ethicalstrategy

I'm pleased to say I recorded the match on ESPN who did a pretty fair job. Even Chris "that's a pelenty" Waddle was clear that the ball didn't cross the line. I particularly enjoyed the long interview they did with Robbie at the side of pitch after everyone had gone. Loved the way he strolled over casually, with a beer in hand, gave Gus a hug, chatted for a few minutes and then strolled off again. Pure class.

You make it sound as though they have been moaning and whining. The issue with AVB was about how he treated them and handled the transition. Since Robbie has been in charge both have been on the bench for some big games but there hasn't been a problem.

A link to some photos from before the game and a couple of videos of the post game celebrations: Pics Malouda with the cup http://youtu.be/88JdnKNdhA8 The big slide!! http://youtu.be/qQG4gE9YybY

Frank for me. Another killer pass to create an important goal. Has adapted brilliantly to playing a more withdrawn role. Cech's save was outstanding. Not his first in recent weeks (think tipping Messi's shot on to the post!). However, I agree with Bluebeard, that he ought to have done to better on Carroll's goal. Hard to fathom why we lost control of the game so completely after they scored.

They didn't get priority. Tickets on the TC packages were sold according to the normal ticketing policy.

I think the point about his english is actually wrong. It was covered in the article that he spoke with the Times for well over an hour without the need for a translator and in good english. As for his age, well I agree that he wouldn't be around for 20 years but frankly anything past 12 months at Chelsea is long term. The key thing is that he would have the experience and authority to manage a transition. I'm not saying he'd be my first choice. I just think it's a bit blinkered to dismiss him out of hand.

That's a pretty harsh Nibs. Think what you may about his time in charge of England, which is always a circus, but his record in club management is exceptional. I read the interview with him in the Times today and I have to say that it would not be the worst option by a long way. He clearly wants to manage in England, his English is not as bad as often portrayed and even his results with England are not the disaster that some would have you believe. I appreciate the love for Robbie, and I think he has done exceptionally well in the circumstances, but whether he is the man to finish what AVB started is very questionable.

I picked up two ticket for my parents today. They had 87 points. Was expecting that the site would be slow and the whole process a pig, but actually I logged straight on around 9:30 and had sorted everything by 9:35. Also got confirmation from Thomas Cook for flights and tickets for me and my son (we had 101 points) yesterday. Happy days!! Good luck to those still waiting.

On the basis of last night I'd sign up immediately. Although I wouldn't bank on him scoring many more like his second!

I haven't trawled back through the thread either, but I wouldn't say we played badly last night at all. We were a bit lacking in creativity with both Mata and Frank on the bench but we got off to a good start. Their first goal was against the run of play and after that Newcastle defended well and always looked dangerous on the break. We really, really needed Malouda to score from Torres' cross. That would have changed the whole game in my view. After half time we played well up to Tiote getting injured. That seemed to kill our momentum. As the match progressed Newcastle dropped deeper and deeper and we found it more and more difficult. Cisse's goal at the end was incredible, but really didn't affect the outcome. I certainly wouldn't be too despondent. There was no lack of effort. I am slightly concerned though that we might see a similar type of game on Saturday. We just can't afford to go a goal down to teams that like to defend well and play on the break.

It only goes to court if the CPS decides that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to proceed. I haven't seen the evidence, so can't judge that (unlike a lot of others appear to be able to do) but I can't see how the expense is justified given that there is already a disciplinary process in place with the FA. They seemed to be able to deal with the Suarez case quite happily.

After moving about three thousand off topic posts about Terry and Ferdinand to the correct thread I suddenly find moi has started posting a load of crap about the Ross brothers!! I give up!! ( ) If you want to keep discussing the Terry/ Ferdinand issue then go here Let's keep this thread for celebrating a top performance from the boys.

Do I take it from that, you don't actually subscribe to the most basic tennet of English Law? If or when he is found guilty of making those remarks then that will be absolutely true. I'd beg to differ there. The way in which he and QPR have reacted to this incident has made it quite clear that they are pre judging the issue. That's their prerogative, but I would maintain that it is also the primary reason that they are getting stick from Chelsea fans. Racism is a serious issue although, purely from a legal standpoint, it doesn't seem to warrant more than a maximum fine of £2,500. Which, in turn, rather begs the question as to why the matter is in the hands of the courts at all and not simply being dealt with by the FA? No-one is really suggesting that the matter be dismissed. Most would just rather wait until the outcome of the court case. Rushing to judgement before that is pretty moronic in my view.

Definitely a must win game. For a number of reasons. Cahill and Luiz are both out injured and Ivanovic is serving the last game of his suspension. In theory the next centre half we have is Hutchinson. He's been on the bench a couple of times recently. With Bosingwa at right back and Cole at left back I think we should probably go with him. Not much point in having him if we don't feel like we can play him against QPR at home. Cech Bosingwa Hutchinson Terry Bertrand Romeu Mikel Sturridge Mata Malouda Torres Looks like a reasonable line up and gives a few players some rest for the Newcastle game.

Apart fro the Barca games we have been playing 4-2-3-1 pretty consistently. That lets the two wide players in the 3 to drop back and help the full backs and also frees Mata to play behind the striker. It worked pretty well against Spurs and I see quite a few similarities between them and Bayern. Two speedy wide players, a clever player on the ball behind a big striker. My team would be Cech Bosingwa Cahill Luiz Cole Lampard Mikel Torres Mata Kalou Drogba

I've booked up on the Thomas Cook Day trip deal. It's dependent on qualifying for a ticket, which I'm pretty sure I will. It's absolutely f**king extortionate but I don't have the option to travel before the Saturday and after not going to Moscow there is no way I'm going to miss this one.

Too right. If it wasn't a penalty or deflected it's not a proper goal!

Just rather amused at the idea of him getting an England call up for the Euros. Suppose it's possible if Harry's in charge.

Tee hee!

Why on earth would you throw am inexperienced youngster into a game like this, ahead of one of the best left backs in the world who played out of his skin last week? Completely bonkers. fortunately, it isn't going to happen.

I think they more or less played 3-4-3 against last week. The pitch comparison seems to be a bit overdone. It's only a couple of yards wider. That ought not to make any difference. I know we are pretty shagged, but they look very tired too. If we can put them under pressure then I can see us getting some chances. We just have to be clinical.

Even Liverpool didn't think he was good enough. Can't get more of a snub than that.

A nice tactical analysis of how both Barca and Madrid played, including how it differed to how Chelsea set up. Zonal Marking

And what were the possession stats? 78% to Barca and 22% to Madrid. Yet somehow it didn't seem like that. Probably because Madrid posed a constant threat on the counter. In effect they played the same game as us but they used one extra attacking player and their players are better than ours. In the end they actually created more chances than Barca despite their lack of possession.

It is worth mentioning that although we were defending for our lives, we never resorted to hacking people down or doing anything that might be considered underhand. There were no dodgy penalty calls and very few last ditch tackles. I think the final tally for free kicks conceded was 10, just one more than Barca. In short, we put on a top class display of defending.