View With A View

The sequel is continuing. My verdict is for an unhappy one. One get-what-he-wants billionaire squabbling with a ultra arrogant think-he-is-the-best Champion League winning manager. One knows Sheva was his friend and the other knew he was going to be a flop One holds the quids and the other holds the key to choosing strategic players. No McCarthy, No Ben T'aim until too late and certainly no big name signing. A real show of who the boss even at the expense of fan's hard earned wages to hold season tickets. One thing is for sure... We will not start as favourite next season, with Liverpool and Manu ahead of us in strengthening. That will suit us find. I just pray that Mourinho will make the boss eat his words by winning the Champion League and the Premiership. Surely, such a double is within grasp, instead of taking about unrealistic treble or quandruple ? By the way, are our scout sleeping? where is ( if there is) our very own Santiago Munez? That will be our very own and best free signing... Hell... why not let the plot of Goal III develop further at Stamford Bridge?

Who would have thought that after splurging on flops like Schevcenko and Ballack, Chelsea's pre season response is free signings? I have no doubt over Sidwell but i fear that he will become a bit player like SWP. Pizarro had also play a bit part in Bavaria, like Geremi. So why do we show a lack of ambition so far? Now, Ben Taim is also a free signing if the deal is finalised. These can be shrewd signings if and when they succeed. But is this the appropriate response to the newly crowned champion who had paid for Heagreaves, Nani and Anderson ( whom i rate very highly) for 50 mil quids? I am not suggesting that signings will win us titles, but are we going to the extremes. No wonder Lamps, Robben and Terry are holding back on contract extensions and Drogs speak off traitorous intention. Has the money from Roman dried up after losing more than 300 mil quids? Ironically, this should be the way. Chelsea's flagrant past has skewed the transfer kitty scales. If Mittal buys Birmingham, another series of absurd price buying will start again. This will be very bad for teams such as Reading, Wigan and even Spurs to compete effectively in the long term. Still, the romance of the game make me think of Torres, Villa, Riquelme, E'to, Kaka and Malouda like a little peasant boy who relishes his next Gelato but had nothing in his pocket.

We had two supposed world class players in Ballack and Shev who were supposed to lead us to a higher level. But many of us felt that they did not give us that gilt edge although they did make some contribution. They were paid the highest salary - 130,000 quids a week- despite not performing better than Terry and Lamps. Is it Terry or Lamps' fault that they insist on par salary with the two? Maybe if we allow both ( ballack/Shev) to leave, Terry and Lamps may be persuaded with an improved yet less than 130,000 quids a week? It is sad that Lamps' contract talk has collapsed and Roman, Kenyon and co are unlikely to up the ante. Lamps has been a major factor in Chelsea's midfield in the past seasons and no one ( including Ballack and Sidwell) can fill his dominating gap. If he leaves, who can fill him? Chelsea has stated that we only want a defender, a midfielder and a striker. That midfield slot is filled, so will we dig in and pay for another? I hate to see Lamps leave and this will not be possible had we not cough out blood to buy those two underperformers. Economically, Lamps should worth at least 30 million quid, so i would feel an exchange with Samuel E'to will at least make his departure better. Hopefully, Ballack can grow into that gap next season since he can play a similar role.

Na na na na do do.. as long you play the game of respect and engage in respected manner, i can accept, lofty. It is just that i do not share your views so you do not have to do a Virginia tech act on me. Ever try being teased by those moronic Manyoo fans who say that our money cannot buy us anything more than a league and league cup double? I have immense respect for Jack. I would gladly apologise to him for venting my frustration. It is hard to accept that when you have should so much character in beating the likes of Barcelona over 3 seasons, we cannot even overcome a pathetic Liverpool. I cannot stand Mourinho's rant that we are a better team after failing to overcome Anfield. Just keep quiet for heaven's sake. The 2nd half against Arsenal was a little too late. Why not do it against Bolton, Newcastle or Liverpool? But it was a superb effort, no doubt. No Robben, Drogs, Carvalho or Essien in midfield. Credit to them. And i was almost in tears seeing emotion flowing. They did their best but the best was not good enough.... Just once.... Just once ... Just one season with a league and CL title.. Just once will do.

I have to reply... f**k you all I admit the 2nd half was better. But i will definitely be back

My fear is becoming real. chelsea will probably lose the last few games plus the fa cup. The way we played at Emirates in the 1st half is a disgrace. Mourinho is too predictable. No Drogs... no goal. It is as simple as that. I am picking Arsenal to score another in the 2nd half. Bye Bye. Bullocks... this will be my last posting of the season.

Why i say most our signings this season are crap- Sheva, Ballack and now Bouhlahrouz. He's next on my list to be shipped out.

Do you know why West Spam is so hostile every time we visit Upton Park? It is because each time they go down, we plunder them - Johnno and Joe Cole. So i am sure they will be livid if we go after Tevez too, their Player of the Year. Bollock.. Here's the best package if it is true. Barcelona wants Sheva and swap him for E'to ( hurray !) Ballack is involved in an exchange deal for Deco or Iniesta ( win win for all) I think Frank Rikjaard is one of the manager from the best team category that can do business with us since we sanctioned the move of Guddy. Many of the others like Manure, gunners and the Scousers are just too afraid that they may strengthen us when their players move to the Bridge. I think this will be the best arrangement. Otherwise, Milan can have Sheva and Crespo for Kaka in return, plus Massimo Oddo. Also, we may take a look at Bordeaux starlet Julien Faubert, the 23-yr-old Moroccan international right back. He has been outstanding in that position.

Out : Ferreira, Geremi, Ballack, Shevchenko, Hedman, Makelele ( retiring) In : Kaka, Alex, Berbatov and a right back

3-0 and bye bye to the pretenders who is going to loan the title from us just for this year. Let's kill them in the FA Cup. At least we have 2 and they have 1. Also, let's hope AC wins it. I cannot stand seeing the Scouser stepping over us and winning it yet again.

I love Chelsea and would sincerely apologise for the following views. I think Chelsea have taken a step backward. Here's why.. To accommodate Ballack, we had to sacrifice the wingers (out goes Duff).The diamond formation becomes woefully similar to England. Lack of creativity results in pumping balls for Drogba to brutally heck his way in. Hence, the goals have dried up, not helped by the adepting Sheva whose 4 league goals pale in comparison to double digits of Crespo and Guddy. Take a look : 2003-2004 67 goals 30 against - runners-up under Raineri 2004-2005 72 goals 15 against - champion 2005-2006 72 goals 22 against - champion Current : 62 goals 22 against ( with 3 games left) We need to score 3 goals against Arsenal, Manure and Everton to equal last 2 years' tally. We are in danger of scoring less goals than 3 seasons ago. The statistics certainly do not show the significance of the absence of Cech, Carvalho and Terry though we did drop vital points Also, have we become too predictable? Liverpool under Benitez is gaining ground against us in Mourinho vs Benitez with each season.. 2004-05 : Chelsea Won 3 drew 1 Lost 1 2005-06: ChelseaWon 2 drew 2 Lost 1 2006-2007 : Chelsea Won 2 Lost 3 They dumped us in 2 CL semi-finals in 3 seasons, FA Community Shield 2006, 2005 FA Cup semi-final while our only triumph is Mourinho's 1st trophy as manager in the Carling Cup. Can Mourinho really triumph in crucial stages, especially against the 2005 European champion? I cannot imagine that with a little kitty at his disposal, Benitez will improve his squad further. Money cannot buy titles. Yet the price we paid for Essien is in excess of 24 mil quids than is more than Xabi (10), Luis Garcia(6) and Peter Crouch (9)combined. Can new season transfer and signing really solve our desire? I remember that when Mourinho took over, he made a statement tantamount to saying that he would not be signing stars like Raineri ( who splurged on Joe Cole, Drogba etc) but useful players like Tiago and Carvalho. Yet we pay top quids for Ballack and Sheva recently, two well-known stars of the world. Kalou was signed on the basis that he was the top scorer in Eredivisie. Is Mourinho backing off from his words now that our interest in David Villa is well known? We have the boast of having one of the best manager in the world in Jose Mourinho. He led us to the best premiership points ever with the least goals conceded, but is he the one to up the ante further? What else can be done to secure at least a CL final and possibly a trophy? We have taken a step because with endless resources, we have a league and league cup double in the first season under Mourinho, a league title the 2nd and now possibly only a League Cup trophy in the 3rd under Mourinho if we lose in the FA Cup final. I am not pleased with the league and FA Cup double considering the depth and quality of squad we had and injuries is not an excuse. Bolton and Newcastle had to give debut yet we cannot even beat them. I will gladly swap these trophies for the European crown or the league title. I feel that Mourinho should at least win a league and European crown double to put Chelsea's name into posterity. That i cannot see next season if we continue to have some stars playing like a championship team day in day out. I am not against Mourinho but i think it is time he realises that fans are not stupid over his rhetorical antics which attempt to cover the lack of tactical option on his part. Chelsea was not the better side because both teams were tentative and once it went into a shootout, the result is always going to go the home's way. ( Maybe Mourinho was too confident that he did not ask his players to practice taking penalties). Tell me then, what must be done to see our beloved Blues becoming European champion?? 3 seasons of coming so close is truly heartbreaking

Chelsea screwed it big time. Forget penalties. They cannot even score a goal against a sh*tty side. So much for the spending. Only semis to show. Can 2 league title and 2 Carling Cups be enough? I am picking them to lose the next 4 games.

eat sh*t and piss them off. Hope all 22 players get sent-off at Athens if Manure gets through.

I am quite closed to expletives but do not wish to be out of this forum. We lost 2 races in a week and now only the FA Cup final to look forward to. For the value of a squad that is worth 3x the Scouser, we did not find a stupid goal in a 120 minute game, let alone a let-off from the disallowed goal by Kuyt. We certainly do not deserve to be in the final. I hate this season... sorry.. emotion is running quite high... I want to see some head roll... Gutted..frustrated...disappointed beyond words.

What's your problem, bin laden? It's people like you who violates free expression that result in violence.

As if you did not watch those stray passes he made or the possession he gave away.

Is there any players in our squad that is NOT for Sale at Any Price? what if Barcelona comes with a 50 million quids for Lampard? And Drogs is wanted at 70 mil quids? Would we sell or would you want to make this an economic sense? Hell, if Barca comes after ronaldo with 50 mil quids and i am Alex, i will sell.

spot on Brit. People forgot that this is the Best League in the World ( nevermind the bragging from the South Americans). Notice how a top class striker like Sheva struggled throughout the season because of the pace in UK? Or how Ballack is looking no better than who he really is? On a better note, Obi Mikel is getting better with his distribution, Kalou offers a 2nd option in attack after a disastrous 1st half of the season, Diarra looks evergreen like a possessed young Makelele and maybe Ben Sahar can improve in the coming season. Personally, while it may seem unfair after only one season, i feel we need to let Ballack and Sheva go. If Ferreira and Geremi goes as well, we will free up space for some good options. Pepe is still favoured as a cover to JT and Carvalho and we can have Alex back. The problem is that we need another person who can fill the gap like what Crespo and Guddy did. I remembered in games when we need a break in extra dimension, Crespo provided the winner against Wigan and Guddy was every bit a player who can turn games in an instant. David Villa will more than compensate but i am afraid of the Premiership conditioning issue again. I would say, go for Dimitar Berbatov ( maybe plus a player swap). I like Jermaine Defoe too ( whom i thought was worth the money even during Raineri's time and his solo goal against us when he was playing for West Ham). Otherwise, we have more than a squad that is capable of bringing back the Premiership next season

octville is busted... i killed him. Now a new phoenix has risen from the ashes.

A statistical manner to look at Chelsea development. Have we improved? Claudio Raineri 2003-2004 Season 2ndChelsea 24W 7D 7L 67F 30A 79Pts 3rd Manu 23W 6D 9L 64F 35A 75 Pts Mourinho 2004-2005 1stChelsea 29W8D1L72F15A 95Pts 2nd Manu 22W 11D 5L 56F 26A 77 Pts Lamps -13, Drogs -10, Guddy-12 2005-2006 1stChelsea 29W 4D 5L 72F 22A 91 Pts 2nd Manu 25W 8D 5L 72F 34A 83 Pts Lamps -16, Drogs-12, Crespo-10 Today : 2nd played 35 24W 8D 3L 62F 22A 80Pts Drogs -19, Lamps-11, Schev 4 It is quite obvious where our problems are. Our defence record speaks well for its consistency but we have suffered in the attacking department. we had Crespo & Guddy contributing but Sheva only contributed 4. Your conclusion.

Just when destiny was in our hands, cruel fact of life confronts us That we were leading and Manure losing, How can one not despair at an entirely different ending? That the Devil played a cruel joke on us, By doing a Scouser act like in Istanbul, But it could not have been lost, If Mourinho did not blow it. Why Lampard for Carvalho And Essien at centre back, When the obvious choice was a Dutchman called Bouhlahrouz? We knew the despicable Trotters act from scraps, Did not we learn the lesson from the Trotter in the past season From their expression at deadball situation in a previous 2-2 draw? Alas, Mourinho you are stubborn, And lost us our crown Imperfection it will be, even if we lay our hands on two more trophies. Pity... Pity....

Ferreira was made a mickey so many times on the right tonight and i wonder why Jose insists on having him. Zenden had a field day and it was unlucky that Liverpool could not capitalise. I hope he does not play ( use Bouhlahrouz or Diarra) in the 2nd leg. Great that it is still 1-0 and even 2-1 defeat at Anfield will put us through. We just need a goal at Anfield.

At times like this, i wish we have another Zola. We never had anyone near him since he retired. Barcelona's Deco would fit that bill. Let's face it. Jose's grind-to-a-result philosophy goes very well for many of us as long as we win. But when we don't, the whole team is in for a brickbat. Who do we think they are? Superman ? This is a one-off game. In fairness, we had so much pressure just to get the 3 points to close the gap. So, let's close rank and move on to Bolton. But i have things to say. This was easily our worst performance of the season. Even when we lost to Liverpool, we had them sh*tting in their pants in the 2nd half. The passing -- er, passion-- was often misplaced and strayed. The final 1/3 was pathetic. ( where is Samuel E'to, Henry, Kanoute...hell, Jason Roberts, even Nade.... anyone out there to help us score today... please ??) This team does not go down well with people like Oceanview because they do not play attractive, open football all the time. Personally, i salute Mourinho for saying that he had taken the team as far as he possibly could because of the problems. It is not just injuries. We lost some very great winners - Duff, Parker, Gudjohnsen, Crespo, Gallas and Tiago. when we needed the winner last season, Crespo scored in the last min against Wigan and Gallas had the last minute winner to sink the cockspurs' heart. Mikel, Diarra, Ashley Cole, Bouhlahrouz and kalou ( even Sheva) needs more time to settle in the best league of the world. Just look at Essien, Drogba and Carvalho. However, at the end of the season, i would be disappointed if ferreira and Ballack do not leave. Ballack is such as disappointment because he had more games than anyone to settle. Ferreira's poor performance today confirms that he should go too. The saying is that you don't fix it if it ain't bloke, but the management chopped and changed, leaving us without the premiership title this season. Still, two domestic cups and maybe the Champion's League may bring the smiles back again

Cech - splendid saves Terry - Mr Dependable Carvalho - Hero of Chelsea Bridge - Great in going forward Diarra - Coming to age Essien - Holding role Lamps - On his way to scoring his best goal record of a season Cole - Comeback Kid Mikel - Growing into the Game Drogs - a little fatigue SWP - The saga continues

The oracle predicts Kenyon listened, Roman pondered, disaster is averted And Mourinho stays. The great slip-up Honestly expected, 4 yellow cards, yet they nicked courtesy of Viduka Reds can brag about goal difference, They forgot they will lose if Chelsea keeps winning And succeed at the Bridge in the final game, followed by the coffin's nails at Wembley. All Blues hail, " Chelsea, Chelsea." That's the unprecedented quadruple