DaRick

Eden - Hazardous to parked buses everywhere.

I don't know how Villa will line-up; omitting Benteke does sort of suggest that they'll be more expansive (since he's useless in a Villa side that is trying to play expansively yet won't give him enough service), but it also beggars belief that they won't park the bus at some point or the other. I do understand Drogba's inclusion - if Villa do bus-park, then he'll be more useful than Remy given his hold-up abilities are far superior to Remy's, but I can't for the life of me understand why Cahill was included. His form hardly justifies it especially since Zouma's been impressive as of late.

Why is Cahill even playing?

Hazard for centre back also.

Ben Haim was a real WTF signing if I ever saw one. At least I could see why Jose liked Salah even though he turned out to be below standard.

Not necessarily; you can begin a counterattack without actually providing the assist, especially since Willian tracks back and hassles the opposition like mad...so it is not unknown for him to start counterattacking moves from quite deep.

No but it would help if the FA was actually um...consistent in their decision making processes. Much of the resentment on here is exactly because the FA seem unable to adhere to a decision-making process. It's not so much whether Costa's challenge was enough to deserve a lengthy ban which is the sore point here (although from what I've seen it's somewhat debatable) but the FA's inability to 1) review all questionable incidents from every game rather than just that highlighted by sensationalist media of questionable integrity, 2) properly determine what length of ban should be appropriate based on precedent, i.e, bans handed out in the past for similar incidents and 3) apply said precedent. Instead, we have a situation where some players completely get off and others are handed lengthy bans for similar offences. The process is absurd and has fans quite rightly questioning the FA's integrity and objectivity.

My thoughts on Willian: 1) He was overpriced at 30 million pounds; he plays more like a 20 million pound player IMO (and that's perhaps generous). 2) I don't think he's especially underrated or overrated in truth, just polarising. He's like a more advanced Paulo Ferreira in the sense that he's usually good for a 7/10 performance. Like Ferreira, he always displays industry and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of the team. He also is quick, impressive technically and a decent third free kick taker. He's also more disciplined defensively than Schurrle, who is willing but gets dragged out of position. 3) Unfortunately, like Ferreira, he's not a bonafide match-winner; Ferreira relied more on the likes of Terry/Drogba/Carvalho/Cech to win matches while he just played a supporting role in keeping the back four impregnable, whereas Willian just disrupts opposition attempts to build out from the back and helps trigger counterattacks for the likes of Hazard/Oscar/Costa/Schurrle to carry on or finish. However, neither can really be relied on to win matches for you on their own. When Willian scores, it's usually to add the icing on the cake on a favourable scoreline, so to speak. He's also an average passer with surprisingly average vision for a natural #10 and I don't remember his crosses being either frequent or noteworthy, so it's not likely that he'll create a game-defining assist or anything.

I guess some professionalism is too much to ask for from some members of the British media...*sigh* Then again, this is the country where The Sun is allowed to circulate, so what do I know?

No he hasn't...he's been playing exactly like someone lacking any semblance of form, fitness or confidence. Too bad - I thought he had the pace and mentality to do well in the PL but seemingly not the decision-making or composure required. At Basel he seemed decent if not outstanding technically but his touches have become sloppier than I recall them being initially. I wanted him to do well (as I do all Chelsea players), but a move would be best for all concerned.

It would be treated that way anyway, because it's Chelsea.

Does anyone get the feeling he doesn't really have much faith in those outside the starting XI in general?

They sure did...just not in a good way.

Sometimes you just have to laugh. Well played Bradford. Certainly one of the crappiest Chelsea performances I've seen.

Not since West Brom 2013 I don't think (and that was dodgy)? EDIT: I forgot PSG.

Does say that our depth isn't really good enough.

Disgraceful.

I dunno...he's pretty sharp when not carrying injuries - certainly enough to be a real counterattacking threat. Everybody's favourite 'dumb nerd'.

The most dangerous aspect of Costa's play is probably his off-the-ball movement, which is second to none and makes it very difficult for defenders to properly mark him. I think that's a large part of the reason why he hasn't really been 'worked out' - how can you work out someone who constantly slips away from you? His combination of speed, strength and finishing also make him incredibly dangerous on the counter. One of the best strikers in the world ATM.

The Story of QPR...as they travel back to the Conference after their inevitable relegation!

Redundant phrase where Liverpool fans are concerned...

From memory: 2014/15*: Swansea - Either this one or Schalke, but I think Swansea had even less joy. Utterly dominant performance. 2013/14: Man City - A hugely impressive display of counterattacking against the league's form side. Liverpool and (technically) Bayern were quality also. 2012/13: Benfica - If only because we won the Europa League. Tottenham 4-2 was also a scintillating display. 2011/12: Bayern - This and Barcelona were brilliant, courageous defensive performances against far superior sides - plus we won the CL! 2010/11: Nothing really stands out... 2009/10: Man Utd - We were the better side and this win helped us obtain the title. Plus Ferguson was an utterly loathsome manager. 2008/09: Arsenal - Revenge for the home defeat under Scolari. 2007/08: I just prefer to forget about this season entirely TBH... 2006/07: Man Utd - To win the FA Cup and see Rio the Camel's face when Drogba scored! 2005/06: Liverpool - A fun towelling against everybody's favourite manager. 2004/05: Man Utd - Again, just because I dislike Ferguson. 2003/04: Lazio - Impressive 4-0 result.

I don't think I've seen a managerial performance by Wenger that was so well thought out and...well, sensible. Seems like a tacit nod to his adversary Jose, playing in a manner that Jose himself would appraise positively. Excellent result for us though.

...with cement.

My thoughts: 1) The most comprehensive Chelsea performance of the season - and that is saying something. It provides a definite statement of intent to the likes of City. 2) Swansea were just awful all round. Comical defensive lapses (that Gerrard-like back-pass from Fernandez to Costa for one thing), a midfield that was outclassed and overpowered and a complete lack of incision up-front. Even Schalke were slightly more threatening. 3) Maybe Oscar's best game this season? We saw the best of him this game; he never stopped hassling Swansea's players and he also provided an obvious goal threat - that piledriver for the first goal echoed Lampard. 4) We have sometimes looked predictable this season because none of Hazard, Oscar or Willian consistently run at the defence nor shoot from outside of the box as effectively as Lampard once did, but Jose has clearly put them to work on improving this aspect of the side's game and it shows. Swansea just had no idea. 5) Nice to see that Matic/Fabregas are back to their best after fatigue seemed to set in over the Christmas period (culminating in the game that must not be named).