chaboinateg

Well then the question has to be asked - why?
 
I imagine it has a fair bit to do with the fact that there was very little rotation last year, throughout all competitions it was basically the same 13 or 14 players in every game. Jose had the money to spend to recruit players to help out, but signed duds like Cuadrado and gave up on them after about 3 games. Jose has to take the blame here. He played such defensive football for about 5 months that it seems we've practically forgotten how to play normal football. More times than not towards the end of last season and now the start of this one we seem to have to wait until about 60 minutes before we even register a shot on target. It's awful to watch.

C'mon Scott. Look at the facts.
Real had the best defensive record in the UCL last season on goals against per game. This season, they have the second best in the group stage (behind Monaco) ahead of our boys in blue. Also, they currently have the joint second best defense in La Liga (tied with Valencia, behind only barcelona -- atleti is 4th).
Of course, this year's stats could all change very quickly but don't just assume Madrid are poor in defense because they boast supreme attacking talent and score loads of goals.

C'mon Scott. Look at the facts.
Real had the best defensive record in the UCL last season on goals against per game. This season, they have the second best in the group stage (behind Monaco) ahead of our boys in blue. Also, they currently have the joint second best defense in La Liga (tied with Valencia, behind only barcelona -- atleti is 4th).
Of course, this year's stats could all change very quickly but don't just assume Madrid are poor in defense because they boast supreme attacking talent and score loads of goals.

C'mon Scott. Look at the facts.
Real had the best defensive record in the UCL last season on goals against per game. This season, they have the second best in the group stage (behind Monaco) ahead of our boys in blue. Also, they currently have the joint second best defense in La Liga (tied with Valencia, behind only barcelona -- atleti is 4th).
Of course, this year's stats could all change very quickly but don't just assume Madrid are poor in defense because they boast supreme attacking talent and score loads of goals.

C'mon Scott. Look at the facts.
Real had the best defensive record in the UCL last season on goals against per game. This season, they have the second best in the group stage (behind Monaco) ahead of our boys in blue. Also, they currently have the joint second best defense in La Liga (tied with Valencia, behind only barcelona -- atleti is 4th).
Of course, this year's stats could all change very quickly but don't just assume Madrid are poor in defense because they boast supreme attacking talent and score loads of goals.

The only way to set up Sunday is the 4-3-3 with Matic, Cesc and Ramires in the middle. Ramires box to box and Cesc furthest forward with Matic in the Makalele role. I think we're going to do City 2-1. Hazard late in first half and Costa nicking a late corner for the win. KTBFFH!

The only way to set up Sunday is the 4-3-3 with Matic, Cesc and Ramires in the middle. Ramires box to box and Cesc furthest forward with Matic in the Makalele role. I think we're going to do City 2-1. Hazard late in first half and Costa nicking a late corner for the win. KTBFFH!

Costa and Fabregas.
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMUEX9qK_rU
 
Fabregas stole the headlines but Hazard now has a friend in the midfield. The dribbler versus the pass threader. Great tandem to have in the midfield and no pressure on either player then.

Can't we just close this thread?

Player of the season for me. Really impressive.

Azpilicueta is a model professional and an excellent defender - I am delighted to have him at the club. He is humble, hard-working and conservative enough to fill Ferreira's role within the club (and that is a huge compliment), although sadly he can't hit a cross quite as sweetly as Paulo.

12 million would be a fantastic deal for us.