Great game, couldn't have hoped for more. The sloppy Anelka dropped, Deco in behind the strikers and played great, Sunderland score a fluke goal and then go on to give the worst performance i've ever seen from their own goal line and get easily beaten in the end. Happy times!!! Personally I loved seeing the lineup today and thought Ancio had a great day- we reacted well again to going down to a fluke.

Cech: 6.5: Nothing to do- did they create a chance apart from the goal? Just looked at the stats: Sunderland 1 shot on goal, 25% possesion and 1 corner. What a dismal display. Not bad for the second game of the season with a new system.

Boswinga: 8: Brilliant today. So much energy, didn't get caught out once defensively for all his attacking. I wish we had a left footed Boswinga for when we fall behind!

Ivanovic: 6: Not sure why he started today? He seems a bit out of place in this system: he's not a center back and he's not a full back in this formation either. Looked a bit outmuscled once or twice.

Terry: 8: Was great to see Terry moving into the midfield and even up front when the pathetic sunderland we're sitting on their own penalty box. exactly what we needed. They were so awful we could have played him alone back there. f**k you sunderland!

The cash man: 7: Defensively great, no mistakes, kept sunderland working with energy up the left. Hopefully the fat man will get him training on some attacking skills!

Essien: 7: Great anchor, strong, good with the ball today- helped keep a shocking sunderland looking as bad as they are. (i'm really enjoying a few digs at sunderland...)

Ballack: 8: even though he doesn't look like he's reached full fitness was still great today: showed that he understands how this formation works with his movement off the ball. Could have scored 2 from corners- contender for motm.

Lamps: 7: well taken penalty, some nice passes, good movement in the cramped sunderland half.

Deco (my motm): 8: Looked like the fittest player on the pitch- was everywhere, moved and showed a lot of energy. Made some great layoffs and was good facing the goal, in the middle, deep, out wide- everywhere. Showed his quality with the goal and just generally on the ball, he will get better as the season progresses- if this formation is going to work he is the key man.

Drogba: 7.5: unlucky with a few touches- a nice pass from lamps to the edge of the box could've found a goal with a better touch- all in all linked with the midfield well again and was strong and confident.

Kalou: 5.5: A bit of a ghost again- we've played both games with 10 men so far. If Anelka's not fit give sturridge or Sheva a start next week.

Great stuff for the second game of the season with a new manager and new system. I think Carlo will be delighted with the Boswinga and Deco display- it was great to see him the away fans show appreciation for the display and Carlo was on his feet too. There are a lot of signs for encouragement today for using this system: 1- Ballack. 2- Terry moving into the midfield 3- Deco just warming up. 4- Boswinga perfect. 5. Ancio dropping Anelka and not scared to put in Deco for the full 90 mins nearly. Great stuff. !

Sunderland sh*t!

The Cash Man...come on man. Surley you've learnt by now.

Agree with all of your marks. although I'd give Ivanovic a 7. What he had to do, he did it well and never worried me for once. He's not Carvalho, but he's getting there.

Great game, couldn't have hoped for more. The sloppy Anelka dropped, Deco in behind the strikers and played great, Sunderland score a fluke goal and then go on to give the worst performance i've ever seen from their own goal line and get easily beaten in the end. Happy times!!! Personally I loved seeing the lineup today and thought Ancio had a great day- we reacted well again to going down to a fluke.

Cech: 6.5: Nothing to do- did they create a chance apart from the goal? Just looked at the stats: Sunderland 1 shot on goal, 25% possesion and 1 corner. What a dismal display. Not bad for the second game of the season with a new system.

Boswinga: 8: Brilliant today. So much energy, didn't get caught out once defensively for all his attacking. I wish we had a left footed Boswinga for when we fall behind!

Ivanovic: 6: Not sure why he started today? He seems a bit out of place in this system: he's not a center back and he's not a full back in this formation either. Looked a bit outmuscled once or twice.

Terry: 8: Was great to see Terry moving into the midfield and even up front when the pathetic sunderland we're sitting on their own penalty box. exactly what we needed. They were so awful we could have played him alone back there. f**k you sunderland!

The cash man: 7: Defensively great, no mistakes, kept sunderland working with energy up the left. Hopefully the fat man will get him training on some attacking skills!

Essien: 7: Great anchor, strong, good with the ball today- helped keep a shocking sunderland looking as bad as they are. (i'm really enjoying a few digs at sunderland...)

Ballack: 8: even though he doesn't look like he's reached full fitness was still great today: showed that he understands how this formation works with his movement off the ball. Could have scored 2 from corners- contender for motm.

Lamps: 7: well taken penalty, some nice passes, good movement in the cramped sunderland half.

Deco (my motm): 8: Looked like the fittest player on the pitch- was everywhere, moved and showed a lot of energy. Made some great layoffs and was good facing the goal, in the middle, deep, out wide- everywhere. Showed his quality with the goal and just generally on the ball, he will get better as the season progresses- if this formation is going to work he is the key man.

Drogba: 7.5: unlucky with a few touches- a nice pass from lamps to the edge of the box could've found a goal with a better touch- all in all linked with the midfield well again and was strong and confident.

Kalou: 5.5: A bit of a ghost again- we've played both games with 10 men so far. If Anelka's not fit give sturridge or Sheva a start next week.

Great stuff for the second game of the season with a new manager and new system. I think Carlo will be delighted with the Boswinga and Deco display- it was great to see him the away fans show appreciation for the display and Carlo was on his feet too. There are a lot of signs for encouragement today for using this system: 1- Ballack. 2- Terry moving into the midfield 3- Deco just warming up. 4- Boswinga perfect. 5. Ancio dropping Anelka and not scared to put in Deco for the full 90 mins nearly. Great stuff. !

Sunderland sh*t!

I've not seen the game yet, but your account makes a lot of sense, enjoyed reading it. Then you spoil it with reference to "cash man". You f**king w**ker!!!

Can't argue with any of that though Sunderland did disappoint me, I expected a much harder battle but then again maybe we were really that good.

I thought Ashley had a sloppy first half, but the cash man bit still uncalled for.

I've not seen the game yet, but your account makes a lot of sense, enjoyed reading it. Then you spoil it with reference to "cash man". You f**king w**ker!!!

hahahaha I love it. Needed that thanks wicksy!

I thought Cole played well throughout other than his distribution once he got high up the left flank. He always offered the width expected of him in the diamond formation but not only tracked back well when required, he also covered in a more central position on the occasions when Ivanovic got caught out and JT looked exposed.

Kalou was clearly a weak link tonight and I also thought Ivanovic looked rusty.

Deco and Ballack were clearly the pick of the midfield four and fully deserve to start again against Fulham.

Sunderland were terrible though.

Can't really expect more of Cole high up on the left can we though- he'll stretch them with his energy and make space inside which is useful enough I guess- Would love to see someone purely attacking in LB come in though... What's roberto carlos doing;)?

From what I've seen of the highlights so far Bossy has been fantastic.

I thought Cole played well throughout other than his distribution once he got high up the left flank. He always offered the width expected of him in the diamond formation but not only tracked back well when required, he also covered in a more central position on the occasions when Ivanovic got caught out and JT looked exposed.

Kalou was clearly a weak link tonight and I also thought Ivanovic looked rusty.

Deco and Ballack were clearly the pick of the midfield four and fully deserve to start again against Fulham.

Sunderland were terrible though.

just one question on ballack and deco considering how poor they have been for us the majority of the time before this season. in the 3 games they have been involved in they have both played well, in ballacks case especially. does this mean our other coaches just didnt know how to use them properly, or that carlo does? i know i might be jumping the gun a bit, but we knew they were both world class players before arriving, but if we can get these two playing to their potential along with the players we have who are already playing well than what a fantastic side we could be.

Personally I don't agree that Ballack has been as terrible as a lot of people think he has been so I am not at all surprised by his performances.

Deco did disappoint last season howeverhe did have injury problems and it was his first season in English football so maybe this season is the on to judge him on.

Would love to see someone purely attacking in LB come in though... What's roberto carlos doing;)?

He's not a purely attacking player but how about Zhirkov?

Can't really expect more of Cole high up on the left can we though- he'll stretch them with his energy and make space inside which is useful enough I guess- Would love to see someone purely attacking in LB come in though... What's roberto carlos doing;)?

Don't need Roberto we've got Zhirkov ready to hit the ground running

Personally I don't agree that Ballack has been as terrible as a lot of people think he has been so I am not at all surprised by his performances.

Deco did disappoint last season howeverhe did have injury problems and it was his first season in English football so maybe this season is the on to judge him on.

i agree on ballack, i think he does a lot of work people miss. he controls the rhythm of games and keeps the ball moving at all times. hes always an outlet and covers a lot of ground. ive always thought we simply havent used him right, if carlo can find a way to play him and lampard together they could be very good together.

just one question on ballack and deco considering how poor they have been for us the majority of the time before this season. in the 3 games they have been involved in they have both played well, in ballacks case especially. does this mean our other coaches just didnt know how to use them properly, or that carlo does? i know i might be jumping the gun a bit, but we knew they were both world class players before arriving, but if we can get these two playing to their potential along with the players we have who are already playing well than what a fantastic side we could be.

Can't believe you said that about Ballack. I've always been a huge fan and was very pleased that he signed a contract extension. Our most relaible midfielder!!!

Don't need Roberto we've got Zhirkov ready to hit the ground running

Even if we didn't have Yuri, we still wouldn't need Roberto.

just one question on ballack and deco considering how poor they have been for us the majority of the time before this season. in the 3 games they have been involved in they have both played well, in ballacks case especially. does this mean our other coaches just didnt know how to use them properly, or that carlo does? i know i might be jumping the gun a bit, but we knew they were both world class players before arriving, but if we can get these two playing to their potential along with the players we have who are already playing well than what a fantastic side we could be.

I've got my own theory for that. I think Ballack plays a good season if the summer before it he hasn't played in a big tournament, like the Euros or the WC.

If you remember, his first season with us was straight after a World Cup, which Germany finished 3rd (if I recall correctly). He was largely a disappointment.

His second season's summer was free and, although he was injured for the beginning, he came very strong and was superb when he played, leading us to success in many games (I disitnctly remember Fulham away around Christmas when he almost single-handedly drove the team to turn around a 0-1 score).

Then last season, after a Euro campaign, Germany played all the way to the final, he was largely disappointing again and was dropped for some games, prompting sexelk to declare him the "worst player in the premiership". He picked up towards the end, but his form never rose above "solid".

And lol and behold, he starts this year, which was again free of major competitions, with a sort of a bang.

Having said that, it's not hard to imagine that's what could be happening with Deco, although with him I think managers and tactics play a bigger role.

Edited August 18, 200916 yr by Virosh

I've got my own theory for that. I think Ballakc plays a good season if the summer before it there has been no big tournament, like the Euros or the WC.

If you remember, his first season with us was straight after a World Cup, which Germany finished 3rd (if I recall correctly). He was largely a disappointment after that.

His second season's summer was free and, although he was injured for the beginning, he came very strong and was superb, leading us to success in many games (I disitnctly remember Fulham away when he almost single-handedly drove the team to turn around a 0-1 score).

Then last season, after a Euro campaing, Germany played all the way to the final, he was largely disappointing again and was dropped for some games, prompting sexelk to declare him the "worst player in the premiership". He picked up towards the end, but his form never rose above "solid".

And lol and behold, he starts this year, which was again free of major competitions, with a bang.

Having said that, it's not hard to imagine that's what could be happening with Deco, although with him I think managers and tactics play a bigger role.

Don't think it has anything to do with international comps. Can be explained simply:

Mourinho played a system with no movement, the midfielders were just blockers and the passing was direct. Sort of takes away ballack's best feature which is his football brain and pass and move.

And under Hiddink he was just injured... or unfit

I've got my own theory for that. I think Ballakc plays a good season if the summer before it there has been no big tournament, like the Euros or the WC.

If you remember, his first season with us was straight after a World Cup, which Germany finished 3rd (if I recall correctly). He was largely a disappointment after that.

His second season's summer was free and, although he was injured for the beginning, he came very strong and was superb, leading us to success in many games (I disitnctly remember Fulham away when he almost single-handedly drove the team to turn around a 0-1 score).

Then last season, after a Euro campaing, Germany played all the way to the final, he was largely disappointing again and was dropped for some games, prompting sexelk to declare him the "worst player in the premiership". He picked up towards the end, but his form never rose above "solid".

And lol and behold, he starts this year, which was again free of major competitions, with a bang.

Having said that, it's not hard to imagine that's what could be happening with Deco, although with him I think managers and tactics play a bigger role.

i actually thought the same thing. we bought sheva and ballack after an international summer and both struggled. yet when they got a break both were much better. hopefully this is the season we see the ballack we hoped we had signed.

Love your post match reports pauly, you w**ker!! haha

Love your post match reports pauly, you w**ker!! haha

see it was funny with wicksy but now that's just rude. Well done- you ruined the whole game!

I thought our midfield 4 and 2 full backs were absolutely brilliant. The midfield 4 were brilliant from start to finish, while our full backs excelled in halves, Bossa the first half and Ash the second. I almost believe it was a change in tactics by Carlo to concentrate on Lamps passing over the top for Ash to run onto in the second half as he did that on numerous occasions to great effect. In the first, Bossa was more involved and the passing and moving was really great to watch.

It wasn't so much about Sunderland, for they did frustrate us to great effect in that first half when we hardly got clear sight of goal (best effort was Ballack's volley that was cleared off the line) but about us wearing them down with our passing and movement. Drogs and Kalou were disappointing, particularly the latter, and even Studge came in and looked much more sharp and direct, getting in two decent shots in the less than 10 minutes he was on.

But back to the diamond, I was really happy to see the crisp passing and fluid movement. I really feel it was down partly to Lamps in position in the middle where his vision and passing was made us of. He looked much more comfortable and involved. Essien also looked much more comfortable, but then that, more than most, was probably due to a lack of threat in the Sunderland middle. I agree with Pauly about Deco and Ballack being also effective. Add Bossa to that quartet in the first half and there was a passage of play lasting about 10 minutes midway through the half when we passed them off the pitch. The only thing is our final ball was missing.

Let's hope we can keep this up.

Cheers,

Butch

If Ballack isn't fully fit yet god help the PL,when he plays he consistently covers more mileage than any player,(those opta stats they show)and he does dictate the rhythm we play,if our midfield can produce so many goal opps,may-be a fit "Sheva" will prosper,heres hoping anyway,apart from Cech who would get a 4 because of the lack of goal action he saw,the rest were easy 8's with Deco+ Ballack 8.5s,it seems such a fluid system,but that is helped by having players who are quality Footballers.

Edited August 19, 200916 yr by Ballack & Blu