Chelsea looked very assured yesterday, Drogba is playing out of his skin, Malouda is starting to show promise at last, and even Ballack is starting to look like he did when he was at Bayern.
I can't see past Chelsea for the title, i knew they would go close this season, but they look unbeatable at the moment.:):):)

Although Drogba went off injured.

That may put a dent in their plans.

Although Drogba went off injured.

That may put a dent in their plans.

He'll be alright (hopefully) although Kalou looked sharp when he came on, and he's always capable of scoring.
Drogba wouldn't have played on Wednesday anyway against QPR, then it's Wigan away after that, and im sure they can manage without him in that one, id even give young Daniel Sturridge a chance against Wigan.
Then it's Apoel Nicosia who they should also manage to beat without Drogba.
Liverpool are at the Bridge the game after though so hopefully he will be ok by then, if he was going to get a knock i supposed he's timed it right.
Apparently it might only be cramp what Drogba was suffering from anyway.

It's definitely going to be another close run thing. All the big four looked good this weekend (the scoreline flattered Man City as United could've had 7), and with Man City sticking their noses in, and Spurs looking dangerous it's going to be brilliant.

I wouldn't hand it to Chelsea just yet, a few injuries could cripple them.

It's definitely going to be another close run thing. All the big four looked good this weekend (the scoreline flattered Man City as United could've had 7), and with Man City sticking their noses in, and Spurs looking dangerous it's going to be brilliant.

I wouldn't hand it to Chelsea just yet, a few injuries could cripple them.

Chelsea's squad is more than big enough to cope with injurys, look at the player's that have been injured or have hardley played yet.
Joe Cole, Yury Zhirkov, Paulo Ferreira, Deco, Solomon Kalou, Daniel Sturridge, Alex, Branislav Ivanovic.
Joe Cole, Alex and Deco are world class.

Drogba passed fit after calf scan

Drogba was carried off with a calf injury on Sunday
Didier Drogba should be fit to play against Wigan on Saturday after a scan revealed no damage to his calf, Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins said.

Good to see Joe Cole back in the main squad. He will be like a new signing after his long spell out.

Good to see Joe Cole back in the main squad. He will be like a new signing after his long spell out.

IT will be better still to see him in the English squad

Nice to see Kalou on the scoresheet last night, in 28 games where he has played Chelsea have never lost, not a bad record atall.

Chelsea's squad is more than big enough to cope with injurys, look at the player's that have been injured or have hardley played yet.
Joe Cole, Yury Zhirkov, Paulo Ferreira, Deco, Solomon Kalou, Daniel Sturridge, Alex, Branislav Ivanovic.
Joe Cole, Alex and Deco are world class.

Yury Zhirkov is world class as well.

Yury Zhirkov is world class as well.

I didn't really want to comment on him as i havent seen him play yet for Chelsea, he got injured last night.

Just thought id put this on it's pretty funny lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB2zyEORllI&NR=1

Chelsea looked very assured yesterday, Drogba is playing out of his skin, Malouda is starting to show promise at last, and even Ballack is starting to look like he did when he was at Bayern.
I can't see past Chelsea for the title, i knew they would go close this season, but they look unbeatable at the moment.:):):)
And it would seem that the moment has come to an end. Even with the loss of Ronaldo United are looking pretty formidable and I suspect are going to push Chelsea all the way.

Why's an apparent Wednesday supporter always going on about Chelsea anyway?

And it would seem that the moment has come to an end. Even with the loss of Ronaldo United are looking pretty formidable and I suspect are going to push Chelsea all the way.

Why's an apparent Wednesday supporter always going on about Chelsea anyway?

I have to admit it was a bad result for the Blues today,i expected a goal fest if im honest.
Wigan have at last beaten one of the top teams.
I have my reasons why i support Chelsea, none that i would like to share with you with the apparent hostile attitude you seem to be showing towards me because i do, well done Man utd good performance, its a 38 game season though.

Brilliant performance from Chelsea today, Essien was brilliant as was Joe Cole, infact the whole team played excellent today.
A well deserved victory, even if Blackburn were poor you still have to beat what's put in front of you.!!!

I'm not sure how much Ancelotti cares about winning the Premiership. He never seemed to make Serie A a priority (for one reason or another...), and I still feel his main ambition is to win the Champions League - which is also what Abramovich wants more than anything else.

Don't get me wrong - I like watching Chelsea play, and I've been a long-term admirer of CA and Milan. I just think that CA is taking the Permiership games as practice for a loftier target.

Early days I think. :) Wait for the 5-0 victory over Liverpool tomorrow. :|:suspect:

Early days I think. :) Wait for the 5-0 victory over Liverpool tomorrow. :|:suspect:

i do hope you are correct, i hate liverpool

the Chelsea is Ancelotti's Creature.. that is one of the most important team manger of the world!!!

According to me... at december the chelsea will have a decline in physical...

With the results this weekend i fancy Chelseas chances even more now, especially with Joe Cole coming back he was brilliant yesterday.
Gonna miss Drogba, Kalou, and Mikel though over the winter.

I agree.chelsea playing well and manchester don't have players to solve the games.

Chelsea allways have anyone that solve games

I think you could well be right here, another easy win today, Liverpool have lost and Man Utd are struggling just now.

Chelsea are superb at the moment, they could easilly run away with the Premiership this season the way they are brushing teams aside.
The only thing that worries me is losing Essien and co through the winter.
Saying that the back up is first class.
SUPER CHELSEA!
Bring on Man United!

Great result for Chelsea today, Man United looked poor in all honesty.
Nicolas Anelka is getting better with age lol.

Chelsea looked very assured yesterday, Drogba is playing out of his skin, Malouda is starting to show promise at last, and even Ballack is starting to look like he did when he was at Bayern.
I can't see past Chelsea for the title, i knew they would go close this season, but they look unbeatable at the moment.:):):)

but arnt you a pigs fan? :suspect:

Chelsea are superb at the moment, they could easilly run away with the Premiership this season the way they are brushing teams aside.
The only thing that worries me is losing Essien and co through the winter.
Saying that the back up is first class.
SUPER CHELSEA!
Bring on Man United!

just like they brushed wigan aside? :hihi:

but arnt you a pigs fan? :suspect:

No im not a Blade.

just like they brushed wigan aside? :hihi:

Suppose you could say the same about Manchester United against Burnley.

Go ancelotti GOOOOO !!

old heart of ac milan :love:

Naaah Arsenal.

suppose when youve seen that snort beast drivel at swillsborough you are going to look elsewhere...

suppose when youve seen that snort beast drivel at swillsborough you are going to look elsewhere...

Ahh whateva mate, im too knackered to even bother wi di.
Im off for the leg or. :P

yes chelsea was excellent yesterday they are definitely going to win

Chelsea are looking hot. There is no doubt about it. I wouldn't be surprised if they won. Still, we were in a similar sort of position last year and only started climbing back to the top around this time.

(still on a positive high after this Saturday :D

Everton:YOUR SUPPORT IS ****"

Us: Silence

Everton: YOUR SUPPORT IS****

Us: Silence

Fletcher scores.

Everton: Silence

Repeat three times. :hihi::hihi: )

As a Manchester United fan it grieves me to say it but Chelsea are looking good to win the title this season. Still, you never know, anything can happen.

As long as Liverpool don`t win it, that`s the last thing I`d want, and Arsenal are a bit inconsistent too.

three cheers for chelsea!!!!!hurrey bravo they are my fav.

three cheers for chelsea!!!!!hurrey bravo they are my fav.

Dumped out of the Carling Cup by Blackburn last night.

So were Arsenal, convincingly aswell.

True, though to be fair, like Man United do, Arsenal fielded a second string side.

I suspect the result will mean more for Manchester City than Arsenal.

Chelsea have got bigger fish to fry this season, i hope Man City go on to win it there fan's deserve it after sticking with there club through thick and thin.
They deserve anything good what come's there way.

looks like it....:(

Bad loss for United, losing 3-0 to Fulham. :(

Sorry but Man Utd supposed to have always had a great squad, it's been found wanting that very statement big time in the last few games.
Is at last the stranglehold what Man Utd had on English football about to loosen, it certainly seem's like it, not all the results can be put down to it just being abad day at the office.
5 years ago people would have laughed if someone said Man Utd had lost to Fulham 3-0, but it doesnt seem as surprising anymore.

The title is in Chelsea's control now. Been a weird season so far, but they have no serious contenders apart from Arsenal. I know Man Utd have consistently come strong in the second half of the season, but I can't see it happening this time - they're in need of a serious revamp and fresh thinking, from SAF downwards... Liverpool are shambolic... Spurs and Villa are in unfamiliar territory... City seem to be suffering from delusions... Personally, I'd like to see the Englishman that no-one mentions come storming through - Fulham, anyone?

Sorry but Man Utd supposed to have always had a great squad, it's been found wanting that very statement big time in the last few games.
Is at last the stranglehold what Man Utd had on English football about to loosen, it certainly seem's like it, not all the results can be put down to it just being abad day at the office.
5 years ago people would have laughed if someone said Man Utd had lost to Fulham 3-0, but it doesnt seem as surprising anymore.

Doesn't surprise me they got hammered 3-0 (and it appears it could have been more) when you see how many defenders they have on the sick list, I make it 8 out of 11 on the list, 7 of these are internationals and all would walk into most teams in the premiership.

http://www.physioroom.com/affiliate/4thegame/epl_injury_table.php

Doesn't surprise me they got hammered 3-0 (and it appears it could have been more) when you see how many defenders they have on the sick list, I make it 8 out of 11 on the list, 7 of these are internationals and all would walk into most teams in the premiership.

http://www.physioroom.com/affiliate/4thegame/epl_injury_table.php

With all the coin Man Utd have got you would have thought they had better contingency plans than whats come to fruition.
Everyone gets injuries to key players so it's no excuse really.

Even strong teams like Chelsea have lost from tim to time, that`s with a strong squad free of injuries. I do think though that United need to think about buying a few players in the January window.

Today isnt a foregone conclusion, West Ham won't want to be bottom at Christmas, because apart from West Brom a couple of seasons ago whoevers bottom at crimbo goes down.

With all the coin Man Utd have got you would have thought they had better contingency plans than whats come to fruition.
Everyone gets injuries to key players so it's no excuse really.



Everyone gets injuries to key players so it's no excuse really.[/QUOTE]

But not all from the defence

Today isnt a foregone conclusion, West Ham won't want to be bottom at Christmas, because apart from West Brom a couple of seasons ago whoevers bottom at crimbo goes down.

1-1 a fair result today, but the ref had a bit of a mare to put it mildly. The 3 times taken penalty was pure farce. There were more West Sham players in the box on the first two occassions. How many times do you see that

1-1 a fair result today, but the ref had a bit of a mare to put it mildly. The 3 times taken penalty was pure farce. There were more West Sham players in the box on the first two occassions. How many times do you see that

I have actually seen it happen more than that before but saying that i watch a ridicolous amount of football matches.
Check this out lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJwAE5Mtrxc

i was watching a match from the coca cola league last night, on the highlights and there was an attacker almost level with the penalty taker, but it did not get retaken. Cant remember which match though unfortunately

i was watching a match from the coca cola league last night, on the highlights and there was an attacker almost level with the penalty taker, but it did not get retaken. Cant remember which match though unfortunately

It's a common thing in the game, i think it depends which referee you get to be honest.
Mike Dean is penalty.com he gives them out all the time, so i bet he quite enjoyed messing the player's about like that.
Well either that or he's a West Ham fan and he wanted Lamps to miss but didn't have the bottle to disallow it yet again lol.
Nice to see Ancelotti saying that it was a fair result, not something you hear Fergie or Wenger say a lot.

It's a common thing in the game, i think it depends which referee you get to be honest.
Mike Dean is penalty.com he gives them out all the time, so i bet he quite enjoyed messing the player's about like that.
Well either that or he's a West Ham fan and he wanted Lamps to miss but didn't have the bottle to disallow it yet again lol.
Nice to see Ancelotti saying that it was a fair result, not something you hear Fergie or Wenger say a lot.

Cant believe Mike Dean is classed as a top premier ref. I think he is one of the worst. There were other decisions he got so wrong today. You can bet your life though he will be back reffing on boxing day though

Cant believe Mike Dean is classed as a top premier ref. I think he is one of the worst. There were other decisions he got so wrong today. You can bet your life though he will be back reffing on boxing day though

Oh arr defo, it sometimes makes you think weather the fa ask the refs to make mad decisions on certain things to highlight them, such as diving etc.
To put it in the public domain so it's a message to all players that they won't put up with it.
Mike Dean is one of the longest serving ref's, it make's you laugh that doesn't it considering the amount of dodgy decisions he's been involved in through the year's.

Cech, Boswinga, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Alex, Belletti.

Take those 8 players out of Chelseas squad (similar to the 8 defenders United are missing).

And what do you get? Crisis!


Pathetic comment earlier saying just because United have money they "should be able to cope with those injuries".

With all the coin Man Utd have got you would have thought they had better contingency plans than whats come to fruition.
United do have 'contingency plans' for 1st choice defenders getting injured namely:

O'Shea, Evans, Neville, Rafael, Fabio, Hargreaves (an excellent right back)

Thing is they're all injured as well, do you honestly expect any side even United to have 2 whole backup defences?

Aside from the expense how are you going to get players of sufficient quality to sign up for the 3rd defence to sit around not even on the bench knowing they won't even get a game in the League Cup?

Everyone gets injuries to key players so it's no excuse really.
If both 'key players' and their backups being injured at the same time isn't 'an excuse' then what is?

Can you name the last time this happened and a teams results weren't affected?

Neville and Hargreaves have been injured for months so you can discount them straight away as Fergie knew the situation with those two before the season started.
As for Rafael and Fabio they are not experianced enough to do any better than what the stand ins have done.
That leaves you O'shea and Evans, plus the main defenders what are injured.
If Fergie was that good a manager he should have seen this situation being a possibilty.
Gud you can call it pathetic all you want, but it's lost Manchester United the title at the end of the day.

Cech, Boswinga, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Alex, Belletti.

Take those 8 players out of Chelseas squad (similar to the 8 defenders United are missing).

And what do you get? Crisis!

You get Chelsea's back four for the last 2/3 years! Terry's had a troubled 2/3 years with his back. Carvalho's by his own admission struggled with his fitness all last season. Boswinga hasn't played since the begining of October. Ferreira has only started playing after a serious injury. Cech injury problems are well documented and it's starting to look like he will never make a full recovery. Ivanović took 8 months to make his debut due to fitness problems. Zhirkov has only just made his premier league debut due to fitness problems. Alex has also had a niggling groin injury this season.

Anyway this is starting to sound more like a peeing contest. The thing that as a Chelsea fan gives me the most hope this season isn't the Man Utd's defence, as the defensive problems will sort themselves out when the players return, it's the lack of bite going forward. Apart from Rooney, Man Utd are now looking very inconsistent going forward, and if Ferguson doesn't strengthen the team during the transfer window I think that it is this weakness that will cost Man Utd this season.

You get Chelsea's back four for the last 2/3 years! Terry's had a troubled 2/3 years with his back. Carvalho's by his own admission struggled with his fitness all last season. Boswinga hasn't played since the begining of October. Ferreira has only started playing after a serious injury. Cech injury problems are well documented and it's starting to look like he will never make a full recovery. Ivanović took 8 months to make his debut due to fitness problems. Zhirkov has only just made his premier league debut due to fitness problems. Alex has also had a niggling groin injury this season.
Except of course you don't as those 8 players haven't all been out at the same time which as you have to have noticed was the whole point of Guderian's post.

Over a 2/3 year period every team suffers injuries to 1st choice and backup players al over the pitch what's unusual about this situation is so many injuries in the same area all at the same time and no team chelsea included could handle that.

Anyway this is starting to sound more like a peeing contest. The thing that as a Chelsea fan gives me the most hope this season isn't the Man Utd's defence, as the defensive problems will sort themselves out when the players return, it's the lack of bite going forward. Apart from Rooney, Man Utd are now looking very inconsistent going forward, and if Ferguson doesn't strengthen the team during the transfer window I think that it is this weakness that will cost Man Utd this season.
And do you not think that the lack of a stable defence and a midfield deprived of some of it's better players might have something to do with united's difficulties going forwards as well over the last few games?

Except of course you don't as those 8 players haven't all been out at the same time which as you have to have noticed was the whole point of Guderian's post.

Over a 2/3 year period every team suffers injuries to 1st choice and backup players al over the pitch what's unusual about this situation is so many injuries in the same area all at the same time and no team chelsea included could handle that.

Towards the end of Mourinho's time at Chelsea, I remember Chelsea playing games with a right back Ferreira, and a midfielder Essien playing in a central defensive partnership.

And do you not think that the lack of a stable defence and a midfield deprived of some of it's better players might have something to do with united's difficulties going forwards as well over the last few games?

This is the point, I don't.

It is plainly, and painfully for Man Utd fans, obvious that going forward this Man Utd team suffers in comparison to the Man Utd team of the last three years. The thing is, surely the failure to replace the players who have left you and the players who are ageing cannot be be a error of judgement by Ferguson. Are there deeper reasons for these decisions, or is it simply the case that as Ferguson has stated, he would rather go into this season with a weakened team than pay over the odds for a player?

Towards the end of Mourinho's time at Chelsea, I remember Chelsea playing games with a right back Ferreira, and a midfielder Essien playing in a central defensive partnership.
How many defenders total were in the back 4 and how many defenders did Chelsea have out?

This is the point, I don't.

It is plainly, and painfully for Man Utd fans, obvious that going forward this Man Utd team suffers in comparison to the Man Utd team of the last three years. The thing is, surely the failure to replace the players who have left you and the players who are ageing cannot be be a error of judgement by Ferguson. Are there deeper reasons for these decisions, or is it simply the case that as Ferguson has stated, he would rather go into this season with a weakened team than pay over the odds for a player?
United weren't as good going forward last season as the previous 2, in no small part because we haven't had an established really good right back to give us balance and support the right winger as contrary to what you seem to believe defenders influence the whole of the game. As does depriving the midfield of players of the calibre of Carrick and Fletcher.

Chelsea 7 - 2 Sunderland................................

hopefully chelsea dont win it for the good of football because they are a boring side with no history and no principles and no class who agrees ??

4 points clear now, Cech was brilliant today.
Man Utd looked less than average against a bunch of Everton kids.
Arsenal struggled against Sunderland, Chelsea could draw at Anfield and Old trafford and win it by 10 points now.

4 points clear now, Cech was brilliant today.
Man Utd looked less than average against a bunch of Everton kids.
You seem to have forgotten that Everton beat Chelsea just last week.

Arsenal struggled against Sunderland, Chelsea could draw at Anfield and Old trafford and win it by 10 points now.
:huh: Could you show your working please.

You seem to have forgotten that Everton beat Chelsea just last week.


:huh: Could you show your working please.

Why would you doubt my working out when Man Utd keep dropping points right left and centre, ok Chelsea lost at Goodison park, but so did Man Utd today.
Dont forget Chelsea are 4 points clear now and could win at these grounds im talking about.
Back to the drawing board for all teams playing catch up to the super CHELSEA !!!

With the results this weekend i fancy Chelseas chances even more now, especially with Joe Cole coming back he was brilliant yesterday.
Gonna miss Drogba, Kalou, and Mikel though over the winter.

I hope Chelsea do it, I have a large bet on them to win the league.

I hope Chelsea do it, I have a large bet on them to win the league.

Chelsea are Champions my old Grandad told me :)

Why would you doubt my working out when Man Utd keep dropping points right left and centre,
You need to show your working as United & Chelsea's form at the moment is similar and they're both dropping points "dropping points right left and centre" yet you're predicting a 10 point gap by the end of the season.

ok Chelsea lost at Goodison park, but so did Man Utd today.
Precisely my point both Chelsea and United lost at Goodison Park to "a bunch of Everton kids", yet you seem to think United's doing so is of major significance and pretend Chelsea's loss never happened.

Dont forget Chelsea are 4 points clear now and could win at these grounds im talking about.
Back to the drawing board for all teams playing catch up to the super CHELSEA !!!
As "a bunch of Everton kids" demonstrated last week Chelsea aren't exactly invulnerable on the road and could well lose at the grounds you're talking about.

Obviously it is still possible for Man Utd to win the league, but I don't think they will do it if they lose one more game and there are some tricky fixtures still to come. I don't think we'll see a team win the league with seven defeats, and I think Chelsea have to be massive favourites at the moment.

The game between the two of them at Old Trafford will be a massive one, I think it is one that Chelsea can afford to lose but Man Utd can't.

You need to show your working as United & Chelsea's form at the moment is similar and they're both dropping points "dropping points right left and centre" yet you're predicting a 10 point gap by the end of the season.


I don't think there will be a 10 point gap at all, but the 'working' would be that Chelsea and Man Utd get the same results apart from Chelsea beating Man Utd and Man Utd losing to Liverpool. Both results that could easily happen, but somehow I think it will be a lot closer than that.

Obviously it is still possible for Man Utd to win the league, but I don't think they will do it if they lose one more game and there are some tricky fixtures still to come. I don't think we'll see a team win the league with seven defeats, and I think Chelsea have to be massive favourites at the moment.

The game between the two of them at Old Trafford will be a massive one, I think it is one that Chelsea can afford to lose but Man Utd can't.
The league is Chelsea's to lose at this point I'm just rebutting some of CorkerSWFC's more blatantly delusional triumphalist idiocy. Principally his bizarre claim:

"Man Utd looked less than average against a bunch of Everton kids"

Blatantly ignoring the fact that those same 'kids' beat his team last week and then going on to declare that:

"Chelsea could draw at Anfield and Old trafford and win it by 10 points now."

"Why would you doubt my working out when Man Utd keep dropping points right left and centre,"

When United and Chelsea's form is pretty much identical. They're both slipping up on a regular basis it's just that neither United or Chelsea have really taken advantage of those slip ups to overtake or pull away respectively.

I don't think there will be a 10 point gap at all, but the 'working' would be that Chelsea and Man Utd get the same results apart from Chelsea beating Man Utd and Man Utd losing to Liverpool. Both results that could easily happen, but somehow I think it will be a lot closer than that.
Except "Chelsea could draw at Anfield and Old trafford and win it by 10 points now." So his working doesn't include Chelsea beating United away.

Chelsea have had to put up with losing players right left and centre to the African nations, injuries, suspensions and what have you.
They are still 4 poits clear after all that.
After watching Real Madrid murder Villareal last night its obvious what Man Utds problem has been, they simply cannot replace a player of Ronaldos class.
And thats why i feel Chelsea will win it by a margin.

The league is Chelsea's to lose at this point I'm just rebutting some of CorkerSWFC's more blatantly delusional triumphalist idiocy. Principally his bizarre claim:

"Man Utd looked less than average against a bunch of Everton kids"

Blatantly ignoring the fact that those same 'kids' beat his team last week and then going on to declare that:

"Chelsea could draw at Anfield and Old trafford and win it by 10 points now."

"Why would you doubt my working out when Man Utd keep dropping points right left and centre,"

When United and Chelsea's form is pretty much identical. They're both slipping up on a regular basis it's just that neither United or Chelsea have really taken advantage of those slip ups to overtake or pull away respectively.


Except "Chelsea could draw at Anfield and Old trafford and win it by 10 points now." So his working doesn't include Chelsea beating United away.

Yeah, that was my working out. Obviously there are other ways they could win it by 10 points but I think mine is the most likely (yet still 1000/1 shot).

You're right, both teams have put in some dodgy performances and have things to worry about. I think for Man Utd the centre back situation is a bit of a worry, they looked very easy to run at in the last two games and teams might stop showing them too much respect and have a good go. I still think Chelsea could slip up a bit and it's still open to a certain extent.

Chelsea looked very assured yesterday, Drogba is playing out of his skin, Malouda is starting to show promise at last, and even Ballack is starting to look like he did when he was at Bayern.
I can't see past Chelsea for the title, i knew they would go close this season, but they look unbeatable at the moment.:):):)What percentage of Chelsea and Premiership players players are from the UK?

Chelsea have had to put up with losing players right left and centre to the African nations, injuries, suspensions and what have you.
They are still 4 poits clear after all that.
After watching Real Madrid murder Villareal last night its obvious what Man Utds problem has been, they simply cannot replace a player of Ronaldos class.
And thats why i feel Chelsea will win it by a margin.

It appears to me that Manchester United have more than made up for the loss of Ronaldos goals and are still in with a chance of winning the league. Do you think Chelsea would be at the top of the league without Drogbas goals. I think they would have been struggling for 3/4th place

It appears to me that Manchester United have more than made up for the loss of Ronaldos goals and are still in with a chance of winning the league. Do you think Chelsea would be at the top of the league without Drogbas goals. I think they would have been struggling for 3/4th place

probably, but the next highest scorer for man united is own goals, wheras lamplard contributes quite a lot for chelski.

probably, but the next highest scorer for man united is own goals, wheras lamplard contributes quite a lot for chelski.

You took the words out of mouth and answered the question for me daftlad, i think he forgot about Lamps and the own goal situation.

You took the words out of mouth and answered the question for me daftlad, i think he forgot about Lamps and the own goal situation.

And Chelsea have'nt had any deflected goals ?

You should check Chelseas match reports


http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/chelsea/reports/

And Chelsea have'nt had any deflected goals ?

You should check Chelseas match reports


http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/chelsea/reports/

not saying they haven't but the point is apart from drogba, others in the team are scoring as well and thats why they are top. Man United have other players scoring but not as frequent, you can't rely on own goals every game

not saying they haven't but the point is apart from drogba, others in the team are scoring as well and thats why they are top. Man United have other players scoring but not as frequent, you can't rely on own goals every game


And a little bit of research shows that three (out of 10) of the deflected goals came in a 5 nil beating of Portsmouth that would have been won without the deflected goals.
The bottom line is that in time luck usually evens itself out and I bet Man U have had some deflected goals against them this season.

Chelsea 7 - 2 Sunderland................................

Based on the respective money spent on the current squads that's a fair result.

I trust you do realise that winning the Premiership on the back of someone supplying you with endless wads of cash is totally meaningless?

If/when Man City or Chelsea win the league what statement is that making exactly other than money is completely ruining the game.

I gave up on the Premiership as a sporting spectacle years ago. It's a complete shambles.

Chelsea have had to put up with losing players right left and centre to the African nations, injuries, suspensions and what have you.
They are still 4 poits clear after all that.
Whereas United haven't lost so much as a single player to injury or suspension :roll:

That United are still in touching distance despite such a sustained injury crisis in defence shows just how fallible Chelsea are.

After watching Real Madrid murder Villareal last night its obvious what Man Utds problem has been, they simply cannot replace a player of Ronaldos class.
United scored 68 league goals total last season, they've already scored 63 so far this season, as with Van Nistelrooy leaving other players have stepped up and the team is evolving.

And thats why i feel Chelsea will win it by a margin.
Once again where is the 10 point gap with Chelsea drawing at United and Anfield you predicted going to come from?

Whereas United haven't lost so much as a single player to injury or suspension :roll:

That United are still in touching distance despite such a sustained injury crisis in defence shows just how fallible Chelsea are.


United scored 68 league goals total last season, they've already scored 63 so far this season, as with Van Nistelrooy leaving other players have stepped up and the team is evolving.


Once again where is the 10 point gap with Chelsea drawing at United and Anfield you predicted going to come from?

My answer to that is just wait and see ;)

Based on the respective money spent on the current squads that's a fair result.

I trust you do realise that winning the Premiership on the back of someone supplying you with endless wads of cash is totally meaningless?

If/when Man City or Chelsea win the league what statement is that making exactly other than money is completely ruining the game.

I gave up on the Premiership as a sporting spectacle years ago. It's a complete shambles.

If it hadn't been for Abramovich's money Man Utd would have won the league for the last 7 or so years, surely this would have been bad for football? Also Chelsea have pulled back from the big spending for the last few years.

My answer to that is just wait and see ;)
Isn't that rather contradicted by the premature triumphalism that you've continually spouted this season?

Isn't that rather contradicted by the premature triumphalism that you've continually spouted this season?

Whatever floats your boat mate, who do you support?

Isn't that rather contradicted by the premature triumphalism that you've continually spouted this season?

I don't know how any Chelsea fan can stomp about triumphantly, most of use are extremely nervous and anxious, and we can't help but wonder if the league would have been sewn up already with a certain other manager in charge.

I do love Ancelotti though, the football is a lot better and he is a good calming influence on the club. With Mourinho you felt you were always 5 minuets away from a crisis.

I could understand this if it was about local teams with local players but arguing about 'Cheque Book Teams' created by 'Cheque Book Management', in other words "We can buy better players than you" amazes me, no wonder our national team wins nothing, maybe in the not too distant future each national team will be allowed to field 'x' percent foriegn players, even then some numpties will still refer to them "as our team".

Based on the respective money spent on the current squads that's a fair result.

I trust you do realise that winning the Premiership on the back of someone supplying you with endless wads of cash is totally meaningless?

If/when Man City or Chelsea win the league what statement is that making exactly other than money is completely ruining the game.

I gave up on the Premiership as a sporting spectacle years ago. It's a complete shambles.
But Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Villa have all outspent United in the Premiership era (http://transferleague.co.uk/).

In recent times (since 2004) Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Villa and Sunderland have all outspent United.

If it hadn't been for Abramovich's money Man Utd would have won the league for the last 7 or so years, surely this would have been bad for football? Also Chelsea have pulled back from the big spending for the last few years.
Arsenal came 2nd in 2004-05. Take overs by dodgy foreigners is anything but good for football be they free spending sugar daddies or debt dumping leverage buyout scumbags. Distorting the wage and transfer market and encouraging unsustainable behaviour in both is "bad for football".

But Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Villa have all outspent United in the Premiership era (http://transferleague.co.uk/).

In recent times (since 2004) Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Villa and Sunderland have all outspent United.


Arsenal came 2nd in 2004-05. Take overs by dodgy foreigners is anything but good for football be they free spending sugar daddies or debt dumping leverage buyout scumbags. Distorting the wage and transfer market and encouraging unsustainable behaviour in both is "bad for football".

Going by your source Chelsea have made £1.1 million loss on their transfer dealings over the last 4 years. So my claim that Chelsea have pulled back from the big spending for the last few years does ring true.

Going by your source Chelsea have made £1.1 million loss on their transfer dealings over the last 4 years. So my claim that Chelsea have pulled back from the big spending for the last few years does ring true.
Chelsea have been running at a significant loss for all of those years despite holding back on transfer spending and all Abromovich's interest free loans. They're still "spending big" but on paying off managers and keeping the expensively assembled squad together.

I don't know how any Chelsea fan can stomp about triumphantly, most of use are extremely nervous and anxious, and we can't help but wonder if the league would have been sewn up already with a certain other manager in charge.

I do love Ancelotti though, the football is a lot better and he is a good calming influence on the club. With Mourinho you felt you were always 5 minuets away from a crisis.
Really? Until your owner started interfering on the pitch Mourinho's Chelsea seemed about as reliable and machine like as any side I've seen.

Chelsea have been running at a significant loss for all of those years despite holding back on transfer spending and all Abromovich's interest free loans. They're still "spending big" but on paying off managers and keeping the expensively assembled squad together.

I think that the next few accounts will be telling and Chelsea will become a lot more sustainable. It's also worth considering that Chelsea had quite a few capital projects they needed to complete.

Out of the top clubs we are probably in the soundest financial position since Abramovich turn his loans into shares, as we do not owe anything to anyone.

I think that the next few accounts will be telling and Chelsea will become a lot more sustainable. It's also worth considering that Chelsea had quite a few capital projects they needed to complete.

Out of the top clubs we are probably in the soundest financial position since Abramovich turn his loans into shares, as we do not owe anything to anyone.

I think they have become a lot more stable this season and a lot of the debts have been sorted. I think that of the big clubs it is Liverpool and Man Utd who are going to have to be very careful. I don't think either can afford to miss the Champions League or they will be in trouble (obviously this is much more likely for Liverpool).

I think they have become a lot more stable this season and a lot of the debts have been sorted. I think that of the big clubs it is Liverpool and Man Utd who are going to have to be very careful. I don't think either can afford to miss the Champions League or they will be in trouble (obviously this is much more likely for Liverpool).

Watching Villa yesterday Liverpool have got a lot of being carefull to do when it comes to the Champions league.
I don't care what any1 says any team would miss a player of Ronaldos class and goal ratio, thats why i think Man Utd are not the best any more.
Arsenal fail against the top 4 or 5 on too many occasions, and as for Man City it will be many years before they win the Premiership.

I think that the next few accounts will be telling and Chelsea will become a lot more sustainable. It's also worth considering that Chelsea had quite a few capital projects they needed to complete.

Out of the top clubs we are probably in the soundest financial position since Abramovich turn his loans into shares, as we do not owe anything to anyone.
What 'capital projects'? It's not as if Chelsea have built a new stadium or anything.

Chelsea's big spending went on a bunch of players who are already past their best and will soon need to be replaced, hardly seems all that "sound" to me.

As for which of the top 4 are in the soundest position, I was under the impression Arsenal actually turn a profit and are rapidly paying off their stadium.

What 'capital projects'? It's not as if Chelsea have built a new stadium or anything.

Chelsea's big spending went on a bunch of players who are already past their best and will soon need to be replaced, hardly seems all that "sound" to me.

As for which of the top 4 are in the soundest position, I was under the impression Arsenal actually turn a profit and are rapidly paying off their stadium.

I thought we were talking about what happens on the pitch, the league table doesnt lie.

Really? Until your owner started interfering on the pitch Mourinho's Chelsea seemed about as reliable and machine like as any side I've seen.

I could not complain one iota about Mourinho based upon the on the pitch performance, it was his off the pitch controversial style that suffers in comparison with Ancelotti and Hiddink.

Mourinho had his own "special" style of management. One of his tricks was to make a sensational comment to the press for the Monday morning headlines to take the pressure away from his players. But, he did alienated Chelsea and portrayed an image of arrogance to unite the team in a fortress attitude.

As I said, I thought from his time at Chelsea we always seemed to be 5 minutes away from another off the field crises. I liked how Ancelotti dealt publicly with the Terry fiasco, the reported response from him was a raised eyebrow. Cool calm and understated, no more hyperbole and atmosphere of stability at Stamford Bridge.

I thought we were talking about what happens on the pitch, the league table doesnt lie.
Take another look at the post you just attempted to respond to and you'll notice I was addressing JFKvsNixon not you.

What 'capital projects'? It's not as if Chelsea have built a new stadium or anything.

There you go.

http://www.bbc.co.uk:80/london/content/image_galleries/chelsea_new_ground_gallery.shtml?12

Here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/30/roman-abramovich-chelsea-debts-accounts) is an interesting article about Chelsea's struggle to become self-sufficient.

And here (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1243006/Sold-Trafford-Glazers-ready-sell-Manchester-Uniteds-home-ease-crippling-debt.html) is an interesting article on the state of Man Utd. Man Utd would have lost £31m last season if it were not for the sale or Ronaldo. I find that crazy! If a team who won the league and got to the final of the Champions League cannot keep their head above water than what is the future of football going to be? Not all clubs can have a sugar daddy to bail them out all the time, and it isn't even as if Man Utd spend all that much on transfers.

Really? Until your owner started interfering on the pitch Mourinho's Chelsea seemed about as reliable and machine like as any side I've seen."Your owner"

If a team who won the league and got to the final of the Champions League cannot keep their head above water than what is the future of football going to be? Maybe nurturing home grown talent.

Maybe nurturing home grown talent.

Is that going to win you anything, though? Man Utd have tried to do it to a certain extend, anyway, and they are in some of the worst financial trouble about. English teams are the most successful in Europe at the moment, not sure they would be without foreign talent.

Is that going to win you anything, though? Man Utd have tried to do it to a certain extend, anyway, and they are in some of the worst financial trouble about. English teams are the most successful in Europe at the moment, not sure they would be without foreign talent.

Englsih clubs need to take a look at the Bundesliga when it comes to finances, 400 million i read the other day the overall debt for all the club's in that league.

Englsih clubs need to take a look at the Bundesliga when it comes to finances, 400 million i read the other day the overall debt for all the club's in that league.

But do people around the world pay to watch their league and how many teams will they have in the Champions League quarter final? You might be right, but will it go hand in hand with success?

But do people around the world pay to watch their league and how many teams will they have in the Champions League quarter final? You might be right, but will it go hand in hand with success?

Who knows m8, but something needs to be done regards the situation with clubs going into debt and knowing they are etc etc.
I bet England must be one of the worse leagues in the world for total debt along with Italy, most of the clubs in Spain are run by several rich blokes, not just one, look at Real Madrid.

There you go.

http://www.bbc.co.uk:80/london/content/image_galleries/chelsea_new_ground_gallery.shtml?12
Well I look forward to seeing how that new training ground will help Chelsea stop losing £50m a year.

Here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/30/roman-abramovich-chelsea-debts-accounts) is an interesting article about Chelsea's struggle to become self-sufficient.

And here (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1243006/Sold-Trafford-Glazers-ready-sell-Manchester-Uniteds-home-ease-crippling-debt.html) is an interesting article on the state of Man Utd. Man Utd would have lost £31m last season if it were not for the sale or Ronaldo. I find that crazy! If a team who won the league and got to the final of the Champions League cannot keep their head above water than what is the future of football going to be? Not all clubs can have a sugar daddy to bail them out all the time, and it isn't even as if Man Utd spend all that much on transfers.
United's problems are entirely due to the glaziers doing a leverage buyout and dumping huge amounts of debt upon the club. Before the Glaziers came along United were doing very well financially (which is of course a major reason why they came along).

The "future of football" would be just fine if all clubs were as well run as United were pre-takeover, it's rather bleak though if clubs keep on being taken over by dodgy businessmen. IT's a real tragedy that so many clubs are privately owned in the UK instead of community owned as in many countries on the continent.

Well I look forward to seeing how that new training ground will help Chelsea stop losing £50m a year.


United's problems are entirely due to the glaziers doing a leverage buyout and dumping huge amounts of debt upon the club. Before the Glaziers came along United were doing very well financially (which is of course a major reason why they came along).

The "future of football" would be just fine if all clubs were as well run as United were pre-takeover, it's rather bleak though if clubs keep on being taken over by dodgy businessmen. IT's a real tragedy that so many clubs are privately owned in the UK instead of community owned as in many countries on the continent.

Money Talks................

Is that going to win you anything, though? Man Utd have tried to do it to a certain extend, anyway, and they are in some of the worst financial trouble about. English teams are the most successful in Europe at the moment, not sure they would be without foreign talent.
United's financial troubles are entirely down to the takeover, did you actually read the article about United's finances that you linked to?

Money Talks................
What's that even supposed to mean?

What's that even supposed to mean?

Told Plek always on the defensive for some unknown reason, what it says, no massive clubs will ever be community owned, your living in the old days.

its in the bag already.trust me .i used to watch jimmy greaves terry venables bobby tambling/.peter bonnettie charlie cook ray wilkins.

Well I look forward to seeing how that new training ground will help Chelsea stop losing £50m a year.

Lol, maybe because they won't be paying the costs of building it?

Told Plek always on the defensive for some unknown reason, what it says, no massive clubs will ever be community owned, your living in the old days.
:huh: So Barcelona and Real Madrid aren't "massive clubs" then?

Besides I never said United or the like would become community owned I said it's a real shame they aren't community owned.

Lol, maybe because they won't be paying the costs of building it?
:huh: But Chelsea still lost large amounts of money last season and never paid the costs of building it your sugar daddy did.

:huh: So Barcelona and Real Madrid aren't "massive clubs" then?

Besides I never said United or the like would become community owned I said it's a real shame they aren't community owned.


:huh: But Chelsea still lost large amounts of money last season and never paid the costs of building it your sugar daddy did.

I think you need to start getting your facts right instead of thinking you know it all..........

Florentino Pérez Rodríguez (born 8 March 1947) is a Spanish businessman, former politician, and current president of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, as well as ACS. He is most famous for ushering Real Madrid's period of Los Galácticos, a time period in which he paid extremely high transfer fees for elite footballers.

Stop talking balls.........

United's financial troubles are entirely down to the takeover, did you actually read the article about United's finances that you linked to?

Yes, I realise that and of course I read the article, but you can't turn back time, it is what it is and Man Utd are in this trouble now. They aren't the only team in trouble, either. Man Utd are a great English football team and it will be a shame if they can no longer compete at the highest level.

I agree that it is a shame that businessmen can come in and ruin clubs like Man Utd and Liverpool, the two biggest and best teams in English history. But that still doesn't offer an answer. Something has to change at those two clubs or they will be top 8 teams instead of top four.

Wayne Rooney has been the driving force behind United this season, and I think he has stepped into the role of star player that was left by Ronaldo, but United have to find a reported £50m a year just in interest payments, and if they lose as much money as they did last season they will be forced to sell him, or other top players. That would be a real shame for English football, because I can only see Real Madrid being able to afford him.

Yes, I realise that and of course I read the article, but you can't turn back time, it is what it is and Man Utd are in this trouble now. They aren't the only team in trouble, either. Man Utd are a great English football team and it will be a shame if they can no longer compete at the highest level.

I agree that it is a shame that businessmen can come in and ruin clubs like Man Utd and Liverpool, the two biggest and best teams in English history. But that still doesn't offer an answer. Something has to change at those two clubs or they will be top 8 teams instead of top four.

Wayne Rooney has been the driving force behind United this season, and I think he has stepped into the role of star player that was left by Ronaldo, but United have to find a reported £50m a year just in interest payments, and if they lose as much money as they did last season they will be forced to sell him, or other top players. That would be a real shame for English football, because I can only see Real Madrid being able to afford him.

Lets be right here, Manchester United for all there success are starting to wilt.
No more are the days of them wiping the floor with teams, i dont back Man Utd away from home without feeling pretty dodgy these day's.
And another thing, Manchester aint that nice and the best footballers in the world want to be in the best places in the world, IE London, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, not Manchester lets be right United cant draw players as much as they once could because of there debt, years ago they wouldnt have let there best players go like they have with Ronny.

I think you need to start getting your facts right instead of thinking you know it all..........

Florentino Pérez Rodríguez (born 8 March 1947) is a Spanish businessman, former politician, and current president of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, as well as ACS. He is most famous for ushering Real Madrid's period of Los Galácticos, a time period in which he paid extremely high transfer fees for elite footballers.

Stop talking balls.........
Perez doesn't own Real Madrid you buffoon as your own source states he is the "current president" an office he was elected to by the fans who own the club.

I don't know it all by I at least know a little which is more than can be said for you.

Perez doesn't own Real Madrid you buffoon as your own source states he is the "current president" an office he was elected to by the fans who own the club.

I don't know it all by I at least know a little which is more than can be said for you.

Nah you dont, you read stuff like me and you can never be sure if your right, if that was the case id be a perfectionist, something i dont try to be unlike you.
You just soiund like a bitter Manchester United fan (I THINK AS YOU DIDNT ANSWER) who knows deep down that your time is coming to a very abrubt end, nothing lasts forever.
I'll accept im wrong as long as see Chelsea lift that Premier League Trophy for my Pops!!!!
SUPER CHELSEA !

:huh: But Chelsea still lost large amounts of money last season and never paid the costs of building it your sugar daddy did.

I guess this will help:

Net capital expenditure reduced from £85.1m to £4.2m following the completion of major capital projects such as the training centre at Cobham

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~1918410,00.html

It doesn't matter who pays for it, as long as it gets paid which unfortunately is going to be the hard truth for Man Utd in the near future. Anyway the point I was trying to make has been lost. The point being that over the last four years Chelsea have stopped running up a transfer deficit when I previously said that Chelsea have pulled back from the big spending for the last few years.

Notice how United fans are now complaining about finances being out of control even they were one of the founder clubs spending large amounts, Andy Cole for instance....

Nah you dont,
Actually I do, unlike you for example I know that a fair few of the worlds biggest clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona are community owned.

you read stuff like me and you can never be sure if your right,
Why can't I be sure that Real Madrid are community owned? Every source I've ever seen (and unlike you comprehended) states that they are, unless there is a vast conspiracy involving every information source in the world that for some mysterious reason is hiding the true owner of Real Madrid I can state with great confidence that Real Madrid are owned not by Perez as you so moronically claim but by the fans.

if that was the case id be a perfectionist, something i dont try to be unlike you.
Sorry are you now boasting about not even trying to know about what you post about? Because it sure sounds like you are and that would explain much of the content of your posts.

You just soiund like a bitter Manchester United fan (I THINK AS YOU DIDNT ANSWER) who knows deep down that your time is coming to a very abrubt end, nothing lasts forever.
I'll accept im wrong as long as see Chelsea lift that Premier League Trophy for my Pops!!!!
SUPER CHELSEA !
Yes I'm so bitter supporting the side that's dominated English football for the last two decades :roll:

I guess this will help:



http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~1918410,00.html

It doesn't matter who pays for it, as long as it gets paid which unfortunately is going to be the hard truth for Man Utd in the near future. Anyway the point I was trying to make has been lost. The point being that over the last four years Chelsea have stopped running up a transfer deficit when I previously said that Chelsea have pulled back from the big spending for the last few years.
But the training ground was finished years ago, little was spent on players or other 'capital projects' and you still lost £44m last year despite getting to the semis of the European Cup, how is that a 'sound financial footing'?

Chelsea are still utterly dependent upon Abromovich bailing them out every year, you are "sound" only for as long as he remains obscenely rich and interested.

Actually I do, unlike you for example I know that a fair few of the worlds biggest clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona are community owned.


Why can't I be sure that Real Madrid are community owned? Every source I've ever seen (and unlike you comprehended) states that they are, unless there is a vast conspiracy involving every information source in the world that for some mysterious reason is hiding the true owner of Real Madrid I can state with great confidence that Real Madrid are owned not by Perez as you so moronically claim but by the fans.


Sorry are you now boasting about not even trying to know about what you post about? Because it sure sounds like you are and that would explain much of the content of your posts.


Yes I'm so bitter supporting the side that's dominated English football for the last two decades :roll:

That must have took some multi whatevering im impressed, like i said you can come with all the jargon and nounce you may read or believe.
CHELSEA WILL BE CHAMPIONS !!!!
I told you ages ago anyway so i can't believe you still dont believe me, do you think i produced this thread for my health?

Notice how United fans are now complaining about finances being out of control even they were one of the founder clubs spending large amounts, Andy Cole for instance....
United made a profit on transfers the year they signed Cole you buffoon, the clubs finances were perfectly under control then just as they were right up until the take over.

There's clearly no problem with clubs "spending large amounts" so long as they're either making 'large amounts' of profit and/or selling players for "large amounts" and a profit making club signing Cole and May whilst selling Hughes, Ince and Dublin was completely sustainable. Portsmouth or Leeds like behaviour it was not.

United made a profit on transfers the year they signed Cole you buffoon, the clubs finances were perfectly under control then just as they were right up until the take over.

There's clearly no problem with clubs "spending large amounts" so long as they're either making 'large amounts' of profit and/or selling players for "large amounts" and a profit making club signing Cole and May whilst selling Hughes, Ince and Dublin was completely sustainable. Portsmouth or Leeds like behaviour it was not.

There you go with all the jargon and balls again, how much debt are you in again, i think your the ones who could do with a sugar dadddddddy...:P
MAN WHO.........

Lets be right here, Manchester United for all there success are starting to wilt.
No more are the days of them wiping the floor with teams, i dont back Man Utd away from home without feeling pretty dodgy these day's.
And another thing, Manchester aint that nice and the best footballers in the world want to be in the best places in the world, IE London, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, not Manchester lets be right United cant draw players as much as they once could because of there debt, years ago they wouldnt have let there best players go like they have with Ronny.

You'd fit right in at Sky Sports. They are always on the look out for mis-informed sofa monkeys (see Gullitt, Redknapp, Keys, Gray, Merson)

You'd fit right in at Sky Sports. They are always on the look out for mis-informed sofa monkeys (see Gullitt, Redknapp, Keys, Gray, Merson)

Im only going on what i read like every1 else on here ;)

You'd fit right in at Sky Sports. They are always on the look out for mis-informed sofa monkeys (see Gullitt, Redknapp, Keys, Gray, Merson)

Dont tell me your a Liverpool fan now narked off with my "do you think Liverpool have changed there style of play" thread.
Its true you know it....

United made a profit on transfers the year they signed Cole you buffoon, the clubs finances were perfectly under control then just as they were right up until the take over.

There's clearly no problem with clubs "spending large amounts" so long as they're either making 'large amounts' of profit and/or selling players for "large amounts" and a profit making club signing Cole and May whilst selling Hughes, Ince and Dublin was completely sustainable. Portsmouth or Leeds like behaviour it was not.

Buffoon lol, i was pointing out you lot were the first big club to start spending big.

Right i'll tell you what lets start talking about football on the pitch instead of like i say a load of "jargon" Chelsea look better than any1 thats a fact.

But the training ground was finished years ago, little was spent on players or other 'capital projects' and you still lost £44m last year despite getting to the semis of the European Cup, how is that a 'sound financial footing'?

Chelsea are still utterly dependent upon Abromovich bailing them out every year, you are "sound" only for as long as he remains obscenely rich and interested.

If Abramovich pulled out tomorrow, we would be in a far better shape than before he came to Chelsea. It's not going to happen anytime soon, though. His actions confirm his commitment to Chelsea. I don't really see him putting further hundreds of millions into Chelsea, but I can see him making further "Marquis" signings from time to time.

If Abramovich pulled out tomorrow, we would be in a far better shape than before he came to Chelsea. It's not going to happen anytime soon, though. His actions confirm his commitment to Chelsea. I don't really see him putting further hundreds of millions into Chelsea, but I can see him making further "Marquis" signings from time to time.

:):):):):)
David Villa would slot in just nice next season, i see he scored a couple again tonight for Valencia.

There you go with all the jargon and balls again, how much debt are you in again, i think your the ones who could do with a sugar dadddddddy...:P
MAN WHO.........
"Jargon" what jargon? My posts are in plain English it's not my fault if you can't understand basic terms like "profit", "finances", "completely" and "sustainable".

Buffoon lol, i was pointing out you lot were the first big club to start spending big.
No you said: "Notice how United fans are now complaining about finances being out of control even they were one of the founder clubs spending large amounts, Andy Cole for instance...."

But as I pointed out United's finances were anything but "out of control" when they signed Cole they were ticking over nicely and they made a profit on player transfers that season. There's clearly no problem spending 'big money' if you're making bigger money.

If Abramovich pulled out tomorrow, we would be in a far better shape than before he came to Chelsea. It's not going to happen anytime soon, though. His actions confirm his commitment to Chelsea. I don't really see him putting further hundreds of millions into Chelsea, but I can see him making further "Marquis" signings from time to time.
What aside from the £100m the clubs sucks up every 2 years?

"Jargon" what jargon? My posts are in plain English it's not my fault if you can't understand basic terms like "profit", "finances", "completely" and "sustainable".

APART FROM BUFFOON :hihi:
Must go got some dusters to buy.....

APART FROM BUFFOON :hihi:
Must go got some dusters to buy.....
Are you seriously saying that you consider 'buffoon' to be part of "(A form of) speech or writing having many unfamiliar terms or restricted to a particular category of people or occupation."?

I shudder to think just how culturally deprived one must be to have never encountered such basic English before, were you raised by wild dogs or something?

What aside from the £100m the clubs sucks up every 2 years?

It won't be another £100 million loss over the next two years, that's for sure, and nobody (apart from you) is forecasting that it will be. A conservative estimate would be a similar amount lost minus the money paid to Scolari et al, which would bring the money down to £30 million. This ignores the opportunities to continue to make further savings and create a bigger income, something which the management has been doing and something that they are determined to continue to do.

A couple more years, and as I said earlier, we should be ticking along nicely. Maybe if we manage to overcome the obstacles stopping us increasing our capacity we would be able to compete with you without Abramovich, not that we need to. The sun is shinning so I am making hay, just like you have been for the last 20 years.

Anyway, I apologise for repeating myself again, but the point I was trying to make has been lost. The point being that over the last four years Chelsea have stopped running up a transfer deficit when I previously said that Chelsea have pulled back from the big spending for the last few years.

Bed awaits.

Are you seriously saying that you consider 'buffoon' to be part of "(A form of) speech or writing having many unfamiliar terms or restricted to a particular category of people or occupation."?

I shudder to think just how culturally deprived one must be to have never encountered such basic English before, were you raised by wild dogs or something?

And breath.................
Dont worry you might enjoy the wilderness of the Europa league soon.

It won't be another £100 million loss over the next two years, that's for sure, and nobody (apart from you) is forecasting that it will be. A conservative estimate would be a similar amount lost minus the money paid to Scolari et al, which would bring the money down to £30 million. This ignores the opportunities to continue to make further savings and create a bigger income, something which the management has been doing and something that they are determined to continue to do.

A couple more years, and as I said earlier, we should be ticking along nicely. Maybe if we manage to overcome the obstacles stopping us increasing our capacity we would be able to compete with you without Abramovich, not that we need to. The sun is shinning so I am making hay, just like you have been for the last 20 years.

Anyway, I apologise for repeating myself again, but the point I was trying to make has been lost. The point being that over the last four years Chelsea have stopped running up a transfer deficit when I previously said that Chelsea have pulled back from the big spending for the last few years.

Bed awaits.
After the huge initial splurge Chelsea really haven't needed to run a big transfer deficit, the players that initial splurge brought in though are already getting old though and many will need to be replaced in the near future.

Even without that expense (never mind the huge expense of 'increasing our capacity') Chelsea continue to run at a loss as I said before hardly seems "sound".

Money Talks................

Yeh, Cheque Book Management.

After the huge initial splurge Chelsea really haven't needed to run a big transfer deficit, the players that initial splurge brought in though are already getting old though and many will need to be replaced in the near future.

Even without that expense (never mind the huge expense of 'increasing our capacity') Chelsea continue to run at a loss as I said before hardly seems "sound".

To be fair, it is the same arguement that was used about Man Utd... 'It's all because of the takeover'. However, Chelsea managed to cut their losses down to £21m last season, so there may be light at the end of the tunnel for them. Not sure what they will do when their ageing stars step down, though.

I much prefer the way Man Utd became a big team in the early 90's, slowly building up a top squad helped by the excellent youth system that takes years, than the Chelsea model of taking an average side and buying success. I don't blame the Chelsea fans for loving it, though. I'm sure we'd all like that kind of money for our teams.

Chelsea continue to run at a loss as I said before hardly seems "sound".

Of course it's sound, it's not like we have to sell our top players to pay any interest on loans, without actually paying any of the loans back.

I much prefer the way Man Utd became a big team in the early 90's, slowly building up a top squad helped by the excellent youth system that takes years, than the Chelsea model of taking an average side and buying success. I don't blame the Chelsea fans for loving it, though. I'm sure we'd all like that kind of money for our teams.

Hey, Chelsea were in the Champions league before Abramovich purchased them, and from 1997 onwards we regularly picked up silverware. A long way from average.

Of course it's sound, it's not like we have to sell our top players to pay any interest on loans, without actually paying any of the loans back.



Hey, Chelsea were in the Champions league before Abramovich purchased them, and from 1997 onwards we regularly picked up silverware. A long way from average.Is that the 'Royal We'?:hihi:

I much prefer the way Man Utd became a big team in the early 90's, slowly building up a top squad helped by the excellent youth system that takes years,Ronaldo & Co youth team?

Ronaldo & Co youth team?

You seemed to miss the point where Snook referred to the early '90s.

Hey, Chelsea were in the Champions league before Abramovich purchased them, and from 1997 onwards we regularly picked up silverware. A long way from average.

Well, there was a lot of money spent in the late 90's, but didn't that just lead to massive financial trouble? I was refering to the league standings, and if you look at the 10 years before Abramovich took over Chelsea finished 11th, 14th, 11th, 14th, 11th, 11th, 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 5th (and not to forget that half of the decade before that was spent in the second division) You can see the change with the spending later on, but apart from the 3rd place I'd call that record pretty average. As for cups, before 1997 wasn't the last major trophy win in 1970?

I didn't mean to knock Chelsea, when I say average Premier team I mean one that has consistantly been in the division and picks up the odd cup over the years, perhaps I should have said decent, but certainly not one of the big teams. Along with the likes of Spurs, Villa, Everton, Man City, they were a team who were a decent side but you would never have expected to seriously challange in the League without massive amounts of investment. To be sure, now that the investment is here I think Chelsea are the second biggest team in the country, and if they do manage to break even they could soon the the biggest and win a lot more silverware.

I'm not knocking investment, it is obviously the way forward to win the league, but I was just saying I prefered the more natural growth of clubs through sound purchases and youth development.

Dont tell me your a Liverpool fan now narked off with my "do you think Liverpool have changed there style of play" thread.
Its true you know it....
As of now I haven't read it but I'll go and have a look..I could do with a laugh.

Im only going on what i read like every1 else on here ;)

In bold..there lies your problem

In bold..there lies your problem

So do yo go to the Chelsea games and Man Utd games every week to get a first handed view, ermmmmmm NO.
You read and watch em on the tele like the rest of us, you just cant accept my opinion like told Plek can't, truth hurts that's why.:)

I'm not knocking investment, it is obviously the way forward to win the league, but I was just saying I prefered the more natural growth of clubs through sound purchases and youth development.
Don't you really mean buying the title.

So do yo go to the Chelsea games and Man Utd games every week to get a first handed view, ermmmmmm NO.
You read and watch em on the tele like the rest of us, you just cant accept my opinion like told Plek can't, truth hurts that's why.:)

I don't comment on other teams like Chelsea or Man Utd..only my own team or results that directly involve my team who I go and watch on a regular basis so I'm in a far better position to accurately comment as opposed to the likes of you who gain their knowledge from watching 5 minute highlights on MOTD and reading the Sun...genius. I can happily accept your opinion..but in my opinion you're comments are childlike, poorly written and well...wrong.
People like you are everything that's wrong with football nowadays.

I don't comment on other teams like Chelsea or Man Utd..only my own team or results that directly involve my team who I go and watch on a regular basis so I'm in a far better position to accurately comment as opposed to the likes of you who gain their knowledge from watching 5 minute highlights on MOTD and reading the Sun...genius. I can happily accept your opinion..but in my opinion you're comments are childlike, poorly written and well...wrong.
People like you are everything that's wrong with football nowadays.

I have watched 90% of every game that comes on sky or ESPN so id say ive seen Liverpool a good 7 or 8 times this season, not to mention football first which you know yourself is on a lot longer than 5 mins a game.
I don't care how my posts are written and i dont care if you think im being childlike that obviously means that im hitting a nerve with you, your the one who sounds childish and in denial.
People like me watch more than one club, you won't learn nothing watching the same team for the rest of your day's, like your suggesting.
When all is said and done this is the worse Liverpool side i have seen for some time.
The thread is "have Liverpool changed there style of play" by the way, not have a dig at Corks, if you dont like the way i am i feel sorry for you cause i aint going nowhere fast, it just makes me more eager to proove you wrong :)
Where do you think Liverpool will finish then?

I have watched 90% of every game that comes on sky or ESPN so id say ive seen Liverpool a good 7 or 8 times this season, not to mention football first which you know yourself is on a lot longer than 5 mins a game.
I don't care how my posts are written and i dont care if you think im being childlike that obviously means that im hitting a nerve with you, your the one who sounds childish and in denial.
People like me watch more than one club, you won't learn nothing watching the same team for the rest of your day's, like your suggesting.
When all is said and done this is the worse Liverpool side i have seen for some time.
The thread is "have Liverpool changed there style of play" by the way, not have a dig at Corks, if you dont like the way i am i feel sorry for you cause i aint going nowhere fast, it just makes me more eager to proove you wrong :)
Where do you think Liverpool will finish then?

Great intit corky? Once they are on yout case they never give up.:hihi::hihi::hihi:.

Great intit corky? Once they are on yout case they never give up.:hihi::hihi::hihi:.

lmao :hihi:
Any honest Liverpool fan will admit there are massive problems at Anfield on and off the pitch.
Reds fans who think things are sound are either deluded or have a severe case of tinted glasses syndrome.

lmao :hihi:
Any honest Liverpool fan will admit there are massive problems at Anfield on and off the pitch.
Reds fans who think things are sound are either deluded or have a severe case of tinted glasses syndrome.

I like the "people like your are whats wrong with football nowadays":hihi::hihi:.

See what I mean about someone who has never met you or doesn't know who you are, thinking they can lord it over you.

As for the childish "sun" reader,:hihi:.
Tell him to take his bowler hat off and use it for a potty after that tantrum.:hihi:

I like the "people like your are whats wrong with football nowadays":hihi::hihi:.

See what I mean about someone who has never met you or doesn't know who you are, thinking they can lord it over you.

As for the childish "sun" reader,:hihi:.
Tell him to take his bowler hat off and use it for a potty after that tantrum.:hihi:

Lmao, i think its hard to discuss Premier league football with me with "premier league" clubs fans, they think that no-one can have an opinion on there teams, unfortunatly i do.
And im honest and the truth hurts....:hihi:

Deffinatly crossing my fingers for Inter Milan!!! Come on boys!!! Italia all the way x

Deffinatly crossing my fingers for Inter Milan!!! Come on boys!!! Italia all the way x

Come on Super Chelsea, Drogbas gonna get ya :hihi:

I have watched 90% of every game that comes on sky or ESPN so id say ive seen Liverpool a good 7 or 8 times this season, not to mention football first which you know yourself is on a lot longer than 5 mins a game.
I don't care how my posts are written and i dont care if you think im being childlike that obviously means that im hitting a nerve with you, your the one who sounds childish and in denial.
People like me watch more than one club, you won't learn nothing watching the same team for the rest of your day's, like your suggesting.
When all is said and done this is the worse Liverpool side i have seen for some time.
The thread is "have Liverpool changed there style of play" by the way, not have a dig at Corks, if you dont like the way i am i feel sorry for you cause i aint going nowhere fast, it just makes me more eager to proove you wrong :)
Where do you think Liverpool will finish then?

Ok then..I'll humour you.
Firstly..I don't know where Liverpool will finish but quite frankly (and this opinion is shared by the majority of decent fans) I couldn't care less. If we're not going to finish first then it doesn't really matter. I'm embarrased that a club of our history and success would deem a fourth place finish a success. I'd also like to add I'm not a fan of the Champions League and all the pomp that goes with it. I think it's devalued by the fact you don't even have to be champions of your own league to win it. When Liverpool won the 'proper' European Cup you were the best in your country, beat the other best teams from other countries so that in turn meant you were the best in Europe..simple as. Our win against Milan, as great as it is doesn't even come close to previous wins.
If a player doesn't want to sign for us because we're not in the champions league then sod him..I don't want a player like that playing for my club and if we dont make as much money as a result then I don't care. Obviously if we win the Premiership then it has more meaning.
Will we win the Premiership??..not with the current squad, although we have a decent spine of world class players, but they are surrounded by dross.

As for the comment about looking at your team through rose tinted glasses??..well I can tell you that you are wrong. I know Liverpool fans, I go to the game with other regulars and they aren't deluded. The deluded ones are the fans who take photos of themselves smiling opposite the Hillsborough memorial, queue for 2 hours to get in the club shop, wear a jester hat, pay £500 to Thomas Cook for a 'package' then brag about it, boo the team when we're not 4-0 up at half time, wear those stupid half and half scarves, like Tim Lovejoy and strive to be part of the Sky Sports Fanzone. Maybe I was harsh labelling you as everything bad about football so I apologise...what I've described above comes closer.

By the way...you can have an opinion about whatever you want..just at least try and back it up with some substance or facts and then you can be taken more seriously. If you want to have a genuine discussion about Liverpool and how you think they've changed their style of play then fair enough..but you haven't backed it up with anything whereas I've been watching my club, live, every season, 90% home games, 25% away games for nigh on 23 years, with a few breaks in between

Ok then..I'll humour you.
Firstly..I don't know where Liverpool will finish but quite frankly (and this opinion is shared by the majority of decent fans) I couldn't care less. If we're not going to finish first then it doesn't really matter. I'm embarrased that a club of our history and success would deem a fourth place finish a success. I'd also like to add I'm not a fan of the Champions League and all the pomp that goes with it. I think it's devalued by the fact you don't even have to be champions of your own league to win it. When Liverpool won the 'proper' European Cup you were the best in your country, beat the other best teams from other countries so that in turn meant you were the best in Europe..simple as. Our win against Milan, as great as it is doesn't even come close to previous wins.
If a player doesn't want to sign for us because we're not in the champions league then sod him..I don't want a player like that playing for my club and if we dont make as much money as a result then I don't care. Obviously if we win the Premiership then it has more meaning.
Will we win the Premiership??..not with the current squad, although we have a decent spine of world class players, but they are surrounded by dross.

As for the comment about looking at your team through rose tinted glasses??..well I can tell you that you are wrong. I know Liverpool fans, I go to the game with other regulars and they aren't deluded. The deluded ones are the fans who take photos of themselves smiling opposite the Hillsborough memorial, queue for 2 hours to get in the club shop, wear a jester hat, pay £500 to Thomas Cook for a 'package' then brag about it, boo the team when we're not 4-0 up at half time, wear those stupid half and half scarves, like Tim Lovejoy and strive to be part of the Sky Sports Fanzone. Maybe I was harsh labelling you as everything bad about football so I apologise...what I've described above comes closer.

By the way...you can have an opinion about whatever you want..just at least try and back it up with some substance or facts and then you can be taken more seriously. If you want to have a genuine discussion about Liverpool and how you think they've changed their style of play then fair enough..but you haven't backed it up with anything whereas I've been watching my club, live, every season, 90% home games, 25% away games for nigh on 23 years, with a few breaks in between

Seems were talking more on a level now, theres no need to get personal about things its a forum and people are entitled to there opinion even if you don't think its right.
I appreciate your a true fan and i salute that, so am i ive been to about 20 games this season home and away watching Wednesday Blackpool, Scunny,Leicester,Newcastle all over the shop.
And ive also watched Chelsea, aswell as other lower league sides, so id say ive got some nounce of football, even if you think i aint, id say 60 grunds visited isnt a bad feat for a 29 year old.
Ive been for a guided tour of your ground when i was at college in deeeside Wales, wore David James shirt, funny thing was you played us the weekend before the Monday we went, i think it was when Collymore scored his debut goal.

Mwahahahahahha!! Inter kicked Chelseas arse...lets hope they do just as well in the next match!!

Mwahahahahahha!! Inter kicked Chelseas arse...lets hope they do just as well in the next match!!

As a Manchester United supporter judging by the way they played last night I think I`d prefer to go up against Inter than Chelsea. Despite the Chelsea loss I don`t think Inter looked all that good.

Mwahahahahahha!! Inter kicked Chelseas arse...lets hope they do just as well in the next match!!

Chelsea enjoyed 56% of the possession, had 8 shots on target opposed to Inter's 3 and Chelsea had 3 corners to Inter's 0. Chelsea should also have had a clear cut penalty just before half-time when Kalou was brought down by Samuel. I don't know about kicked bums but your talking out of yours.

Not to mention Drogs nearly snapped the crossbar shortly after Inter scored....

Portsmouth today who next?

"We this and we that" whilst the game descends in an ever decreasing circle down the plughole through cheque book management buying titles, trophies and paying wages that it cannot afford.

Theres too many fans bothered about the financial side of the game these day's, enjoy the football.....
If you don't like it anymore go and watch rugby....

Theres too many fans bothered about the financial side of the game these day's, enjoy the football.....
If you don't like it anymore go and watch rugby....Well you fiddle while Rome burns, so what if the Chelsea UN team win all it will prove is that you can buy titles and silverware.

Well you fiddle while Rome burns, so what if the Chelsea UN team win all it will prove is that you can buy titles and silverware.

Like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal, Inter Milan, etc etc...
It's as though these club's have never spent a penny the way Chelsea get slagged.

Good old Man City - always helping their neighbours!

Good old Man City - always helping their neighbours!

I think that it's more a case of Chelsea Imploding and helping out Man City's neighbours.

So CorkerSWFC could you explain to us where Chelsea's 10 point lead after drawing at Anfield and Old Trafford is going to come from?

Like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal, Inter Milan, etc etc...
It's as though these club's have never spent a penny the way Chelsea get slagged.
As has been pointed out to you already in the premiership era United have been outspent by Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham & Villa. 2004-09 you can add Sunderland to that list.

In the premiership era Arsenal have been outspent by Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham, United, Sunderland, Fulham, Birmingham City & Everton. 2004-09 you can add Stoke, West Ham, Hull, Bolton, Wolves, Burnley, Wigan, Blackburn and Portsmouth to that list (http://transferleague.co.uk/).

In contrast Chelsea are the top spenders ever in the Premier league and their success came after Abromovich's big spending.

So what was that about United and Arsenal buying success again?

As has been pointed out to you already in the premiership era United have been outspent by Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham & Villa. 2004-09 you can add Sunderland to that list.

In the premiership era Arsenal have been outspent by Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham, United, Sunderland, Fulham, Birmingham City & Everton. 2004-09 you can add Stoke, West Ham, Hull, Bolton, Wolves, Burnley, Wigan, Blackburn and Portsmouth to that list (http://transferleague.co.uk/).

In contrast Chelsea are the top spenders ever in the Premier league and their success came after Abromovich's big spending.

So what was that about United and Arsenal buying success again?

How else is a team meant to meant to make a swift transition from an occasional challenger to a regular challenger, apart from spending money?

How else is a team meant to meant to make a swift transition from an occasional challenger to a regular challenger, apart from spending money?You mean buying titles and tophys?

You mean buying titles and tophys?

I can see where you're going wrong now. You win the league by gaining the most points to finish at the top of the table at the end of the season. There is no other way to win the league.

I can see where you're going wrong now. You win the league by gaining the most points to finish at the top of the table at the end of the season. There is no other way to win the league.
And you believe that?

And you believe that?

Lol, I like you, you make me laugh.

A quick look at my stat books reaffirms my opinion that Chelsea did infact get more points than any other teams in the seasons that they won the league.

You can't win em all, fair does to Man City they were very good today.

You can't win em all, fair does to Man City they were very good today.

Bet there aren't many days when you see 9 goals past your teams?!

I think Chelsea were poor today, I was surprised that they didn't show more fire and fight at home. If they keep playing like that they could well throw their chances of the title away. It makes for a more exciting run in, though!

probably didn't produce today because 2 of they playersw are busying wife swapping more entertaining in the bedroom for them than on the field

Bet there aren't many days when you see 9 goals past your teams?!

I think Chelsea were poor today, I was surprised that they didn't show more fire and fight at home. If they keep playing like that they could well throw their chances of the title away. It makes for a more exciting run in, though!

They were poor, but to be fair to Man City Mancinis tactics were spot on.

I was soooooo hoping Wayne Bridge would chin/nut/thump John Terry. Good on him for not shaking his hand

well what do u expect when hes been messing about with his x ,if it was me would of missed the ball and hit his accidently of course lol

then watched it on motd in slow motion!!!!!!

And good on City for beating Chelsea.

How else is a team meant to meant to make a swift transition from an occasional challenger to a regular challenger, apart from spending money?
:huh: I never suggested sides can make a "swift transition from an occasional challenger to a regular challenger" without spending money.

What I did do is rebut your claim that United and Arsenal have like Chelsea "bought titles" when in reality United and Arsenal have consistently beaten bigger spending sides. Unlike Chelsea who only came close and won after monumental and unsustainable spending.

Chelsea bought titles, United and Arsenal didn't.

:huh: I never suggested sides can make a "swift transition from an occasional challenger to a regular challenger" without spending money.

What I did do is rebut your claim that United and Arsenal have like Chelsea "bought titles" when in reality United and Arsenal have consistently beaten bigger spending sides. Unlike Chelsea who only came close and won after monumental and unsustainable spending.

Chelsea bought titles, United and Arsenal didn't.

Where have you said here that Chelsea "are not" going to win the title?

Must win game tommorow !!!!!!

:huh: I never suggested sides can make a "swift transition from an occasional challenger to a regular challenger" without spending money.

What I did do is rebut your claim that United and Arsenal have like Chelsea "bought titles" when in reality United and Arsenal have consistently beaten bigger spending sides. Unlike Chelsea who only came close and won after monumental and unsustainable spending.

Chelsea bought titles, United and Arsenal didn't.

I don't disagree that Chelsea wouldn't be where they are without Abramovich but I bet Man U's net transfer spend is a lot closer to Chelsea's than it is to Arsenal's. I think it's more where the money comes from that is the difference between the 3, with Man U and Arsenal generating more of their own cash (shirt sales, ticket sales etc.) than Chelsea, as the latter rely more on their owner for finance. Man U and Arsenal have also 'bought' titles, they've just done it the 'natural' way.

Wenger is in a league of his own when it comes nurturing talent and building a team on a shoestring* budget and I don't think you can compare Ferguson to him on that score. However that's only 1 part of being a manager and overall I think Fergie is the better of the 2 and this is backed up by his record. Wenger lacks the ruthless objectivity of Ferguson and while I commend the former on what he has done/is doing at Arsenal i'd rather have won more trophies.


*relative to the other top clubs

Not forgetting Old Trafford holds nearly double the amount to Stamford bridge aswell which must generate millions for Man Utd.

Must win game tommorow !!!!!!

I agree, it was. Making it hard for themselves, aren't they!

I don't disagree that Chelsea wouldn't be where they are without Abramovich but I bet Man U's net transfer spend is a lot closer to Chelsea's than it is to Arsenal's. I think it's more where the money comes from that is the difference between the 3, with Man U and Arsenal generating more of their own cash (shirt sales, ticket sales etc.) than Chelsea, as the latter rely more on their owner for finance. Man U and Arsenal have also 'bought' titles, they've just done it the 'natural' way.

Wenger is in a league of his own when it comes nurturing talent and building a team on a shoestring* budget and I don't think you can compare Ferguson to him on that score. However that's only 1 part of being a manager and overall I think Fergie is the better of the 2 and this is backed up by his record. Wenger lacks the ruthless objectivity of Ferguson and while I commend the former on what he has done/is doing at Arsenal i'd rather have won more trophies.


*relative to the other top clubs
United's net spend in the prem era is £7.7m a year Arsenals £1.8m, 5 teams have outspent United over this time 10 have outspent Arsenal.

Since Abramovich's takeoever Chelsea have spent £24m a season, United £5.3m and Arsenal -£4.3m, United and closer to Arsenal in their spending (and unlike Arsenal won stuff during this period).

To me atleast when somebody claims a side 'bought' a title they are saying the club won due to spending more money than their rivals, on transfers at least (though they may have expensive youth set ups and so forth) neither United or Arsenal have done this as unlike Chelsea there were always other sides outspending them.

If Arsenal are happy bringing youngsters through and playing pretty football then they are doing a good job, if they wanna win sommat they have to spend and get some quality players in that can mix it up

People say they play good football, for me they play attractive football but good football is winning football and Arsenal havnt won anything for 5 years

Chelsea & Man Utd have

If Arsenal are happy bringing youngsters through and playing pretty football then they are doing a good job, if they wanna win sommat they have to spend and get some quality players in that can mix it up

People say they play good football, for me they play attractive football but good football is winning football and Arsenal havnt won anything for 5 years

Chelsea & Man Utd have
Got a good chance of winning something this season though. United are 2 points ahead but Arsenal's remaining games are easier.

Got a good chance of winning something this season though. United are 2 points ahead but Arsenal's remaining games are easier.

They wont win it im confident of that, United and Chelsea have players with a lot of experience of how to win the league and have the cutting edge

Man utd is going to win

Man utd is going to win

I hope they do in one way because i want a northen team to win it
But i love Liverpool as my second team and dont want Man U to overtake their 18 League Title record!

I hope they do in one way because i want a northen team to win it
But i love Liverpool as my second team and dont want Man U to overtake their 18 League Title record!

Lets face it if Man U don't do it this year they will sometime in the next few years.

Lets face it if Man U don't do it this year they will sometime in the next few years.

Being a bit of "closet Chelsea liker" i fear the worse now, very disjointed in the second half yesterday, Essien and Cole have been massive misses.
The fa Cup might be a bit more of a realistic option now depending on the result at Fratton Park.
Thought Man Utd might have dropped a few points but there staying strong the buggers lol.:(

Lets face it if Man U don't do it this year they will sometime in the next few years.

i no yeh, at least liverpool will still have the title of most successful english club (just)

Man Utd will surpass Liverpool's 18 and more in my opinion.
Liverpool are light years away from being title contenders any time soon.

Brilliant win for Chelsea yesterday, Alex Ferguson's white ghostly looking face in his interview after the game was a priceless picture, a different side altogether without Wayne Rooney.

relax its only football, dont forget alex ferguson is still a fantastic manager.....

relax its only football, dont forget alex ferguson is still a fantastic manager.....

Relax :confused:
Alex Ferguson "was" a good manager hes too old now, its going to be interesting how they fair when he goes.

Relax :confused:
Alex Ferguson "was" a good manager hes too old now, its going to be interesting how they fair when he goes.

Can't agree, he is still a fantastic manager.
Yes he is old, but he is like a fine wine.

Can't agree, he is still a fantastic manager.
Yes he is old, but he is like a fine wine.

Years ago Fergie was able to keep his best players and had a lot more say than he has now under the Glaziers.
Basically building his empire, its not the case anymore, look at the sale of Ronaldo for instance, I'm 99% sure who made sure that transfer go through and it wasn't just Cristiano it was the American money men.
Tevez is another Fergie adores but the Americans would not come up with the coin.

Years ago Fergie was able to keep his best players and had a lot more say than he has now under the Glaziers.
Basically building his empire, its not the case anymore, look at the sale of Ronaldo for instance, I'm 99% sure who made sure that transfer go through and it wasn't just Cristiano it was the American money men.
Tevez is another Fergie adores but the Americans would not come up with the coin.

Nothing to do with his managerial ability, it's just the money men making more decions now.

As for Tevez, I think it was Fergies call not to sign him because of the value placed upon him.
I think it was a good call, considering he has Berba, Owen and Rooney already.

[QUOTE=Robbie Loving;6099325]Nothing to do with his managerial ability, it's just the money men making more decions now.QUOTE]

Of course its to do with his managerial ability, the last few years apart from the back to back title season for Chelsea, Man Utd have ruled.
Mainly because the other clubs have been playing catch up financially wise.
Fergie has had more than most at his disposal to make him the manager he is.
Id say Dario Grady is a "great manger" for the loyalty he showed to Crewe all those years and he brought some brilliant young talent through the ranks.
And they have had stints in the Championship which is excellent for a club of Crewes size.
Managers like Fergie have things handed to them on a plate.

Of course its to do with his managerial ability, .

How is it to do with his managerial ability that Ronaldo was sold?

the last few years apart from the back to back title season for Chelsea, Man Utd have ruled..

Are you trying to prove my point here or yours?

Mainly because the other clubs have been playing catch up financially wise..

Liverppol, Chelsea, Spurs and Man United have been the big spenders of the league over the last few years. Man United have invested wisely, especially in some good youth. Spurs have also done this.

It's because of what Fergie has achieved, that he is able to have a good spending power.

Managers like Fergie have things handed to them on a plate.

It's not always been the case.

How is it to do with his managerial ability that Ronaldo was sold?



Are you trying to prove my point here or yours?



Liverppol, Chelsea, Spurs and Man United have been the big spenders of the league over the last few years. Man United have invested wisely, especially in some good youth. Spurs have also done this.

It's because of what Fergie has achieved, that he is able to have a good spending power.



It's not always been the case.

How am i supposed to quote each one then Rob :hihi:

Ronaldo was sold because of two things, one because he wanted to go and probably saw the troubles coming which have come to the fore regarding the protest against the Glaziers.
And secondly he had a better contract offer.
A few years ago Man Utd could sign anyone they wanted, they proved that when they nicked Andy Cole off Newcastle and wages were never a problem.
These days things are more on a par which has coincided with other teams winning the Premiership, Fa Cup, League cup.
I am starting to think there a one man team at times now regarding Rooney, Rooney and Ronaldo missing from a football team is going to have massive consequences, never mind how good some people think Valencia is he's hardly a replacement for Ronaldo.
I respect Fergie a lot but with what hes had in his toolbox I'm not surprised he's done well.

Ronaldo was sold because of two things, one because he wanted to go and proberly saw the troubles coming which have come to the fore regarding the protest against the Glaziers..
And secondly he had a better contract offer..

Precisely, nothing to do with SAF managerial ability.
Ronaldo probably thought he had achieved everything he could have with Man Utd too, coupled with a great offer of £80 million, it is out of SAF hands

A few years ago Man Utd could sign anyone they wanted, they prooved that when they nicked Andy Cole off Newcastle and wages were never a problem..

Because of their success, they can always find it easier to sign players, regardless of contract offer.


These days things are more on a par which has coincided with other teams winning the Premiership, Fa Cup, League cup.

To be fair, with the league cup, Man United before 2006 had not won it for 14 years.
They've also only won the FA up times since the PL inception.
It's the premier league where Man Utd have excelled.

Precisely, nothing to do with SAF managerial ability.
Ronaldo probably thought he had achieved everything he could have with Man Utd too, coupled with a great offer of £80 million, it is out of SAF hands



Because of their success, they can always find it easier to sign players, regardless of contract offer.



To be fair, with the league cup, Man United before 2006 had not won it for 14 years.
They've also only won the FA up times since the PL inception.
It's the premier league where Man Utd have excelled.

We'll have to agree to disagree then, but on a closing note for now, i do sincerely think theres a power shift in the Premiership and i really believe the blue half of Manchester will go close next season with the money they are likely to spend, not to mention the 100-200 million Abramovich has said he's going to splash out.
Dare i say Gerrard to Chelsea ???????

Dare i say Gerrard to Chelsea ???????

You can say it ;)

United's net spend in the prem era is £7.7m a year Arsenals £1.8m, 5 teams have outspent United over this time 10 have outspent Arsenal.

Since Abramovich's takeoever Chelsea have spent £24m a season, United £5.3m and Arsenal -£4.3m, United and closer to Arsenal in their spending (and unlike Arsenal won stuff during this period).

To me atleast when somebody claims a side 'bought' a title they are saying the club won due to spending more money than their rivals, on transfers at least (though they may have expensive youth set ups and so forth) neither United or Arsenal have done this as unlike Chelsea there were always other sides outspending them.

I didn't think the gap would be that big. I suppose you could take a few £mil off Chelsea's total as they had to start from a weaker position therefore there initial spend was to make a good team and the following years spend was to maintain a good team. That would still leave them above £20 mil so double Man U's and Arsenal's so a non-argument anyway.

What are the average wage spends in the Abramovich era as that is a factor to consider too?

Brilliant win for Chelsea yesterday, Alex Ferguson's white ghostly looking face in his interview after the game was a priceless picture, a different side altogether without Wayne Rooney.

Definitely but then most, if not all of the top sides have 1 player that they would miss more than any other. I think maybe with Man U the reliance is slightly too much on Rooney beacuse there other forward players aren't doing enough. I think this is something they will address next year though and they definitely aren't a '1 man team' by any stretch of the imagination.

The current top 4 goalscorers (in the Prem) for Chelsea and Man U are:

Man U Chelsea

Rooney - 26 Drogba - 25
Berbatov - 12 Lampard - 17
Valencia - 5 Malouda - 11
Fletcher - 3 Anelka - 8

Chelsea have scored 7 more goals in PL than Man U so it isn't that massive a difference and you could argue Man U share there goals out between the rest of their team more than Chelsea do. However it's the little things that can make the difference in the title race so I think Man U's (relative) forward weakness without Rooney may cost them this year.

Definitely but then most, if not all of the top sides have 1 player that they would miss more than any other. I think maybe with Man U the reliance is slightly too much on Rooney beacuse there other forward players aren't doing enough. I think this is something they will address next year though and they definitely aren't a '1 man team' by any stretch of the imagination.

The current top 4 goalscorers (in the Prem) for Chelsea and Man U are:

Man U Chelsea

Rooney - 26 Drogba - 25
Berbatov - 12 Lampard - 17
Valencia - 5 Malouda - 11
Fletcher - 3 Anelka - 8

Chelsea have scored 7 more goals in PL than Man U so it isn't that massive a difference and you could argue Man U share there goals out between the rest of their team more than Chelsea do. However it's the little things that can make the difference in the title race so I think Man U's (relative) forward weakness without Rooney may cost them this year.

It's not just Rooney that Man Utd are missing. If they hadn't sold Ronaldo and signed Tevez, Man Utd would have coped well with the loss of Rooney.

Nothing to do with his managerial ability, it's just the money men making more decions now.

As for Tevez, I think it was Fergies call not to sign him because of the value placed upon him.
I think it was a good call, considering he has Berba, Owen and Rooney already.

but if you had a choice of buying tevez or berbatov i know who id buy. i think spurs must be laughing their socks of, selling berby for £31mill

It's not just Rooney that Man Utd are missing. If they hadn't sold Ronaldo and signed Tevez, Man Utd would have coped well with the loss of Rooney.

There was nothing they could do about Ronaldo, he wanted to go and that was it, they did well to keep hold of him as long as they could. Tevez on the other hand would almost certainly have stayed if he had the option to.

For me personally it's only with hindsight that it looks like a mistake in not signing Tevez as he didn't really pull up any trees while he was there. However it does now look like a mistake - whether this was a genuine mistake on Fergie's part (he underestimated the capability of Tevez) or his hands were just tied financially, we'll probably never know.

but if you had a choice of buying tevez or berbatov i know who id buy. i think spurs must be laughing their socks of, selling berby for £31mill

Berbatov looked a quality player at Spurs, it just hasn't quite happened for him at Man U. When he went there I thought he was a great signing and tbh I pretty much agreed with the 'new Cantona' tag he was adorned with. It looks like I'll be wrong with that but who knows as he isn't past it age wise just yet.

but if you had a choice of buying tevez or berbatov i know who id buy. i think spurs must be laughing their socks of, selling berby for £31mill
But that wasn't the choice, Berbatov was signed when Tevez was already at United. Besides few people in foresight thought Berbatov would be so underwhelming at United and Tevez's 2nd season at United was very poor.

Tevez's attitude stunk last season and he decisively demonstrated himself not to have the character of a squad player, which Ferguson clearly intended him to be. Tevez had to go even if Ferguson did have the cash to sign him.

Relax :confused:
Alex Ferguson "was" a good manager hes too old now, its going to be interesting how they fair when he goes.
"was a good manager" his side have just own 3 leagues in a row and he still has a chance at 4 if Sir Alex isnt' a "good manager" no one is.

Of course its to do with his managerial ability, the last few years apart from the back to back title season for Chelsea, Man Utd have ruled.
Mainly because the other clubs have been playing catch up financially wise.
Chelsea, City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Villa have all outspent United during the premiership era that United have dominated, since Abrabovich arrived at chelsea Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Villa and Sunderland have all outspent United.

Fergie has had more than most at his disposal to make him the manager he is.
Id say Dario Grady is a "great manger" for the loyalty he showed to Crewe all those years and he brought some brilliant young talent through the ranks.
And they have had stints in the Championship which is excellent for a club of Crewes size.
Managers like Fergie have things handed to them on a plate.
So how was his beating the Old Firm lock on the championship in Scotland "handed to him on a plate"?

If league titles are "handed out on plates" to United managers how come he was the 1st United manager for 26 years to win the league?

Ronaldo was sold because of two things, one because he wanted to go and probably saw the troubles coming which have come to the fore regarding the protest against the Glaziers.
And secondly he had a better contract offer.
A few years ago Man Utd could sign anyone they wanted, they proved that when they nicked Andy Cole off Newcastle and wages were never a problem.
United made a profit on transfers that season. Ferguson spent better not more than his rivals.

These days things are more on a par which has coincided with other teams winning the Premiership, Fa Cup, League cup.
Things were "on a par" before Abramovich arrived and started throwing silly money around and United dominated, things are no longer on a par and United have still dominated the reason being Sir Alex is an amazing manager

I am starting to think there a one man team at times now regarding Rooney, Rooney and Ronaldo missing from a football team is going to have massive consequences, never mind how good some people think Valencia is he's hardly a replacement for Ronaldo.
Yet a United with Valencia has played much better football and scored far more goals than the United with both Tevez and Ronaldo last season.

I respect Fergie a lot but with what hes had in his toolbox I'm not surprised he's done well.
Then how come all those managers who've outspent him over the years didn't do better? How come Docherty, Sexton, Atkinson... all failed at United?

Tevez's attitude stunk last season and he decisively demonstrated himself not to have the character of a squad player, which Ferguson clearly intended him to be. Tevez had to go even if Ferguson did have the cash to sign him.

Tevez has shown this season what he can do when he is played regularly. I don't think it was a mistake in not playing him regularly as there was no space to accommodate him for every game but that changed at the beginning of this year.

Ferguson had Nani kicking up a fuss last year but he's turned him round and he is now starting to look like a good player. In hindsight it looks like he should have done the same with Tevez - there has certainly been room for him to be a regular starter this year with Berbatov misfiring and Owen not living up to expectations. I think he'd have brought you the title.

Man U win and Chelsea lose - and suddenly it's game on again!

Man U win and Chelsea lose - and suddenly it's game on again!

It was never game off.

What an upside down week for Spurs, being knocked out of the FA Cup by the league's bottom side and then beating 2 of the top 3 sides, albeit on home soil. They've opened the title race up again although Arsenal are out of it in my view as there goal difference effectively puts them 4 points behind Chelsea if they win tomorrow.

Chelsea looked very assured yesterday, Drogba is playing out of his skin, Malouda is starting to show promise at last, and even Ballack is starting to look like he did when he was at Bayern.
I can't see past Chelsea for the title, i knew they would go close this season, but they look unbeatable at the moment.:):):)I guess Tottenham weren"t reading your post. Spurs 2 Ratbags 1:)

I guess Tottenham weren"t reading your post. Spurs 2 Ratbags 1:)
Still top of the league.......

It was never game off.

After Man U drew 0-0 with Blackburn I thought it was all over. Obviously not so.

After Man U drew 0-0 with Blackburn I thought it was all over. Obviously not so.

So did these who have already paid out on Chelsea for the league title.
http://www.bettingpress.com/category/Football/Paddy-Power-pay-out-on-Chelsea-FC-winning-the-Premier-League-201004160081/

If only Spurs can manage the treble next weekend.
Wigan turning Arsenal over in the last 10 minutes today shows it's not over yet. What a season!!!!

It has been one of the best seasons in the Premier League at the top, it is more of a contest than ever before.

Certainly better than La Liga, Barca and Real have ran away in that league.

Certainly better than La Liga, Barca and Real have ran away in that league.

It's great. I know the top three have been certain for a while, but anyone down to Everton could have got a Champions League place. I think it could well be even closer next season, too.

Certainly better than La Liga, Barca and Real have ran away in that league.


Puzzled. Chelsea lead United by one point and its "best season ever".
Barce lead Real Madrid by one point and "they have run away with that league".
:suspect:

Puzzled. Chelsea lead United by one point and its "best season ever".
Barce lead Real Madrid by one point and "they have run away with that league".
:suspect:
"Barca and Real" have run away in La Liga, 3rd placed Valencia are 24 points off Real.

Such is the disparity in funds (thanks to TV money not being dived amongst the teams as in many countries) chances are unless they both screw up monumentally they are going to continue to 'run away with it' pretty much forever. Unless something is done to balance the league La Liga is set to be like the Scottish league only bigger.

Sid Lowe wrote a good article on this a while back (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/mar/28/barcelona-real-madrid-spain):

"The dominance is felt most on TV – and that is the crux of the issue, the precarious foundation upon which Spanish football is built. Unlike elsewhere – and even Italy is going collective – Spanish clubs negotiate individual television deals. "The lack of a centralised deal is the biggest problem we face," Tebas says. The reason is clear. Madrid and Barcelona will earn approximately €120m in rights each year until 2013. Last season's third-placed side, Sevilla earn around €20m; Valencia, currently third, make under €30m – less than Portsmouth. Right throughout the league, the imbalance is extraordinary. Competing is impossible."

Puzzled. Chelsea lead United by one point and its "best season ever".
Barce lead Real Madrid by one point and "they have run away with that league".
:suspect:

I'm not surprised your puzzled, you obviously didn't read the post very clearly did you :hihi:

"Barca and Real" have run away in La Liga, 3rd placed Valencia are 24 points off Real.

Such is the disparity in funds (thanks to TV money not being dived amongst the teams as in many countries) chances are unless they both screw up monumentally they are going to continue to 'run away with it' pretty much forever. Unless something is done to balance the league La Liga is set to be like the Scottish league only bigger.

Sid Lowe wrote a good article on this a while back (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/mar/28/barcelona-real-madrid-spain):

"The dominance is felt most on TV – and that is the crux of the issue, the precarious foundation upon which Spanish football is built. Unlike elsewhere – and even Italy is going collective – Spanish clubs negotiate individual television deals. "The lack of a centralised deal is the biggest problem we face," Tebas says. The reason is clear. Madrid and Barcelona will earn approximately €120m in rights each year until 2013. Last season's third-placed side, Sevilla earn around €20m; Valencia, currently third, make under €30m – less than Portsmouth. Right throughout the league, the imbalance is extraordinary. Competing is impossible."

Its a disgrace, its either Barca or Real on the sky these days, im shocked when they are not on lol.

Very rarely do I want Liverpool to win, but, come their game against Chelsea...:)

I`d just love it if United pipped Chelsea at the post. :P

Very rarely do I want Liverpool to win, but, come their game against Chelsea...:)

I`d just love it if United pipped Chelsea at the post. :P
If United get a result against Tottenham at the weekend it will be interesting to see what kind of side and then performance Liverpool put in against Chelsea.

A substantial portion of Liverpool supporters seem to want them to throw the game to stop United overtaking them by winning 19 league titles, their few homegrown players may well think the same and Benitez definitely seems bitter enough to do so.

If United get a result against Tottenham at the weekend it will be interesting to see what kind of side and then performance Liverpool put in against Chelsea.

A substantial portion of Liverpool supporters seem to want them to throw the game to stop United overtaking them by winning 19 league titles, their few homegrown players may well think the same and Benitez definitely seems bitter enough to do so.

I have to laugh when I read a statement like this. Firstly, when did you become the self appointed Sheffield Forum spokesman for Liverpool FC fans and just how did you gauge this opinion of the 'substantial portion'???
Secondly...you're just plain wrong.

If United get a result against Tottenham at the weekend it will be interesting to see what kind of side and then performance Liverpool put in against Chelsea.

A substantial portion of Liverpool supporters seem to want them to throw the game to stop United overtaking them by winning 19 league titles, their few homegrown players may well think the same and Benitez definitely seems bitter enough to do so.

If they drop one place through losing this match the players will lose a win bonus and more importantly owners will be pleased that it will cost them league position prize money of approximately £1 million pounds (If they drop 3 places it will be around £3 million)
The winner of the Premiership gets about £28 million the bottom club gets about £1 million.

I have to laugh when I read a statement like this. Firstly, when did you become the self appointed Sheffield Forum spokesman for Liverpool FC fans and just how did you gauge this opinion of the 'substantial portion'???
I never claimed to be an authority on Liverpool fans I simply said:

"A substantial portion of Liverpool supporters seem to want them to throw the game"

That is clearly not a claim to authoritative knowledge besides I've good reason (http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=256636.0) for saying that (http://www.liverpoolway.co.uk/forum/ff-football-forum/90556-big-question-chelsea-home.html).

Secondly...you're just plain wrong.
Evidence please.

I never claimed to be an authority on Liverpool fans I simply said:

"A substantial portion of Liverpool supporters seem to want them to throw the game"

That is clearly not a claim to authoritative knowledge besides I've good reason (http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=256636.0) for saying that (http://www.liverpoolway.co.uk/forum/ff-football-forum/90556-big-question-chelsea-home.html).


Evidence please.

Good job you didn't say 'by the look of it'! :hihi:

I would have thought they should be more worried about Everton going above them, rather than looking at what is happening 6 places above them!

Good job you didn't say 'by the look of it'! :hihi:

I would have thought they should be more worried about Everton going above them, rather than looking at what is happening 6 places above them!
Everton going above them in the league for a single season is nothing compared to United going above them in the all time league winners charts.

For the last two decades with United dominating they've had what seemed like an untouchable 18 titles to hold onto (http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/4190_83499983189_509723189_1778857_1744050_n.jpg), United matching that last season was bad enough but knocking them completely off their perch...

Everton coming out above them this season hardly compares. At least not to the Liverpool fans I've encountered it doesn't anyway.

Everton going above them in the league for a single season is nothing compared to United going above them in the all time league winners charts.

For the last two decades with United dominating they've had what seemed like an untouchable 18 titles to hold onto (http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/4190_83499983189_509723189_1778857_1744050_n.jpg), United matching that last season was bad enough but knocking them completely off their perch...

Everton coming out above them this season hardly compares. At least not to the Liverpool fans I've encountered it doesn't anyway.

They're going to be very upset in about 10 years time when Man Utd are on about 22 and they are still on 18! :hihi:

They're going to be very upset in about 10 years time when Man Utd are on about 22 and they are still on 18! :hihi:
I wish I had your confidence that United will get rid of the Glaziers and Sir Alex will keep on going.