tremberz90

Normally I would agree. But he was probably our most influential player last season. Having him fit and wanting to play significantly improves our squad AND starting 11. Think we'd compete in all competitions having him too

Wonder what this means...

Every summer I get so excited for the new season to start. Last season because we were European Champions. However this summer, I feel even more so than normal. This is defiantly the most excited I've ever been before a season. The Special One returning, an amazing amount of potential in our squad, Fergie and Mancini leaving, it just has to be our year doesn't it? I feel its time for us to become a stable club and dominate for years. Thank you Roman. Don't mess this up now.

Just like last year, my dad is driving all the way. Split the petrol, and its very cheap. Not a bad drive this time either. Only a few hours. Can't wait!

I'd have Alonso in a heartbeat. He's the exact type of player we need in holding midfield. Can play defense splitting passes like no one else in our squad, and he would get the ball forward to Torres as quick as possible. Defiantly would have him.

You see a big Serb and think he's a treat, You take a big bite and can't stay on your feet, In your Liverpool Slums, In your Liverpool Slums

Ah ok knew it was Neil! Cheers mate.

Atmosphere was much better than it usually is, and decent for a lunchtime kick-off. Lunchtime games are usually very dull and hungover. But we created quite a bit of noise for a while in the second half. United's support was very poor considering they usually have a decent away voice. I give them the benefit of the doubt being an early kick off haha

Don't want to make a new thread about it, but just wondering if anyone knows the name of the guy that uses the microphone at the start of the game (to announce the team)?

Problem is we play with 2 holding midfielders, and only one of them is a natural holding midfielder. Neither Lampard or Ramires are good in that position. I think the best pairing would be Mikel and Ramires. Mikel stays in position and is strong on the ball and can cover Ramires when he bombs forward. Having these two give a good combination, Ramires can use his pace and Mikel's strength. With Lamps and Mikel its way too slow and with Ramires and Lampard none of them are disciplined enough to stay defensive. We left very exposed when these two are in the middle I feel.

Lampard's been poor for ages unfortunately. He pops up with a few decent goals but believe he's nothing like he was. It may be because we're playing him as holding midfielder but with him and Mikel in the middle its way too slow. We need that injection of pace that Ramires offers, whilst having Mikel drop deeper to cover him. Doesn't happen when Lamps plays instead of Mikel.

I think we're a better team without Lampard these days. I really want him to get his record but don't think he's good enough to start every game. Ramires and Mikel in the middle is so much better. It allows Ramires to bomb forward whilst Mikel can hold his position. Ramires and Lampard aren't holding midfielders at all. Oh and Hazard was awesome when he came on. He completely changed the game and actually looked dangerous on the ball. His best game for us in my opinion.

I'd defiently have Rooney at Chelsea. Don't like the guy at all but he's one of the those players that you'll love if he plays for your team.

Er... Hazard? Moses? Both are very speedy

To be honest I completely forgot about Josh lol. But I dunno what we should do with him. He has potential but I don't see him playing in the holding role or the attacking trio either. Maybe we should keep him and train him in the holding midfielder role as a deep lying playmaker.

Out: Torres Benayoun Essien Malouda Hilarious Marin Romeu BenTITez Youth to use in first team: Chalobah Ake De Bruyne Lukaku In: Falcao Isco/Gotze Mourinho

I thought today was an improvement. We had quite a few decent chances which would've been scored on another day, Foster did make some decent saves. Atmosphere was better than usual too, although I did expect more Rafa chants but oh well. Overall fairly happy with the result maybe should've finished the game off way before the end though.

If the players have thanked BenTITez for his rant then why hasn't someone like JT come out and told us to stop booing him? It's bullsh*t. If JT spoke to the press and said stop booing the manager then fair enough, if believe it but at the moment it's not going to change.

Haha this thread is hilarious

Yes yes yes On talksport they were saying they would be surprised if he was still in charge for the West Brom game on the weekend

Any iPhone streams?

Changed mine hehe

I agree. I think he's worth hanging onto. If we give him a decent run in defensive midfield with decent coaching and training and he can become one of the best. He's fairly strong, decent on the ball and can make the killer pass or attack if needed. He just needs the correct discipline and coaching. He's young and has a lot to learn.

Remember, this is the team that bought back a 2 goal deficit at the NOU CAMP with 10 men last season. We can do this, we need an early goal though.

Winston Bogarde? Should be Lampard (especially if he reaches top scorer for the club). That would make sense.