crazy_pool_fan

Makes sense what you are saying especially he being rested. He might come in for Bolo. Thinking aloud what his strategies could be. Begining to believe the "mystery" aspect shrouding his team line-ups.

Could we be going in with the same squad as the Shield match or the PSV match no Stevie, Xabi, but maybe Kuyt in there with Crouch. Hold things up, go for a draw and then try to win it later on.

Rafa expressing similar sentiments. .tv link Think we will come to believe in this rotation policy is and will turn out to be good for players, squad, the results and overall form of the squad. Rafa's team in Valencia used to churn out results in machine like way. We saw a bit of it last season (what a "bit" it was 33 clean sheets!), think we will still start to see that in a short time once he gets to train with them consistently without the international breaks. It will be player independent. Players will know what to do when they are out there in the middle. Its playing the system more than playing the strong qualities one particular player. Throw in within these scheme of things players like Gerrard, Bellamy and Fowler (more for the passion playing for a team where he is already a legend) and you have nice formula for winning on a constant basis.

It could be interpreted as arrogance as well - he hasn't seen Kuyt and Bellamy starting together, nobody has. What if Carra and Sami (both together) dont start? The team last season as compared to today's is quite different (Pennant, Aurelio, Gonzalez, Kuyt, Bellamy, possibly Agger). Still confidence there?

Wonder what's that arrogance or confidence. Can people still discussing the everton game enlighten the others. ;)

Agree and for that we must have likes of Speedy and Pennant playing today.

Personally hope we use the wide players; they will just sit behind and defend and attack on the counter as we saw against Benefica. Wouldn't like to see Sami in this but again depends on Cara's fitness. Would be glad if we use the 3 at back formation.

Thanks for the news as others; was a bit worrying the rumours, seriously, we dont want that so early in the season, actually never tbh.

For some reasons think Portsmouth and Aston Villa will also (other than the teams mentioned already) be tough as well to get 3 points. We will definitely find Rafa's thinking and tactics very beneficial as the other competitions starts to roll. It'll be good if we start believing and practising it early and reap the benefits later on.

Exact same feelings in the same match. Ronaldinho was losing the ball with his flicks over and over again and the whole barca midfield and wingers scampering back to contain the attack. You are left wondering at times what is he doing in contributing to team play, until the moment of genuis with ofcourse Guily. Luis Garcia has improved a lot from his first season he tracks back challenges for the ball, puts in tackles; frustrating though most times.

Well articulated point of view Paul, and as ofcourse no mistakes as usual. Tempted to say the same as JJ above "Send it to Parry and mess with his head." ;)

Sky Link Midfield Player it seems, from Cadiz.

But they can still spend it now, isnt it? If they know the amount. :dunno: In terms of value of both the players - Arse got more problems at the central defence positions than I guess chelsea has in the left back. I am thinking arsenal is at a gain here. Flamini did quite ok as left back, after they tried all sorts of combinations due to injuries.

Right, just realized that, disappointment then - they're just strengthening each other, not quite what we want. :no Wonder who's going to benefit the most out of the deal..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/5265164.stm Looks like Gallas is off then.

Still very optimistic and feel there were loads of positives to take from there. Only negative were those two injuries that just doesnt augur well so early in the season, lucky they are not that serious. If we take on from the positives and build upon it, the two or three points shouldnt haunt us later. Lets get done with, one of the most important things for this season, come Tuesday.

That I think is debatable. But this whole issue of best 11 again depends who the manager is and what strategy he wants to use etc etc. Some would like couch and owen over owen and defoe. Some want a good passer who can play defensive midfield, some would need a battler, some would want a attacking option like Gerrard some others would want pace down the flanks lennon - some would want guile and better crosses - penannt/SWP. The possibilities are endless and so is the debate.

Absolutely disappointing performance, serious thoughts must go into away games. Especially starting Tuesday there's too much at stake there.

What a relief! Now lets get the winner please..

With a bit of luck with injuries and few odd goals (eg Boro away last season) - it has to be Top.

Nobody fucks with Rafa, not even Parry and board as some people suggested - those are the qualities of a great leader. Feeling extremely optimistic!! One in the bag already; Where are the polls?

Very good points some of you lads made. england capt liverpool capt; influence on manager etc. just gutted for stevie myself, thought he would have been a lot better player in both places otherwise.

Would be glad if gerrard gets to captain england - just have a feeling he will develop into more lethal player, channeling his energies. Hope he does get to lead - lets wait till friday. Independent got a story saying he has the edge. http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/internationals/article1217779.ece a bit too late then myself :no

genuinely good and serious question. Googled few days back (when red nick had posted about how he called his mate with "strong connections" in arsenal and he had said bad business) about arsenal forums and pennant. (you guys can try it out yourselves). Some forums and some blogs came up, could go into some - where you could go in, the talk was about how desperately he wants to play in the first team and that being the only reason for him to leave arsenal, couldnt find the word 'trouble'. Was there genuinely any?

Very good player for that position; Momo type player chases the ball all over the field; lot of people will disagree him being good footballer though. The only question is - will he be at the bench behind Momo in the picking order. Actually good point this thread we definitely seem to be short there.