouldnt be part of the overall team or pull their weight or just have OTHER responsibilities just because their a striker...

Did I say height isnt important? You however seem to argue that a reason to chose Torres ahead of Danny is his height. Really? That's just really laughable dude.

Question is: Is Torres doing both? Or; is he good at both defending and scoring? Clearly he is NOT. He is simply not a reliable striker that delivers. Simple as.

Also, its not like Danny never tracks back or anything like that. But ask yourself: If you got benched for most games, you burn to play as CF, you rarely get to taste it, but when u do, you deliver. ANd when u finally get the chance again: Would u want to score or defend? He fucking came on after being injured as sub and scored. Simple as.

Danny is better than Torres. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please stop it with this retarded defensive responsibilities crap. If Danny was made a regular CF starter he would also track back more because he would know that even if he doesnt score 2 goals, he get to start next game.

[TheCount 146]

Did I say height isnt important? You however seem to argue that a reason to chose Torres ahead of Danny is his height. Really? That's just really laughable dude.

Question is: Is Torres doing both? Or; is he good at both defending and scoring? Clearly he is NOT. He is simply not a reliable striker that delivers. Simple as.

Also, its not like Danny never tracks back or anything like that. But ask yourself: If you got benched for most games, you burn to play as CF, you rarely get to taste it, but when u do, you deliver. ANd when u finally get the chance again: Would u want to score or defend? He fucking came on after being injured as sub and scored. Simple as.

Danny is better than Torres. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please stop it with this retarded defensive responsibilities crap. If Danny was made a regular CF starter he would also track back more because he would know that even if he doesnt score 2 goals, he get to start next game.

No as i stated about 15 times height is just one factor of why i would choose Torres over sturridge and yes you did seem to think it isnt important at all,

He's not scoring as much as he should be thats undeniable, but he's still the better man for the job.

Sturridge rarely if ever tracks back also, he's liability you've said it yourself before he dosent, whether he thinks he's a striker or not isnt the point HIS job is to PLAY where he's TOLD, thats HIS JOB whatever HE THINKS is irrelevant. If he dosent like it then he should leave otherwise he should listen to his manager and perform where he is put to the best of his ability,

Finaly "Danny is better than Torres. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please stop it with this retarded defensive responsibilities crap. If Danny was made a regular CF starter he would also track back more because he would know that even if he doesnt score 2 goals, he get to start next game."

IF!! yes IF he was a regular starting forward he might track back and perform defensively, But he's not and just because you think in time he can be dosent mean he should start a very important game on the off chance he'll perform responsibilities in the future. Tomorrow isnt the time to be fucking around making changes and hoping for the best. Why would anyone play a player who has barely played this year, in one of the biggest games of the year? I mean its fucking gormless to even suggest it. I'll happily watch sturridge become a better player in non or less important games, but you want him to start with unknown form in a must win or at least draw match? jesus.

Edit: http://www1.skysport.../11668/8197628/ Take your argument up with RDM,

as i said before 1 goal ever 2 games was the basis for a quality striker before the messi/ronaldo media circus started

[YouNameIt 1,511]

No as i stated about 15 times height is just one factor of why i would choose Torres over sturridge and yes you did seem to think it isnt important at all,

He's not scoring as much as he should be thats undeniable, but he's still the better man for the job.

Sturridge rarely if ever tracks back also, he's liability you've said it yourself before he dosent, whether he thinks he's a striker or not isnt the point HIS job is to PLAY where he's TOLD, thats HIS JOB whatever HE THINKS is irrelevant. If he dosent like it then he should leave otherwise he should listen to his manager and perform where he is put to the best of his ability,

Finaly "Danny is better than Torres. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please stop it with this retarded defensive responsibilities crap. If Danny was made a regular CF starter he would also track back more because he would know that even if he doesnt score 2 goals, he get to start next game."

IF!! yes IF he was a regular starting forward he might track back and perform defensively, But he's not and just because you think in time he can be dosent mean he should start a very important game on the off chance he'll perform responsibilities in the future. Tomorrow isnt the time to be fucking around making changes and hoping for the best. Why would anyone play a player who has barely played this year, in one of the biggest games of the year? I mean its fucking gormless to even suggest it. I'll happily watch sturridge become a better player in non or less important games, but you want him to start with unknown form in a must win or at least draw match? jesus.

Edit: http://www1.skysport.../11668/8197628/ Take your argument up with RDM,

as i said before 1 goal ever 2 games was the basis for a quality striker before the messi/ronaldo media circus started

you are just a perfect example of a person believing in anything you read.

Do u honestly think RDM would go out and say "I dont support Torres". Are you bloody serious or are you just trolling me right now?

And what do you, or anyone of us, know about what Dannys instructions are when he is on the pitch? maybe he isnt supposed to track back as much as torres does? Like can we stop acting as if we know what is going on behind the scenes and just look at facts.

1. Torres sucks.

2. We only got 1 option. A young, hungry and talentful striker that hasnt been given the chance, but when he has: hes done well.

[TheCount 146]

you are just a perfect example of a person believing in anything you read.

Do u honestly think RDM would go out and say "I dont support Torres". Are you bloody serious or are you just trolling me right now?

And what do you, or anyone of us, know about what Dannys instructions are when he is on the pitch? maybe he isnt supposed to track back as much as torres does? Like can we stop acting as if we know what is going on behind the scenes and just look at facts.

1. Torres sucks.

2. We only got 1 option. A young, hungry and talentful striker that hasnt been given the chance, but when he has: hes done well.

I like how you ignored all my points, anyway, i'll reply one last time

We can assume RDM wants him to track back, as you said yourself once, he was droped for not tracking back, so yes we can assume thats what he has to do, since every other player in his position has to do that.

Ok moving on, No i dont belive everything i read, funny i think you do tho since the only people who ever hyped sturridge up this much was the english media also, I put that their as little sign off. My points are MY own, yanno the ones i listed above and you ignored.

If you honestly think RDM should start a player who has barely played, in one of the biggest games of the year over a player who has played all our games this year on ifs and buts, then thats fine, but fuck i am glad your not in charge.

Also 1 goal every 2 games has always been a good stat.

Dunno why im bothering tho, you have a chip on your shoulder about Torres, and border on the fanatical for sturridge..