Liam

You don't think that's implied then. You don't think that Joe might be enjoying his greater freedom (and increased playing time).

Both Cole and Cech kept mentioning the good football we are playing in the post match interview. Are they being disrespectful to Mourinho?

Giles was nasty alright. I saw him play a few times as a kid and my Dad used to point out the niggly stuff he always indulged in. When I was coming to the end of my glittering playing career I got a bit cynical myself though I'm sure you'll find that hard to believe. He is an excellent pundit on Irish TV though (Clubhappy might disagree).

One of Bluebeard's favourite ever players, Johnny Giles, took successful legal action against the author and all disparaging references to him and to his role in the affair have been removed.

Rather last and winning than first and Liverpoo.

Not good enough I'm afraid Loz. Can we have a "Even though I'm a man, and I know it's not possible, I want to be impregnated by you Jose" smiley?

If the seats are less than 4 from the back you're in trouble. You'd be better off not going or getting so pissed that you don't care. Otherwise you're OK I think. Does it have "restricted view" on the ticket?

Same for me

Michael Essien is the African ambassador for Guinness (I kid you not). Surely that should be enough to earn him a call up. (Excellent review by the way ManyJello)

The only moron around here is you.

He certainly caught the eye in the second half when the game was more suited to his abilities. I too think he would be more effective in a freer midfield role but we have other players who can do that. I had thought he was being groomed as Makalele's replacement, and played there yesterday, and it was in that role I assessed him. What you have mentioned as a strength, ie, holding onto the ball in tight places, is what I feel is his weakness in this role. The space becomes tight because he held onto it in the first place. Granted he looks good and strong in those situations but the situations should not be occuring in the first place. Give it and go, get it and give it again.

I agree with Ethicalstrategy that none of the three was a red card, Keane's or Mikel's two. I also agree that the player's supposed character should have no bearing on the decision. Unless of course that player is a total scumbal like Diouff. His challange yesterday was stomach-churning, and he only got a yellow.

I agree he was poor, particularly in the first half, particularly when he was on the ball. In the second half he got the time to strut which he does very well. However he plays in a specialist position where ego should be left in the dressing room. If he wants to know how to play there he should watch the world's best in training every week. Was it Deschamps who referred to the role as that of hod carrier? The essence of the role is twofold; breaking up the opposition play and knitting together his own team's play. Defensively he's OK, but is far too easily drawn into squabbles which effect his own play. He will probably improve in this area as he matures. It is when he is on the ball in tight matches like yesterday that he needs to improve the most. He takes far too many touches and invites the opposition on to himself far too often, the play becomes compressed, with the net result that when he does release the ball it is to a teammate who is under unecessary additional pressure. He needs to get it and give it, get and again and give it again. There is no room for "look at me everybody" in that position. When he learns that he will be a far more effective player if not the new Shed End Forum Favourite.

Sunday is my vistor's day so I've seen this once or twice. So bad it's good.

Ratings Cudicini - 7 - Claimed a few balls safely and distribution quite good with one oustanding pass, handsome Bridge - 7 - Got into a few decent positions and always showed for the ball Alex - 5 - For a big fat lad he gets pushed around a lot, pussies into tackles, not positive enough, ponderous in posession, not a proper centre half Terry - 6 - A proper centre half Belletti - 6 - Showed quite well most of the time, solid enough in general Lampard - 6 - Nothing good, nothing bad Mikel first half - 4 second half - 6 - Piss poor first half, far too many touches and poor distribution, ridiculous challange, marginally better second half when he had a bit more time. Far from the finished article, but a least he's the shed end forum favourite judging by the comments above Cole - 7 - Mailnly for the goal but had a decent second half all told Sidwell - 4 - Ginger twat, should be sold to Sunderland for 14m Kalou - 6 - Repeats the same move over and over and over again, and it's not a particularly good move Drogba - 7 (MOM) - Constant threat, occupies the entire opposition back 4, no little skill, crowd pleaser SWP - 7 - Did well and livened things up Grant - Brilliant subsitutions totally changing the game yet again. He really is a master tactician. Classic Avram interview after as well, understated and modest, with some well chosen cliches. AG = ,

I enjoyed the match. 2 hours well spent I thought. I love to see full backs bombing up the line and Joe's flicks and tricks (or incredibly flicky sh ite) are a joy to watch. I don't think I've ever seen a centre forward as unplayable as Drogba when he's in that mood. On the down side we look jittery as a defence with Carlo in goals. He doesn't convince on crosses and just lacks Petr's presence. My wife likes him though, for some reason.

9-1

Great piece of journalism that. It must be a record for the use of the words "scantily clad" in one article.

Colditz really be the end? Jurgen to get your f**king head kicked in.

I missed that Lofty. What did he say? How could he possible defend that?

Spot on Ethical. He wouldn't. It's the only thing I like about The Chinless One - he rates Gerrard about as highly as we do.

I think England will win this European Championship.

I think Israel will do England a favour.

Excellent point. Some people are just champing at the bit.

Very funny.