Chelsea vs Manchester United Match Thread 18/4/15 k/o 17.30 Sky

Nalz

Barr wrote: »

Maybe you should :pac:

:pac:

Smithwicks Man

PhlegmyMoses wrote: »

But if the league is in any way stronger next year and he continues with the style he has shown in the last 4 months, it won't last. It's not Spain where he only really had Barca to contend with. City, United and arguably Arsenal have the infrastructure to compete financially and most likely will strengthen greatly this summer.

Basically what I'm saying is that I don't particularly rate this Chelsea side. I think that they have a really good group of players but Mourinho's negative style hinders them quite a bit and will prevent them from dominating the league on a regular basis, like that squad, with some additions, potentially could.

The league will have to get stronger as it's as weak as it has been for years. The English teams were dominated in Europe this season and the old "most competitive league" saying can only last so long.

The lack of tactical astuteness from some of the Premiership teams is astonishing but that's one thing you can't fault Chelsea for - each player knows their role and the team knows what they're being sent out to do.

I do agree that Mourinho's style can be sometimes baffling, he has the players at his disposal to play fast, attacking football but seems to often get drawn into situations where he instructs his players to adopt a negative approach when there's really no need to.

Kirby

Smithwicks Man wrote: »

The league will have to get stronger as it's as weak as it has been for years. The English teams were dominated in Europe this season and the old "most competitive league" saying can only last so long.

The media makes a lot more of that than it is. You will have years where no English team makes it to the quarter finals.....and you will have years where all 4 of them make it.

The former doesn't mean the sky is falling and the latter doesn't mean England are the bestest everest. It's simply how cup competitions work.

Smithwicks Man

Kirby wrote: »

The media makes a lot more of that than it is. You will have years where no English team makes it to the quarter finals.....and you will have years where all 4 of them make it.

The former doesn't mean the sky is falling and the latter doesn't mean England are the bestest everest. It's simply how cup competitions work.

Awh I agree but last season there was 1 English team in the QF of the Champions League and none in the Europa.

This year there was 2 in the last 16 of the CL and 1 in the last 16 of the Europa followed by no English teams left in the QF in either competition which is does tell it's own tale.


I agree about the media hysterics but I can guarantee they'll start banging on about how "the English teams don't take the Europa seriously" despite the fact this has been the case for years in other countries up until very recently.

England losing their 4th CL spot will be the tipping point where people realize the league is not near as strong as it's made out to be.

Oranage2

I didn't watch the game but from the highlights De Gea beaten very easily again, maybe it's just me but he hasn't being performing all that well since the pool game, looks like his mind is else where if you get my drift.

McDave

PhlegmyMoses wrote: »

Mourinho is absolutely a good manager and you're right, he brings success, particularly in years when his rivals are faltering. His pragmatic style will see him come out on top in a down year.

But if the league is in any way stronger next year and he continues with the style he has shown in the last 4 months, it won't last. It's not Spain where he only really had Barca to contend with. City, United and arguably Arsenal have the infrastructure to compete financially and most likely will strengthen greatly this summer.

Basically what I'm saying is that I don't particularly rate this Chelsea side. I think that they have a really good group of players but Mourinho's negative style hinders them quite a bit and will prevent them from dominating the league on a regular basis, like that squad, with some additions, potentially could.

You can rest assured Chelsea will be stronger next year. We're also seeing a transition into a new squad. While we had good players before Mou returned, we've upgraded on players like Torres, Luiz and Mata. Zouma is one for the future. Matic a real strength in midfield. We've found our regular striker.

Hazard is coming very good.

Expect upgrades on Cahill, Mikel, Rambo, Drogba and even Oscar. Maybe not in one transfer window. If Mou sticks around, you can expect Chelsea to be on an upward curve for the next five years. With a Champions League in the offing.

Iused2likebusts

Trilla wrote: »

I'm sure the ball went side-wards the whole way down the pitch, rugby style... when Rooney, Falcao (twice), McNair and Fellaini had great chances to score.

hence the reply "COCK"

bit of a stretch to be calling all of those great chances

Nalz

Iused2likebusts wrote: »

bit of a stretch to be calling all of those great chances

Falcaos and Rooneys were, and I forgot Rooneys free header... But yes the others werent as great I'll agree there. Still to say United passed the ball sideways for 90 mins is rubbish. Im sure all that running Shaw and Valencia did was sideways too.

Chelsea had a game plan which worked well most of the time, let's not exaggerate Uniteds possession play to be 100% negative and pointless just because someone posted "they dominated possession" or something along those lines.

Iused2likebusts

Trilla wrote: »

Falcaos and Rooneys were, and I forgot Rooneys free header... But yes the others werent as great I'll agree there. Still to say United passed the ball sideways for 90 mins is rubbish. Im sure all that running Shaw and Valencia did was sideways too.

Chelsea had a game plan which worked well most of the time, let's not exaggerate Uniteds possession play to be 100% negative and pointless just because someone posted "they dominated possession" or something along those lines.

Apart from the goal I'd have the Falcao chance and the Drogba hazard incident as the two great chances. Rooneys free header probably utds next best chance.
I thought utd played well but struggled to create too much it's frustrating when you lose to a chelsea performance like that. However it's happened so often in the big games you would have to give them credit. Chelsea fans and the Chelsea players in particular will feel it's a mourinho masterclass which it more than likely is.

Sgt Pepper 64

Utd in our pockets

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said Manchester United's important players were "in our pockets" in a match that went "exactly" as they wanted.

The Blues boss says his side have "almost" won the Premier League title after their 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge moved them 10 points clear at the top.

United dominated possession and had more chances than the league leaders.

Mourinho said: "We prepared for it to be like this. It was the game we wanted and expected."

Chelsea will be champions if they win at Arsenal and Leicester in their next two matches, having beaten third-placed United with a first-half goal from Eden Hazard.

Visiting manager Louis van Gaal said it was his side's "best display of the season" but Mourinho insists it was part of the game plan.

"It was difficult, but less than you think," he said. "Control their direct football to Marouane Fellaini and control the wingers from making crosses on the inside foot.

"When we know Wayne Rooney plays in midfield, we control his progression into the box. Control set-pieces and don't give away direct free-kicks as they have three specialists.

"Wait for a mistake and score a goal. We were able to make their important players disappear. Nobody saw them. They were in our pockets."

United went into the match knowing they needed to win for the first time in five league visits to Chelsea to have any realistic hope of winning the title.

pmasterson95

Its always hilarious to see/hear Mourinho/Chelsea fans lauding the tactical genius of yesterday when they also bitched vehemently about this
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jose-mourinho-accuses-west-ham-of-playing-football-from-the-19th-century--but-sam-allardyce-doesnt-give-a-s-9094639.html

grumpymunster

pmasterson95 wrote: »

Its always hilarious to see/hear Mourinho/Chelsea fans lauding the tactical genius of yesterday when they also bitched vehemently about this
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jose-mourinho-accuses-west-ham-of-playing-football-from-the-19th-century--but-sam-allardyce-doesnt-give-a-s-9094639.html

You obviously did not read the full article but never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Fergie won many a league scraping out 1-0 wins toward the end of the season can you think why he called it squeaky bum time.

Just as you think it hilarious to see / hear that I really enjoy the pontificating of losers - I know you would have loved him to do a brenden Rogers but he is the next Fergie and way too cute. So here we are the team with the most goals and points this season on the cusp of another title and everyone one else livid.

As a Chelsea supporter this is as good as it gets, gotta love Jose.

Nalz

Sgt Pepper 64 wrote: »

Utd in our pockets

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said Manchester United's important players were "in our pockets" in a match that went "exactly" as they wanted.

The Blues boss says his side have "almost" won the Premier League title after their 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge moved them 10 points clear at the top.

United dominated possession and had more chances than the league leaders.

Mourinho said: "We prepared for it to be like this. It was the game we wanted and expected."

Chelsea will be champions if they win at Arsenal and Leicester in their next two matches, having beaten third-placed United with a first-half goal from Eden Hazard.

Visiting manager Louis van Gaal said it was his side's "best display of the season" but Mourinho insists it was part of the game plan.

"It was difficult, but less than you think," he said. "Control their direct football to Marouane Fellaini and control the wingers from making crosses on the inside foot.

"When we know Wayne Rooney plays in midfield, we control his progression into the box. Control set-pieces and don't give away direct free-kicks as they have three specialists.

"Wait for a mistake and score a goal. We were able to make their important players disappear. Nobody saw them. They were in our pockets."

United went into the match knowing they needed to win for the first time in five league visits to Chelsea to have any realistic hope of winning the title.

You might call me biased and a little annoyed after yesterday, but I felt that post match interview was a little smug, a little na-nana-na-na dig at LVG and to gloss over how well United played. Don't get me wrong Chelsea had a plan, it just didn't go as well as he said. Also Mourinho is the king of post match interviews and you can't but help but like him for it. What a character.

However:

• There wasn't a lot of attempts of "direct" ball to Fellaini.
• United had good chances, both Rooney and Falcao had great chances... the others. Nobody saw them there. Maybe he was talking about his defenders in that regard Maybe his defenders had there hands in there pockets then (excluding Cahill for the first Falcao chance)
• Two attempts on target at home to United, one was a well worked goal albeit some small mistakes from United players. You could argue De Gea was a little weak in his attempt to stop it.
• Luke Shaw caused lots of problems for them down the left, maybe there focus on the wingers crossing with the inside foot was the cause of this. Nothing came from Shaws pressure\crosses unfortunately for United.

Only trying to be honest. It didn't go as smoothly as the Chelsea boss made out.

pmasterson95

grumpymunster wrote: »

You obviously did not read the full article but never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Fergie won many a league scraping out 1-0 wins toward the end of the season can you think why he called it squeaky bum time.

Just as you think it hilarious to see / hear that I really enjoy the pontificating of losers - I know you would have loved him to do a brenden Rogers but he is the next Fergie and way too cute. So here we are the team with the most goals and points this season on the cusp of another title and everyone one else livid.

As a Chelsea supporter this is as good as it gets, gotta love Jose.

Aye between yesterday and one shot on target against QPR I can see why your happy. Tbh Chelsea are the strongest team but they dont need to just defend defend. United had injuries and QPR are ****e but rather than offensive he shuts up shop. How very exciting and enjoyable. Woop de shit you win league. Still thought the fans might want to watch semi entertaining games but the boring the better.

Lord TSC

Trilla wrote: »

You might call me biased and a little annoyed after yesterday, but I felt that post match interview was a little smug, a little na-nana-na-na dig at LVG and to gloss over how well United played. Don't get me wrong Chelsea had a plan, it just didn't go as well as he said.

Jose? Smug? Well, I never...

Lucas Hood

Just watching goals on Sunday. The ref plays advantage (you can see him signal this) for Chelsea in the lead up to the goal for a foul on Fabregas from Mata. How he considered that a foul but the one on Falcao not is mind boggling.

Ah well over and done with now.

Sgt Pepper 64

grumpymunster wrote: »

You obviously did not read the full article but never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Fergie won many a league scraping out 1-0 wins toward the end of the season can you think why he called it squeaky bum time.

Just as you think it hilarious to see / hear that I really enjoy the pontificating of losers - I know you would have loved him to do a brenden Rogers but he is the next Fergie and way too cute. So here we are the team with the most goals and points this season on the cusp of another title and everyone one else livid.

As a Chelsea supporter this is as good as it gets, gotta love Jose.

POTY for me!

Nalz

Lucas Hood wrote: »

Just watching goals on Sunday. The ref plays advantage (you can see him signal this) for Chelsea in the lead up to the goal for a foul on Fabregas from Mata. How he considered that a foul but the one on Falcao not is mind boggling.

Ah well over and done with now.

Mourinho planned that sure

niallo27

grumpymunster wrote: »

You obviously did not read the full article but never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Fergie won many a league scraping out 1-0 wins toward the end of the season can you think why he called it squeaky bum time.

Just as you think it hilarious to see / hear that I really enjoy the pontificating of losers - I know you would have loved him to do a brenden Rogers but he is the next Fergie and way too cute. So here we are the team with the most goals and points this season on the cusp of another title and everyone one else livid.

As a Chelsea supporter this is as good as it gets, gotta love Jose.

Everyone bar Utd supporters wanted Chelsea to win yesterday though. I think the hate for Chelsea has died down now.

LuckyLloyd

I think Chelsea have been far and away the best team in the league this year, and it's no surprise that they have suffered the most honourable European knockout. Yesterday was why: did what they had to do to win with more in the tank if necessary. I think they'll go deep again in the CL next year.

irishfeen

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

I think Chelsea have been far and away the best team in the league this year, and it's no surprise that they have suffered the most honourable European knockout. Yesterday was why: did what they had to do to win with more in the tank if necessary. I think they'll go deep again in the CL next year.

Yeah but I think yesterday showed exactly why PSG knocked Chelsea out this year too though - it's a risky strategy sitting on 1-0 leads or parking the bus and inviting teams to have 70% possession. It worked yesterday but United could very well have won that game with a bit more guile up front.

grumpymunster

pmasterson95 wrote: »

Aye between yesterday and one shot on target against QPR I can see why your happy. Tbh Chelsea are the strongest team but they dont need to just defend defend. United had injuries and QPR are ****e but rather than offensive he shuts up shop. How very exciting and enjoyable. Woop de shit you win league. Still thought the fans might want to watch semi entertaining games but the boring the better.

Chelsea v QPR match rarely reflects league form, very tight pitch and a squad and supporters that absolutely hate Chelsea. The feeling is mutual but we don't have to waste much time on them as they are dire indeed. I went to school in West London and the hate is very real.
Before you make inane comments try find out a bit about local rivalries QPR raise their game immensely every time they play us. Unite one of the biggest teams in World football yea so for me two fantastic results.

pmasterson95

grumpymunster wrote: »

Chelsea v QPR match rarely reflects league form, very tight pitch and a squad and supporters that absolutely hate Chelsea. The feeling is mutual but we don't have to waste much time on them as they are dire indeed. I went to school in West London and the hate is very real.
Before you make inane comments try find out a bit about local rivalries QPR raise their game immensely every time they play us. Unite one of the biggest teams in World football yea so for me two fantastic results.

Ok you seem confused to my point. But ok do you actually think Chelsea couldnt have simply overwhelmed QPR and beat them by more than one goal? Thus fans get to enjoy seeing there team score more goals? Even as a United fan I think Chelsea could have routed QPR if they wished. When the team is clearly inferior why not but on a show? Or was Mourinho afraid of Barton and Zamora prowess against Cahill and Matic?

Iused2likebusts

pmasterson95 wrote: »

Ok you seem confused to my point. But ok do you actually think Chelsea couldnt have simply overwhelmed QPR and beat them by more than one goal? Thus fans get to enjoy seeing there team score more goals? Even as a United fan I think Chelsea could have routed QPR if they wished. When the team is clearly inferior why not but on a show? Or was Mourinho afraid of Barton and Zamora prowess against Cahill and Matic?

Having to play Drogba the past 2 games has not helped chelsea from an attacking perspective.

Barr

I’m glad MOTD applauded Mike Dean for catching Herrara diving yesterday.

It was a great spot to be fair.

Nalz

Barr wrote: »

I’m glad MOTD applauded Mike Dean for catching Herrara diving yesterday.

It was a great spot to be fair.

Burnley and Palace could have done with good referee decisions like that one yesterday

Barr

Trilla wrote: »

Burnley and Palace could have done with good referee decisions like that one yesterday

How long did you spend googling looking for that.

As dives go it was a pretty good one. Do players train for this?

I have a picture now of Utd at training practicing dives it was that convincing

Iused2likebusts

Trilla wrote: »

Burnley and Palace could have done with good referee decisions like that one yesterday

its also safe to say that the miralass tackle wont be met with as much outrage in the media and on here as the barnes one a few weeks back

Ordinary man

Barr wrote: »

How long did you spend googling looking for that.

As dives go it was a pretty good one. Do players train for this?

I have a picture now of Utd at training practicing dives it was that convincing

Kinda funny comment from a chelsea supporter considering cahill, ivanovic, fabregas, costa and willian have all been booked or accused of diving this season:rolleyes:

Barr

Just making the point it was a cut above the average dive , maybe Ashly Young could learn a thing or two from the technique.

Bridge93

Should De Gea have gone for that handball?

Barr

Bridge93 wrote: »

Should De Gea have gone for that handball?

Straight red all day long.

Will I Amnt

Was it a clear goalscoring opportunity? He took it off Valencia's foot so I'm not so sure you can say it was, Valencia would have cleared it had he not touched it.

I may well be wrong but handball by a goalkeeper outside the box doesn't automatically mean a red card from what I understand.

Garzorico

Will I Amnt wrote: »

Was it a clear goalscoring opportunity? He took it off Valencia's foot so I'm not so sure you can say it was, Valencia would have cleared it had he not touched it.

I may well be wrong but handball by a goalkeeper outside the box doesn't automatically mean a red card from what I understand.

De Gea was behind Valencia - De Gea misses, ball lands at Hazards feet through on goal 10 yrds out rolls ball into empty net - red card no question.

hullaballoo

Will I Amnt wrote: »

United dominated possession. This is a massive part of what van Gaal wants from his team, this is his plan working out. Having to start Falcao up front and Rooney in midfield was a big blow to the creativity up front, that's the single biggest reason why the chances were so limited.

I'm going to have to call you on this because you're normally a sensible enough poster (leaving aside that this is you talking about United, for a second .)

United dominated possession because Chelsea let them. That was the game plan and the world and its mother knew that was going to be the case. FFS even the most anti-Chelsea of pundits on Sky knew that Chelsea were going to let United have the ball.

Dominating possession against Chelsea only means one thing: Chelsea want you to have the ball. Tbh, I wouldn't believe you if you said you didn't already know that.

Will I Amnt

Garzorico wrote: »

De Gea was behind Valencia - De Gea misses, ball lands at Hazards feet through on goal 10 yrds out rolls ball into empty net - red card no question.

If De Gea doesn't touch it Valencia clears it. I don't think it's clear cut at all.

Will I Amnt

hullaballoo wrote: »

Dominating possession against Chelsea only means one thing: Chelsea want you to have the ball.

So that's it? There's no arguing that point ever? Even if Barca or Bayern roll up and dominate possession it's because Chelsea let them?

I'm well aware of the gameplan but I don't think Chelsea had much of a choice anyway. United did what they've been doing to everyone else the last couple of months.

Nalz

Barr wrote: »

How long did you spend googling looking for that.

As dives go it was a pretty good one. Do players train for this?

I have a picture now of Utd at training practicing dives it was that convincing

What the fück are you on about? I watched the highlights of those games and the decisions in those games were awful.

I don't think you understood my post, it doesn't take away or give to Herreras dive. It was a desperate attempt and he was caught cheating.

Now explain wtf you meant by "how long did you spend googling". Makes no sense.

fozz10

chelsea possession stats and a few other bits. Just because some other fans have watched the psg game and qpr game and yesterdays game and seem to be under some illusion that chelsea sit back every game.
chelsea have blown teams away every week from august up to nearly christmas. chelsea have had 60/70% possession at home regularly this season. chelsea are going through our "bad patch" the last month. still won every game in the league in the last month. chelsea are also the joint highest scorers in the league this year. people have short memories.
The stats in the images are not that of a team who played like they have for 3/4 games out of thirty-odd

Lukker-

Will I Amnt wrote: »

If De Gea doesn't touch it Valencia clears it. I don't think it's clear cut at all.

Except for the fact that De Gea and Valencia ran into each other so Valencia wasn't covering. If De Gea doesn't handle it's a goal.

Will I Amnt

Lukker- wrote: »

Except for the fact that De Gea and Valencia ran into each other so Valencia wasn't covering. If De Gea doesn't handle it's a goal.

I didn't say he was covering. De Gea took it off his foot, he was in the process of clearing it.
I'm not saying it definitely wasn't a red but it's not as clear cut as people are trying to make out.

Drumpot

hullaballoo wrote: »

Dominating possession against Chelsea only means one thing: Chelsea want you to have the ball. Tbh, I wouldn't believe you if you said you didn't already know that.

Its funny how Jose's self absorbed sense of importance has rubbed off on some Chelsea fans.

United played their gameplan, Chelsea played theirs. United wanted to have more possession, Chelsea didn't . . It wasn't simply "Chelsea wanted United to have the ball" as you arrogantly/ignorantly put it. You'd swear LVG was the only person in England that didn't know Jose would shut up shop from the start!

Had Rooney showed better composure early on it would of been a much different game. Playing like Chelsea is only successful if you can keep a clean sheet. It worked out nicely for them that United had to shift a few important players around.

Even Greece proved that you can be successful playing boring defensive football, so its not exactly like Chelsea have invented the blanket defence sucker punch tactics . . Lets not pretend its some sort of genius system that deserves anymore credit then it gets . .

Chelsea fans can defend this defensive stuff all they want, but having a quarter of possession in a home game when you are cruising to the league with a few games to go is quite pathetic. We all know you don't care, but that doesn't make it any less pathetic . .

bad2dabone

Raging at Chelsea FC for their style and tactics is pointless. It is what it is. They are what they are.

Dozen Wicked Words

bad2dabone wrote: »

Raging at Chelsea FC for their style and tactics is pointless. It is what it is. They are what they are.

Nearly a week after the game seems doubly pointless.

bad2dabone

Dozen Wicked Words wrote: »

Nearly a week after the game seems doubly pointless.

That's also entirely correct.

duploelabs

bad2dabone wrote: »

Raging at Chelsea FC for their style and tactics is pointless. It is what it is. They are what they are.

We shall be sure to fill the premier league trophy with our tears at the thought that you don't like our style and tactics

hots

Drumpot wrote: »

Its funny how Jose's self absorbed sense of importance has rubbed off on some Chelsea fans.

United played their gameplan, Chelsea played theirs. United wanted to have more possession, Chelsea didn't . . It wasn't simply "Chelsea wanted United to have the ball" as you arrogantly/ignorantly put it. You'd swear LVG was the only person in England that didn't know Jose would shut up shop from the start!

Had Rooney showed better composure early on it would of been a much different game. Playing like Chelsea is only successful if you can keep a clean sheet. It worked out nicely for them that United had to shift a few important players around.

Even Greece proved that you can be successful playing boring defensive football, so its not exactly like Chelsea have invented the blanket defence sucker punch tactics . . Lets not pretend its some sort of genius system that deserves anymore credit then it gets . .

Chelsea fans can defend this defensive stuff all they want, but having a quarter of possession in a home game when you are cruising to the league with a few games to go is quite pathetic. We all know you don't care, but that doesn't make it any less pathetic . .

Sure Utd weren't even good enough to turn all of their possession into shots on target nevermind goals or points? 71% possession and only 2 shots on target "pathetic"

GavRedKing

Whats pathetic is it took so long to make that assumption.

Locked.