Setenza

Apr 7 2011, 10:28 AM

The Eggman

Apr 7 2011, 10:05 AM

I thought the Chelsea match was a total turdfest. Low on any real quality. Like most of the CL games involving Premier League sides, the teams seemed primarily concerned with stopping the opposition playing.

Essien was poor, Bosingwa awful (selling himself for the goal, and his crossing when it good positions was shocking), and Torres dreadful. Lampard was anonymous, and Zhirkov just...nothing. Only Drogba seemed to offer much in the way of progressive play.

Man United just looked to keep their shape, and hope to get the away goal. For the whole of the second half, they just closed up shop. They had about two shots on target in the whole match, while Chelsea had six.

Apart from Torres's header, van der Sar had almost nothing to do. Chelsea were very predictable. Evra did well to save it off the line, and van der Sar to make the save from Torres, and Chelsea should've got a penalty as well, but apart from that, I found it seriously lacking in any play that can be described as the top tier of European competition.

Whoever gets through this half of the draw will need a shitload of luck to beat Barca or Real in the final.

I think I'd prefer it to Barcelona running riot for the 20th time this season.

There wasn't much attacking quality (except the goal obviously), but I still found it entertaining.

Man U have done the boring away performances for ages now, but it's been largely sucessful.

Won't write off Chelsea, but can't agree can't see either winning it.

Setenza

Apr 7 2011, 10:28 AM

I think I'd prefer it to Barcelona running riot for the 20th time this season.

whatsthatonyourback

Apr 7 2011, 10:31 AM

Giggs's first touch for the goal was fabulous.

Setenza

Apr 12 2011, 08:43 PM

Man U looked comforable, Chelsea seem a bit stuck in a rut.

The Eggman

Apr 13 2011, 07:03 AM

Setenza

Apr 12 2011, 08:43 PM

Man U looked comforable, Chelsea seem a bit stuck in a rut.

Chelsea looked the better team for almost the whole first half, and really should have had the lead by the time Hernandez scored (his goal looked offside to me, although I've only seen the side angle replay once). Where was Cole when Anelka was left back?

Then Man United were able to sit back and squeeze the space even more, with Chelsea being ever more desperate.

Despite almost everything Torres touching not working, I still think Drogba should've been subbed at half time instead. Torres seems on the verge of getting his touch back. Anelka's just...Anelka. Although Drogba put both of them to shame in terms of effectiveness. And yeah, you can say 'in hindsight', but Drogba was clearly the best Chelsea player at Stamford Bridge as well.

Then Ramires got sent off, and that helped make the space for Park's goal (and Chelsea got sloppy there).

Chelsea do look not right, though. Lampard's poor, Ramires isn't up to much, and Essien's lost his way as well. Malouda's honking right now, as well.

Still, Man United did stifle them well, second half especially, and Rooney was excellent.

Setenza

Apr 13 2011, 08:49 AM

At least was enjoyable though.


I'm not sure Chelsea were that dangerous in the first half despite a bit more possession. Think Lampard should have scored though.


Chelsea's season over though, so they can experiment to find a striking option that works...

The Eggman

Apr 13 2011, 09:19 AM

Setenza

Apr 13 2011, 08:49 AM

At least was enjoyable though.


I'm not sure Chelsea were that dangerous in the first half despite a bit more possession. Think Lampard should have scored though.


Chelsea's season over though, so they can experiment to find a striking option that works...

5/10 for enjoyment. Obviously the perspective depends on taste. I prefer matches where teams can hold on to the ball for more than 10 seconds at a time.

You're right, they weren't that dangerous, but were still the better side. Man United looked quite edgy.

Sure sacking Ray Wilkins couldn't have had this big an impact

findus

Mar 18 2011, 12:17 PM

Setenza

Mar 18 2011, 12:04 PM

Fancy Chelsea for some reason at the moment. Wouldn't put it past Spurs to get close to a shock either. This years Leeds.

I had the same wee feeling at first, but then had a think about it - 1st leg at the Bernabue Bernabu Bernna in Madrid, I can't see Spurs scoring. 2nd leg in Landan, I can't see Real not scoring. Still, would be an interesting shock.