295 replies to this topic

[Phillip]

wxwax, on 23 December 2011 - 12:31 AM, said:

Yes, I thought it was funny. I love the singing and the chants, unless they go out of bounds like some of the ones directed at Manu or Liverpool. The humor from the stands is one of the best parts of English fans and the Premier League.

Yeah, I understand that aspect of the game, but that chant has nothing of interest beyond a line that someone came up with without much thought. Then again, it was from the Spuds fans, so I guess that is the best they can do.

[DELBY]

abramovich, on 22 December 2011 - 11:38 PM, said:

I expected him to make an effort.

Make an effort? I saw him closing down people and chasing to win the ball back when it was lost. I saw plenty of hard work and "effort" from him when he came on.

[PloKoon13]

While ideally we would have pounded seven shades of sh*t out of those top 4-pretender scumbags, a draw at Three Point Lane isn't all that disappointing considering the circumstances.

Consider our back four was Ferreira-Bosingwa-Terry-Cole for most of the game and they didn't concede once. I felt their goal was mostly Bosingwa's fault; he didn't close down or try hard enough to press Bale and he managed to get a great cross in. Paulo did a far better job on Bale and actually put in a decent shift, as did Bossie after he was eventually shoehorned into centre back. While it seemed to work as we didn't concede any more goals after Ivanovic's departure (and I really hope he's ok) I'd probably have opted for Mikel or Romeu as emergency centre backs over Bosingwa. Either way credit to the back four who coped well with a strong Tottenham side. When looking at the starting lineups I thought Cole would have an influence on the game as Modric is more inclined to drift centrally, opening up Ashley to bomb forward and link up with Mata, and he had an excellent game, also getting an excellent assist for our goal. Offensively he faded a little in the second half as Modric started staying wider to close him and Mata down.
Also credit to Mata for his defensive contribution - he did very well in supporting Ashley against Modric and Walker.

Drogba had his moments: that sexy flick-on for Cole's assist, as well as similar tricks to set up Sturridge. It looked to me like he had been given specific instructions not to press the opposition's defence (or at least not very much), and he is experiencing a slight resurgence in his new role as a playmaker as opposed to the focal point of our attack. Sturridge took his goal well but spurned a few other chances which let him down; I'd like to see him score a brace or a hat-trick sometime soon to really cement his credentials as a top-class goalscorer. I don't want to take anything away from what has been a fantastic season for him. Mata was causing them problems whether from wide or centrally but his final ball let him down last night.

By the way... who's the real sideways passer?

[Zeta Orionis]

Spiller86, on 23 December 2011 - 09:49 AM, said:

Spot on about Bale. He is the crux of their attack. They've a couple of players i wouldn't mind pinching. Modric and his little jack Russell mate parker would improve us. My question is how the f**k did they end up with those blokes with half of our transfer budget and half the wage bill?

On the game Drogba was excellent. His link up play showed exactly why he was and should be picked ahead Torres. His layoffs led to the goal and should have led to another bar Ramires' poor finishing.

Good result overall. Special congratulations to my main man Paulo, dependable as always. Bos also did well out of position. With the tough run of games over we have some winnable ones now. This next month will go a long way towards determining whether we make the top four or not

Because they pick good young players and bring them through into top quality players, instead of spending vast millions on supposed "world class" players.

I know we have the money, but I'm always happier when we do something like that. Sure we've spent big and brought in good players in the past, but it's signings like Cudicini at £200k and then helping him grow into one of the best goalkeepers in the league that make me proud of our transfers. It's something we don't do nearly enough of, we just look for the biggest names and splash the cash. I know it probably sounds ridiculous to complain about us spending money, but meh, that's just my opinion on it.

Edited by BlueSkies, 23 December 2011 - 11:00 AM.

[Fast Eddie]

Interestingly after speaking to a Spuds mate before the game he said he'd take a point! Fookin interesting I thought but then again he knows his sides weaknesses better than me and this was before he knew bale was in. I on the other hand would have held out for the win and his overall conclusion was that Spuds are a 4th or 5th placed side this season whereas I'm hoping for 3rd/4th - time will tell...

JT's face in the tunnel before the game said everything to me and knew he'd have a good game despite recent happenings and patting his chest and badge after epitomises his fantastic spirit and attitude. Could kiss him right now.

Come on Chelsea and Merry Xmas all!

[geezer]

Really proud of the shift our boys put in last night especially playing most of the game with only one recognised centre back - well done Bossy you filled in exceptionally well (I seem to recall you played an exceptional game at left back against Barca too - maybe we just need to play you out of position to get the best from you).
Could have nicked it at the end with Rammy's header but also could have lost it - happy with a point given the circumstances.
Oh yes, one last thing - In the true spirit of Christmas I'd just like to say to all Spurs fans around the world - f**k YOU!!

[blizeH]

Amazing performance, particularly from JT - could have easily won this with slightly improved finishing, and let's not forget Spurs are a fantastic side this season, especially at home.

The performance last night is something to really be proud of, and let's not forget the fans too - I was sat amongst the Tottenham fans (urgh) at the opposite side of the stadium and so many occasions I could hear the Chelsea very clearly, to quote my Spurs supporting friend, "bloody hell, have they got microphones down there for the Chelsea fans or something?" :-)

[Zeta Orionis]

blizeH, on 23 December 2011 - 12:19 PM, said:

Amazing performance, particularly from JT - could have easily won this with slightly improved finishing, and let's not forget Spurs are a fantastic side this season, especially at home.

The performance last night is something to really be proud of, and let's not forget the fans too - I was sat amongst the Tottenham fans (urgh) at the opposite side of the stadium and so many occasions I could hear the Chelsea very clearly, to quote my Spurs supporting friend, "bloody hell, have they got microphones down there for the Chelsea fans or something?" :-)

Good to hear, as on the TV all I could hear was the Spurs fans mostly and their "Terry you're a c**t" chanting..which I notice has gone un-punished by their stewards who were on the lookout for any insulting chanting..

[Rami]

Also the next time we face them we will be alot better (transfer window, more time with AVB) while this is their peak they wont get any better than last night.

[ethicalstrategy]

Mike 93, on 23 December 2011 - 12:15 AM, said:

Those sticking up for mikel should remember it was him who gave away possession cheaply for the spuds goal, he just booted it up the pitch. He should of looked for a pass

Nope. Sturridge lost the ball in a tackle with Sandro. Bale picked it up and ran at Bosingwa and crossed and Cech missed it to allow Adebayor to score. Mikel not at fault at all for that.

[Mike 93]

ethicalstrategy, on 23 December 2011 - 01:33 PM, said:

Nope. Sturridge lost the ball in a tackle with Sandro. Bale picked it up and ran at Bosingwa and crossed and Cech missed it to allow Adebayor to score. Mikel not at fault at all for that.

Yep realised my mistake

[Castiel]

Bale didn't have to do much for that cross. He wasn't tracked correctly and more credit goes to Ade for finding a finish out of something Cech/Terry should have caught/cleared. I still think he's a speed merchant. He's very good at what he does but I can't in good conscience hold him up against the likes of Nani/Robben/Di Maria/Mata(depending where we end up using him) who are far more complete wingers. I'd still take Sturridge over him any day of the week but an equally fast, tricky winger with finishing would be nice for our left so Mata can come inside. If he wasn't touted at a ridiculous £40m I'd be all for marauding Spuds for him. We could get Robben back for less.

[Gem]

Just a quick mention for Bosingwa - I'm one of his harshest critics but he did well yesterday.

[Myles_91]

Gutted with the result, but pleased with the performance.

Spurs are pony. We had Bosingwa at CB and Paulo at RB and apart from the Adebayor chance they created almost nothing in 60 minutes against a makeshift Chelsea back line.

Spuds singing on the tube about being the top team in London,they must be enjoying their 15 minutes of fame.

We will come back stronger and in 2012 we will beat them at the Bridge as we usually do.

Spurs are beginning to fade and the last 3 games have shown that.

[wxwax]

Castiel, on 23 December 2011 - 02:11 PM, said:

Bale didn't have to do much for that cross. He wasn't tracked correctly and more credit goes to Ade for finding a finish out of something Cech/Terry should have caught/cleared.

This is why I struggle to make Terry MoM, despite his overall heroics.

[Barry Bridges]

Gem, on 23 December 2011 - 05:57 PM, said:

Just a quick mention for Bosingwa - I'm one of his harshest critics but he did well yesterday.

Aside from the first goal (Ivan guilty, Cech and JT could of done more too) I agree....but as mentioned, we cant lay that gaffe solely on Bossy. Lets hope his form continues and even improves.

PS, whens the last time we saw Cole cross like that? Was sublime and inch perfect!