TJB

Bar a Sunderland win, today couldn't have gone any better.

I think at this point it's a given.

You're right, we should be challenging every season. But the big difference between us and United is they don't go through the turmoil of changing managers and their manager has final say over all football matters at the club. (I know Arsenal are the same but their problem is when their best players leave Wenger doesn't properly replace them nor does he address the glaring issues in their team. Not that I'm complaining about that, it can be quite entertaining.) My expectations for this season are the same as they were last season, ie a comfortable top 4 finish and good runs in the cups and Europe. If we can push United & City for the title, great. But it won't be the end of the world if we don't.

More often than not, when Wenger lets someone go without much fight, Arsenal come out better in the deal. I find myself agreeing with what my brother said to me a few minutes ago, the deal is risky for United. 24 million for a 29 yo who's injury prone and last year was his first injury free season for a few years. That said, if he plays anywhere near what he did last year, it could be a massive boost for United's title chances.

Sorry to drag up an old post, but you don't need to spend ANY money to build a good team. I only got into UT in the last 2/3 months and my current team is Cech, Sagna, Vermaelen, Ivanovic, Cole, Valencia, Y Toure, Essien, Kaka, Pedro, Benzema. Plus some good players on the bench (and that's only the gold team). All it requires is a little patience, good trading, and a bit of research into what players are worth. And of course winning games and tournaments helps too :) As far as this year's game goes, I dunno if I'll get it. Haven't got much time for games nowadays and it'll take more than a few minor improvements to justify a purchase. Though the improvements for pro clubs does sound good. I'd love for Pro Evo to revive itself, I was a HUGE fanboy back in my nerdy school days. Many an evening/weekend was spent editing names, teams and kits. (F**k homework, my Chelsea kit still isn't right!) I've been meaning to download the demo and give it a go. Anyone here play it yet?

Who scored?

What preceded the tackle doesn't really matter, false sense of security or not, a 2 footed tackle like that in any game will/should be a red card. What would give him a false sense of security would have been him getting away with it and thinking he can do it in future. At least now he should learn his lesson and be thankful for not having to serve a ban for it.

Just did a quick Google there and yep it looks like it's true. Very good news.

I would share the same thoughts. As far as City goes, I never really cared about them but a few things in recent meetings has changed that. Namely the "Team Bridge" rubbish and their getting completely wound up over the playing of One Step Beyond at Stamford Bridge last season, for reasons known only to them.

I gave it to Torres because he scored. No argument against Toure getting the real thing.

Where did Luiz disappear to there?

And that's why you follow up shots on goal. Well done Ryan.

Eh? You don't think Wigan will be an easier game than City? I think it would be wise to not over-react to losing to the best side in the country when down to 10 men.

Norwich QPR Reading

Surprised, but delighted, with the verdict. Fair play to the judge for having the balls to make the right decision and not give the verdict that everyone outside of Chelsea FC wanted. I was afraid heading into the trial that the prosecution had some evidence (that we hadn't seen before) that would prove JT had lied and that he had abused AF. But their case was so weak it was laughable, and this trial descended into a farce. But of course, none of that matters to the media and rival fans who already had their minds made up long ago and who are now crying foul and demanding the FA to take action against Terry. We'll also have the media circus kick off again before games against QPR & United and the whole "will they shake hands?" thing will dominate. Personally I'd love for Terry to refuse to shake their hands (Rio's more-so than Anton's), but I guarantee that won't happen because Terry will be the bigger man and will put his hand out.

Only player who shouldn't be there is Gerrard. Moutinho had a far better tournament. Everyone else is spot on.

It's a fairly small thing to be complaining about to be honest, but it did show why having the trophy presentation on the podium on the pitch is better. There wasn't much space in the stands last night for everyone to gather around as the trophy was being lifted, not a problem that existed when it was done on the pitch. But all in all, it doesn't really matter. I'm sure if I, or anyone else here, was that close to the trophy last night we'd probably lose our heads a bit too.

I flicked over to the United game just after City scored their 3rd, the look on Fergie & United's players faces was absolutely priceless as they heard the news. Fair play to City, pity Bolton couldn't get the win to send QPR back where they belong.

You could forgive the kick, but to jog back to goal was disgraceful. Sums up the night.

Yes, comeback is on (I hope)

Oh don't get me wrong, I'm not for a second trying to suggest that the ref's performance is our biggest problem, it was merely an observation on my part. Plus you're right on the Essien decision, I just (rather conveniently) forgot to mention it

Absolutely pathetic, no other word can describe this performance. You'd think with a Champions League final coming up and with several players suspended, that some of these guys might actually try. I could live with a defeat if the effort was there, but not a hammering like this. On a side note, the ref is having a bit of a nightmare. Every time a Liverpool player hits the floor he gives them a free. Plus Shelvey shouldn't be on the pitch. Got away with kicking Malouda in the head and a 2 footed lunge on Ramires.

After today's results, he has to put out a strong side against Liverpool. We can go into next Sunday 3 points off 3rd and only 2 off 4th and all 3 above us have tougher games. Everton, West Brom and Fulham will (hopefully) give them tough games. So I say go strong against Liverpool. If we win, great. If not then the lads have 10 days to recover for Munich.

f**king delighted. Crazy last half hour but all that matters is the result. Party time!

Jesus that was close. Will somebody please get on the ball in midfield and hold onto it for more than 5 seconds.