beast

I feel bad for Ibra, it must be hell to be playing so badly alongside Messi in such sublime form, but on his day he too can do remarkable things with the ball.

Yah like punting it rugby style over the cross-bar.

Ibra is a top class player but unproven in the big stage unlike Eto'o.

Dont know why Barca is so keen to have him they paid like 40 million and throw in Eto'o for free. Guess that makes him worth 60 million.

Should have got Kaka for that price and throw in Higuain.

fucking buy a ticket man! i really hope gallas makes it back in time and i would have much rather seen this draw in the final. but it will be nice seeing the two teams that are renowned for their "beautiful" football to go head to head. but i agree with everything you said. it will be tough as hell. i wander what the spanish press will conjure up about cesc's "barcelona dna" and all that bullshit.

Not only is this Cesc's Barc audition, this will be his Real audition. If Wenger can knock Barca out, Cesc will be feted as a king. You don't know how much Madrid hates the idea of Barca going to Bernabeau to be crowned European Champ.

This will be even worse than the time Pool went to OT to play FA Cup semis and the plastic seats were ripped out and excrement all over the toilets.

Honestly, seeing the gunners amassing wins after wins and seeing Man U and Chel drop points (inevitably) makes me sick. Cant imagine gunners being BPL champs.

Well, at least if Jose dont rape them in the semis, SAF will.

It's a good point actually re: Ancelotti. He was bought in to win the Champion's League, and unfortunately was knocked out by Mourinho, who, as his press conference showed yesterday, still very much hasn't got over getting sacked by Abramovic for not being successful enough, ie, not winning the Big Cup. Also while getting knocked out of europe will allow them to focus more closely on the domestic league, as leaders it still will be considered theirs for the losing. If either ManU or Arsenal pip them, it is hard to see his position as tenable, considering Roman's past form. So, the return of Hiddink? Defection of Capello? Who has the pedigree to take Chelsea to the next level?

1. Jose's relationship with Roman aint that bad. I recall Roman bought Jose a limited edition Ferrari (was it Spider?) for Jose's birthday when he left Chelsea.

2. With the fixtures left, I bet Arsenal have a stronger chance than Chel or Man U, sad to say. With Villa in good form, Chel may be out of FA Cup too.

3. I don't think Carlo will be sacked. Who will Roman get? Guus is only a temporary measure. He will probably be Turkey coach and Capello? Probably not. Russia pays him more. Chel needs to rebuild with younger players and although Carlo aint impervious like Jose and he will lose, he is their best bet.

Sometimes it's great when events prove you wrong. Eto's goal, that's it right there.

If you look back at my earlier post, after the 1st leg at San Zero, I predicted Chel will go down. Chel may have played better at San Zero, but with a weak GK and Jose knowing Chel inside out, I know they will go down.

I think this exemplifies exactly why England haven't a hope in hell of winning SA. When you look at the quality of spain's first choice eleven, and then the quality of their back up, and consider which English player would make that squad, I would say only Cashley, and maybe Rooney, though Torres and Villa are better out and out strikers. Since it looks likely that the left back spot will be occupied by Leighton Baines, I would see this as further evidence that the England squad is some way below world class. I would also argue that while Lennon's crossing is erratic, his pace provides an exciting outlet otherwise absent in the squad, and his delivery is certainly better than Theo's.

No European team has ever won the World Cup when it was not held on European soil. So I wonder what are Spain's chances?

Watching him at Milan this season I'm not sure Becks has it anymore, and I'm relieved that we're to be spared the undignified sight of his lost influence. Surely Lennon is a far greater loss to the squad? On present form Theo looks a much better supersub, what with his pace and directness, than AJ, who looks good but far from consistent.

With each passing game Lennon miss, his legend grows. I recall Lennon being shut down and become totally ineffective in some matches including against Chelsea.

But anyway with Becks gone, Bridge gone, Ashley probably gone, there are more slots to fill. Maybe Ashley Young and Gabby Abby will finally get their shots.

Think Becks still got something to offer. Sheva despite being washed up, is still a legend and is feared and from that, he can score goals, in the Italy qualifier.

But at 36 at the next Euros and 38 at the next WC, think it is way too late for him.

Yeh I feel a bit for Beckham... I'm sure he'd rather have the opportunity and get rejected rather than be forced out due to an injury.

Bet Capello would have picked Becks and use him as a supersub. He cant run but he can get into position and his crosses are lethal and he can galvanise the squad like in Mclaren's last match.

Yes replace him with adam johnson. That lad is awesome man. Check out his goal against Sunderland yesterday night. A supersub for Mancity. If he could maintain his form, I think he has no problem getting into capello's squad

NO way. AJ's though quick and athletic is at risk of becoming another Micah. His crosses are all all over the place in his earlier matches for Man City and I wonder why Manc picked him over SWP until I heard SWP, Ireland and others quarrelled with Manc over his training.

Compare AJ to Flo Mal in the West Ham match terrorising them. If Manc did not quarrel with SWP and Petrov is fit, I will pick them over AJ.

don't know what Arsene said to Theo at half time, but what a change!

It was that no football brain jibe at young Theo in the Egypt friendly that stoke his fire and made him realise he must stop mucking around if he wants to go to South Africa.

If Bobby Wazza is taken out and no longer playing for the 3 kitties, you think 3 kitties stand a chance even against Algeria? Imagine GK with Carson or Foster or Robbo or James making howlers that even Fabianski would shake his head at. Left back with uh, Baines or Warnock since Cashley is so dejected Cheryl dumped him, his heart aint in the game no more and Bridge aint playing as long as JT is playing. Right back with Micah, the bull in the china shop.

Imagine Rio with his back injury, JT blundering here and there. Shawcross getting red carded within 10 seconds, Stevie G and Lamps cant play together, SWP running like a runaway train, Owen having another hamstring strain.

I dare say if Bobby aint going to South Africa, the bookies will drop the odds on 3 kitties going to quarter or semis drastically. It is frigging essential Bobby is fit and motivated.

I remember in the 2006 campaign, there was a hush at the Bridge when Carvalho took out Bobby. And Bobby was rushed back and nowhere near as good as he was. Now Bobby is in the form of his life. If he takes penalty duties. I bet he can make it 40 or 43 goals, beating C Ron’s best season. And that’s with 10 BPL games left and a few Champs League matches left.

Yeah I felt very depress after watching that tackle. Did you guys check out the pictures? His ankle was dangling.

And yes shawcross is good. Everyone knows he didnt meant that tackle. It was just bad timing for both of them. Guess thats football. All the best for both of them.

It wasn’t his ankle. Its his lower right leg dangling at an unusual position.

Yep. Shawcross is good. A few years ago, he fractured another player’s ankle with a tackle from the back. I don’t know why Capello invited him to the England team. Can’t imagine if one of his Scholes-like tackle takes out Bobby Wazza. That will automatically drop England a few rungs off the world ranking and aint no way England would win any World Cup this year.

I think there is such a thing called reserve matches and training for Hilario(US). I remember the first time he covered Cech for Chelsea v Barca. He cried after the match cos he kept a clean sheet. Think he made one good save but at that time, BPL’s strongest defence covered his ass. At that time, he was more concerned about his golf game and after so many years as a professional GK, can’t even do a proper goal kick and needs a Chelsea player to do for him.

You know if one thing Jose is good at, besides self promoting, is his indepth dossier on opposing team. And he knows how everyone in Chelsea plays and even how Carlo plays. Chelsea is so screwed.

Don’t worry. Spurs will self destruct as usual before end of the season. Europa cup for them and no Champs league. Probably no FA Cup either.

i stayed up til 4:30am to watch the city vs chelsea match. turned it on, laid down on the couch and fell asleep until it was over. :[

Well, you missed the non-handshake heard around the world. Actually that was expected and dumb for the press to harp about it just like its dumb for Stamford Bridge to boo Bridge everytime he touched the ball.

But you missed:

1. Carlo learnt like Wenger why a good 2nd goalie is important. For all of Cech's faults, Hilario(US) was just so minor league. Like League 1. He made Foster and Kuczak look like Gigi Buffon.

When Hilario(US) was rooted in the centre of his line trying to appear big before Tevez took his shot, he looked like he was playing catch wih his son or some WAG. I knew then, unless Tevez is dumb enough to shoot straight at Hilario(US), no way Hilario(US) could save the penalty.

2. How Kenyon made a mistake by not cashing in on JT. JT was awful for so many matches. And if not for the fact Chelsea lacks quality centrebacks and fullbacks, JT would be benched. Only thing JT has is good organisation and leadership skills at the back.

Same thing for Joe Cole. Chelsea should cash out on the 40 year old winger. Anyway they got Deco who is more creative and just as injury prone as JC and about 1 or 2 years older but got more big match experience. Time to get rid of Cole and get Ribery.

3. How Carlo will lose his job if this bad patch continues. For sure, Jose will go through to the next round of Champs League. Hilario(US) is so frigging poor. Everytime, an Eto'o, Milito, Bartorelli and Snejder take their shots, you know Hilario(US) cant save it. And Jose already said he got rid of his ageing players to have a speedier squad. And you know Chelsea cant run to save their lives as the Manc showed us. Especially with Ashley and Bosingwa and Essien all out.

Not to mention, if Carlo lacks proper left back and central defenders and GK, it is way too late to salvage a BPL title run too.

And I hate to admit it but Gunners, 3 points behind Chelsea may just be champs. Damn! That is as bad as Sunderland being champs of BPL. Well, not the same but still the same if you know what I mean.

Up to one year off. Hope it turns out good in end.

Even if he recovers, it will be some time if Rambo becomes back to his old self. Just look at Eduardo. In full fitness, but a touch of the pace.

feel horrible for ramsey. some talent, let's hope he can get back onto the pitch soon. on the other hand, about time shawcross got the england call. one day he might be very very good.

Yup. England needs a Keano type who can knock the likes of Messi, Nando, CR 9, Drogs out of the tournament and even the sport for good. And so what if Shawcross gets a red, he is superfluous to the requirements anyway.

someone should post porto's goals. fucking fabianski is a joke, i haven't laughed so hard in long time.

Another reason why Wenger will win nuts this season.

The truth is Gunners where never BPL champions caliber material. I said it many times here already. Their flaws are known and a few demolitions of bottom feeder clubs doesn’t change that.

But their Champions League status should be assured. Cant see them doing worse than Pool this year and they only need to be better than Pool and not Man City.

Heartbroken. This wed against Liverpool. Lets hope they'll win. 1D 2L in 3 matches. Their morale gotta be low Wenger should have just got a experience striker to replace RVP.

Anyway, got to admit Cech was on top form yesterday. If Arshavin were to score the volley from the cross, things might have gone different with a 1-1.

Whatever it is, all the best gunners.

FAITH

These 2 weeks was to be Gunners’ acid test. 4 matches against top 3 opponents and 1 europa league opponent. This was the week that Arsenal’s boys became men. In the Chelsea match, Arsene took out Denilson who is lightweight and put in Theo who got tons of speed the Geriacticos cant catch. Ended up Arsene got 1 point out of 9. Very very poor. If they lose at the Kop, they will be 2 points ahead of Pool and at the end of the season, they may become 4th or even worse 5th

^ would you not question your manager if he didnt bring in a clearly needed striker when your best one is out for the rest of the season. or chooses to play a 5'7 russian against the likes of chelsea and uniteds defense. in the two games that will define your season the manager doesnt play a stiker. fuckin ridiculous. and what footbal fan isnt fucking fickle in this day and age. managers get the sack all the time for losing a run of games. arsenal supporters have stood by wenger for a long time and they will continue to do so. were just pissed that we were promised silverware this season and now its pretty much out of the picture.

According to the commentators, Wenger did try to beef up his squad but failed. You cant blame him for using Arsh. Think Bendtner wasnt match fit. And the bridge had a great time laughing at the Bend when he tumble and fumble and lost the ball.

There was one time he got the ball but somehow it slipped behind him. Another time, when Cech saved Cesc's free kick, the ball came to him and he tumbled and 3 Chelsea players ran off with the ball leaving him rolling on the ground and not even a close penalty call.

All in all, think Man U had a better performance against Arsenal. Man U possessed the ball more and counter attacked better. I thought Chelsea played like they were playing Barca. And instead of running after the ball, they sat back. But at least Barca was much more lethal and clinical. And everytime Drogs got the ball, you know he will score.

promised silverwear, you have to be joking.

When you're winning you're gonna win the league. Then lose two (maybe three ) and suddenly the club and the manager that made it is shit.

The point remains, after the Liverpool game you have pretty much winnable games all the way up to season's close. Man U caught you up from a 11 or 12 point deficit and won the premiership years ago, it's definitely not over.

try supporting a club with real problems, 'doooon't beeeeat poooooortsmoouth'

1. In this years' AGM, Wenger did promised silverware to the shareholders. Something like genuinely believed this team will win silverware. Unlikely they can win the Champs League now.

This doesnt sound like typical BS cos he was more than his usual upset when ref decisions dont go his way and blasted the gunners during half time in one match that they didnt deserve to wear the shirt and Cesc said he didnt see Wenger got so mad before. So Wenger is under a ton of pressure. Maybe he was told to win something big. If not, something big may happen to his team policy.

2. last year, Man U became champs despite having bad records to the top 3. In the past years, Arsenal had the best records against the top 3 and never won. BPL.

So you can argue winning against top 3 aint the barometer for being the champ. But the truth is Arsenal is a touch below the class of Man U and Chelsea. So even if they are champs, they aint the best and you must be hoping Man U and Chelsea will collapse simultaneously, which wont happen.

to Arsenal fans.

When was the last match Walcott played good?

In an Arsenal shirt, when he ran across the pitch of the field, shoot a cross for Manny to score easily. Of course Liverpool then went to win the match and tie in their first European match I think.

Aint matter. City can concentrate on better prizes than the Carling Cup which ranks above only the Charity Shield in importance. And I am not talking about those funny cups like Emirates Cup, Riverside Shield. Old Trafford Challenge and the Bridge Trophy.

Now City can concentrate on being 4th in BPL and win the FA Cup. Mancini struck gold in his 1st season in every club he's been I believe and the FA Cup is ripe for the picking with Chelsea the only main competitor left.

beast i had your observation in mind but pool has just been such shit lately i thought that even though spurs have a shit record against the top 4 that they could pull it off.

You are a good man for keeping my observation in mind. Better luck this weekend in the Cup draws.

Away at lower division clubs can be tricky for Chelsea and City. Think City should thump Scunthorpe easy but not exactly easy for Chelsea. If Arsene play his young guns against Stoke at Britannia, he may face a replay. Man U to crush Hull to be BPL leaders.

SPURS,VILLA,POOLS>MANCITY

period.

You are absolutely right. Provided the cream of Pool, Spurs and Villa are one super team and they practiced together long enough to be familiar with one another and take on City.

Friedel – GK.

Carra, King, and 2 other defenders or rightbacks.

Marsch – holding midfielder

Ashley and Gabby - wingers

Stevie G - midfielder

Nando and Defoe - strikers

And of course provided City don’t score the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Diego etc during this and the next transfer windows.