₦airaland Forum

@ Nazzyon,

It just tells u the difference between REAL fans and PLASTIC fans. . . .
Since Roman's takeover. . . . .Chelsea have won the EPL twice, came 2nd in the premiership TWICE.
Mos def'ly. . . . they will surely come 1st or 2nd this season. . . .

In Europe, this will be their 3rd Semi-final ticket in just 5 years. . . . .never mind FA Cup and Carling Cup achievements.
Put this record against any team in the world and u will understand Chelskites don't know what they have got in Roman Abrahamovic.
All blue-shirt wearing fans should be worshipping the RUSSIAN.

@ femikay149,

That wasn't a peach cross?
If it was few inches closer to the goal, Reina woulda saved it and the game woulda ended 1-0 to Liverpool.
What makes the cross peach was where and how it landed. . . . .Riise was caught in 2 minds. . . .Such was the quality of the cross.
You say it's luck. . . . but people make their luck. . . .Would Chelsea have scored if Kalou's cross had ended over the bar?
THINK, fella!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ Nazzyon,

Grant is this n that and yet he has done what Jose failed to do.
Jose never scored a single goal in Anfield in a Champions League tie. . . . .

Grant was astute enuff to bring in Kalou(who gave a virtuoso performance).
His peach cross caused all problems for Riise and Reina.
Anelka was waiting to pounce. . . 2 of Grant's subs!!!!!

@ Akola. . .

I disagree with u.
Rio, Carrick, Hargreaves, Scholes and Rooney should all earn above 100k pounds.
What are u talking about? Name any central defender better than Rio in Europe and u might win $1000.

@ nateevs,

Can u tell me any team where this kind of problem doesn't happen?
How many times have i dissed Fergie over his team selection especially against Boro and Blackburn recently!!!!
Fergie played Giggs in an away match knowing fully well he doesn't have his prefered choice in the defence(whats the sense in that?)

The problem is . . . . .Managers try to make everyone happy.
They gast to keep rotating. . . . Look at Liverpool and Man Utd. . . . .The midfield and defence keeps changing to accomodate other players too.
When u have a large squad, some players are bound to complain or grumble. . . .Its part of the game.

If Chelsea were in United's shoes. . . .i doubt most of those players would complain.

@ Nazzyon,

Irrespective of what happens to Chelsea this season, Grant and his team should win the premiership manager of the season/ team of the season.
Under-estimated from the very beginning. . . . .some Chelsea fans even boo him on the pitch.
Injury to players throughout the season. . . . .something Jose would have complained to FIFA about.

@ nateevs,

It seems only Christ can do more than JM in the eyes of y'all Chelski fans.
What can Grant do to win the hearts of u Chelskites? Take Chelsea to the world cup and win?
Are u aware Jose wouldn't have pushed Chelsea this far if he was in Grant's shoes?

Look at the injury list since Grant joined in September. . .
Nations cup also came in between. . . . . . Drogba at crossroads whether he should do his surgery.
Terry, Cech, Cudiccini etc all out injured at a point in time. . .

Ma nigga. . . . . Be sincere, the Zionist has tried. . . .no one gave him a chance.

@ Ibime,

Touche.

@ nateevs,

Wait. . . . .wait . . . wait.
If Grant takes Chelsea to the UCL final. . . . . .would u say he has done more than Mourinho at Chelsea?
Just a thunk, just a thunk!!!!!

@ nateevs,

U dont have to score to WIN the tie.
0-0 would do but to be on the safe side. . . .Y'all need to pop a goal.
I am confident u will beat Liverpool at the Bridge. . . . .They have blown this tie just like the Arses did a fortnight ago.

0-0 result would have been okay for em but now. . . .it will take a biblical miracle for em to WIN.
The focus now shifts to Man Utd and Barcelona.
Damn. . . . . .what the HOLY TRINITY will do to Barca's defence makes me drooooooooool!!!!

@ Doyin13,

Stop talking like a dork.
United have clearly overtaken Liverpool as far as finances are concerned.
They are technically living on old glory just like Nottingham Forest and maybe Aston Villa.
First all, they need a bigger stadium to generate huge revenue and they need big players. . . . .
Geddit?  Where is Pompey on the league table?

Lampard should be sold this summer. . . . .He is a waste of space.
Essien would have been more productive today.
Fat Frank kept misplacing his passes. . . . . .His salary should be halved.
Tell u what. . . . .all the English players wearing the BLUE SHIRT were shyte today.
Joe Cole, Cashley, Lampard and even Terry. . . . . .they got overwhelmed by the occasion. . . .

@ nateevs,

I was about rating Grant 9/10 then i remembered he shouldn't have played Lampard. . .
So, Grant's rating has dropped to 7.

Lampard was shyte throughout the game save for the pass he fed Joey in the 1st half.
He had the room to clear the ball out and got his pocket picked by Liverpool. . . . . .

Anyways, it hardly matters anymore. . . . . .Liverpool don't have a good record at SB so its already wrapped up for u.
However, Petr Cech's wages should be doubled this week. . . . His dive to save Gerrard's volley was top notch.

@ Doyin13,

Did u see the game or ur usual radio commentary?
This must be the best game Liverpool n Chelsea have played in 5 years.
It wasn't a boring game. . . .

@ Akolawole,

Solomon Kalou should be named the MOTM.
He brought urgency into Chelsea's gameplay. . .
His cross was peach and had Riise on double minds. . . .Riise is a left-footed player so he couldn't clear with his right leg. .
If he leaves it. . . . .Anelka would tear the net!!!!!!

God Bless That Ivorien. He saved the day for Chelsea and GRANT should be applauded.

@ nateevs,

Are u fucking serious?
Did Liverpool deserve to get to the final in 2005 when they WON it?
This is football. . . . . It doesnt have to be fair . . . .
Man Utd popped Blackburn on saturday with the best attacking footie i have ever seen on the tube and they could only get a draw.

Chelsea should wrap this one up. See ya blue Arses in Moscow.

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL


CHELSEA GOES TO THE FINAL.

What a peach CROSS from Kalou?
Whether Riise clears or not. . . . . .Anelka was waiting to pounce!!!!
What a come back for Chelsea!!!

Can Chelsea do it like Man Utd?
I can smell a goal but u guys are allowing Liverpool pin u back. . . . .It should be Chelsea pinning em back.
This Liverpool side is shyte. . . . Gosh, if only u know what the HOLY TRINITY would have done to their muppet defence.
I think Grant left Anelka too late on the bench!!!!!

@ nateevs,

I swear. . . . .Mikel Obi would have done a better job!!!!
Please compare his performance to Gerrard this evening. . . . . .Lampz is a shadow of himself these days.
2 good chances. . . . .take the shot. . . hit the target and hope Reina spills the ball for Kalou and Drogba to tuck it in.
Yet he took an extra touch and trying to square the ball. . .  . .


Tell u what son. . . . . .Solomon Kalou has done better than Joe Cole and Lampard cloned together.
Yeaashhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. . . . . . . .why did the referee penalise Terry's overhead kick. . . he did nuthing to Reina.
These European referees are dolts. . . . . .
DROGNELKA is about to feature. . . . . . . . Should be Lampard out not Ballack out, Mr Grant!!!!!

@ Nazzyon,

Essien is suspended.
The pillock seems to get himself suspended for BIG GAMES. . . its becoming a tad embarrassing.
Why is Lampard such an idiot today?
I can't believe what he is doing!!!!

Evra and Nani are also one yellow card away from suspension.
I just hope this does not undermine his performance tomorrow.
Anyways, Wazza will cover the grounds for him.
Chelsea is starting to piss me off now. . . . . . .Its time for Grant to bring in ANELKA.

@ Akola,

Who is Michael?
Did u see the chance Lampard missed just now yet again?
I don't even know why he was picked. . . . where is Essien when u need him? Missed the game against Gaynners at the Emiirates. .
He has missed the big one tonight again. . . . . and to think he has bagged the last 2 goals for Chelsea. . . .

Maloudaaaaaaaa . . . . . . . . Nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh  What a chance!!!!!!
Chelsea is starting to feel this game. . . . . .Salomon Kalou has brought some urgency.
I dont wanna hear any of y'all slant Avram again this season.
Why do i have a feenin' Chelsea would win 2-1.
Come on CHELSEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA . . . . . . . . .Put these fucking Scousers in their place(6 feet deep).

@ Akolawole,

Are u watching this game at all?
Remove Ballack or remove Lamps?
Lampard is hobbling around like a pregnant buffalo. . . . He has allowed Alonso and Mascherano to dominate the midfield.

Chelsea's best bet is to use the long ball. . . . .
Cech should start their one-way football. . . . Defence to Attack: One pass . . . . Cech to Drogba(one pass)!!!
Chelsea can still win this game. . . . I wanna see Anelka and Drogba rattle the Liverpool defence(they have been too comfy at the back).

@ nateevs,

Frank Lampard should be blamed.
He is an idiot not doing the simple thing. . . . . .PUT THE DANGER AWAY, ASK QUESTIONS LATER.
His stupidity at the edge of the box allowed the Scousers to nick the ball thus putting Claude Makalele in an uncompromising position.

I just hope Chelsea turns this around cos u have been the better side in the opening exchanges.
If only Joe Cole had taken his chance and Carragher's rugby tackle on Drogba. . . . .
Dont despair, son. . . . . . .Just a goal. . . . U need just a goal to open up Liverpool like chicken cordon bleu!!

Soccer pundits, lads, fellas, dudes, guys. . . . .Enough of this praises.
Don't push United beyond their limits.
Barca has a rich tradition in Europe and i respect that just like United team will respect em.

They wont be pushovers at Camp Nou.
3 players worry me in the Barca outfit. . . . .Eidur Gudjohnsen and Theirry Henry(I heard he's fighting FEVER).
On Eidur's day, he can be the difference. . . .He will always be a thorn in United's skin.

Ferguson wont be stupid to go Gung Ho at the Nou Camp.
4-3-3 which can quickly turn to 4-5-1 will be deployed. . . . Rooney will play on the left to protect Evra cos Messi is anutha whizkid.
Nani should also do the same thing for Wes Brown who happens to be United's weakest link.
How i wish Barca can score an early goal that will force Fergie's hands to go ALL OUT ATTACK.

@ Akolawole,

U are mean!!!!

Anyways, since taunting the GAYnners would mean kicking a disabled child. . . .I will start taunting Chelsea!!!
But. . . . .Can i taunt Chelski? Avram Grant is ma man anyday. . . . . .He epitomises integrity and fighting spirit.
In all honesty, Chelsea should be named the team of the season. . . . .With the Jose Mourinho crisis, gazillion injuries plaguing that team since September and losing players to the African Cup of Nations. . . . Chelsea has shown strength n stability, for that. . . .I doff me hats for Grant.
Arsenal are still whinging and blaming their capitualtion on Eduardo's injury. . . .Spot the difference?

@ Akolawole,

Your puzzle is dodgy.
U can do us a favour by setting anutha question and forget about this conundrum!!!
I expect u of all people to have put the correct DOB before throwing ur puzzle on the webspace.
I am waiting for u to correct all ambiguities.

@ Mystical,

Jackal is sentimental about GAYnners? Thats the understatement of the season.
I am the tormentor-in-chief of all GAYnners on this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe u should ask around and get tutored about me.

About u not being far away from Man Utd . . . .Lemme laugh for 5 mins. . .Buhahahahaha
I have been hearing the same story for the past 3 seasons and yet Arsenal always come short when it's time to deliver.
Arsenal is 50,000 miles away from this United squad(Fergie himself confirmed this is his best squad since he joined United in '86).

Need i say more?

@ Vieira,

Boring boring Arsenal in the days of produced results, isn't it? . . .Same can be said about Jose Mourinho but he delievered!!!!
He won everything any manager can win while at Arsenal. . . European cup, league cup, league title and the FA cup.
Apart from EPL and FA cup. . . . .tell us what Wengerhas won as a manager in his 12 years of mis-management.
Any idiot can assemble a bunch of teenagers and teach em how to pass the ball. . . Blimey, even Coach Amodu did that with BCC Lions.

There's no pressure on Wengay to win any title. . . .All the board wanna see is to watch beautiful football week in week out.
Don't worry. . . Arsenal is opting out of the premier league soon and start exhibition soccer strictly at the Emirates.
I am still trying to buy your season ticket so i can watch Fab4, Hleb and Walcott play their passing game.

Are Nigerians trying to boycott BA?
That would be hilarious. . . . .BA would love that.
Nigerians need to check themselves. . . . .I have been flying BA for 16 years now and i have never been maltreated.
People should learn to conduct emselves accordingly and not act like an army of lunatics!!!!

@ Lordimpaq,

Heard Hleb has been charged for slapping Graeme Murty on saturday.
He now faces 3-match ban which would effectively end his season.
Blimey. . . . What is wrong with Wenger's kids? If the Ref was vigilant, that could have easily been Wenger's 74th RED CARD since joining the Arses.
What does Wengay teach these boys at Arsenal? I guess it must be a terrorist cell in that outfit.

@ Lordimpaq,

Are u sure?
Uncle Lordi . . . .If Arsenal were in the pole position with 6 points clear. . . . You will be here everyday to taunt me, isn't it?
I mean. . . . look at the Gaynners thread. . . Debosky? Check! Lordimpaq? Check! Loyika? Check! Vieira? Check!
Bagoma? Check! Priscilla? Check! Chuckdee4? Check! Banderas? Check! Should i go on?
Even the muppets refuse to post these days. . . . .That should tell u Gaynners' performance this season have been disappointing.

Thanks Lordi. . . .
If only the other Arsenal fans are like u. . . . . .

Meanwhile, where have u been?
This is one reason i dont like Arsenal crashing out early in the season.
It sends the objective Gaynners off and all we have crawling around the land are PLASTIC fans.

The managers
The Champions League final in Istanbul three years ago awarded Rafael Benítez cult status among Liverpool fans. Avram Grant on the other hand has not had an easy task since succeeding Jose Mourinho last autumn, but his initial claims that Chelsea would play more expansively than they did under his predecessor have simply not materialised.

Indeed, there has been a certain ponderous air about many of their victories. The comparison with Manchester United's attacking flair has been a little unfair however. After all, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez were all acquired for plenty of outlay, and not developed at Old Trafford. But Benítez - more interesting to the media, more active on the touchline and more reasoned in his tactical awareness - holds the aces when comparisons are made. His European club achievements place the doleful Grant in the shade, with the Spaniard's deployment of a 4-2-3-1 formation looking to suit and best use Steven Gerrard as an attacking threat, while Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso hold the centre field.

Grant still has uncertainties to deal with at right-back, but has settled for Joe Cole, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou as his first-choice goal hopes while in midfield Michael Ballack has enjoyed a new lease of life under the media's whipping boy.

Liverpool 9 | Chelsea 7

The goalkeepers
Petr Cech and José Reina both boast massive presence and, surprisingly perhaps when one considers the constant changes in each team's back four, they have made for impressive, consistent last lines of defence. These are goalkeepers who can turn defence into attack in a trice by spotting a forward colleague who has space to run into.

Reina tends to throw, accurately and quickly, to give his forwards more chance to control as the ball arrives at a lower trajectory. Cech has a massive and hugely accurate kick, but both these players have the ability to strike the ball with a side-kick technique action which is more accurate than a full volley. Cech is more elastic and more comfortable as a catcher, while Reina has great body strength for blocking shots and is brave.

Jan Richter, then general manager of Slavia Prague, recommended Cech to Spurs when he was 18, telling me he was the best young goalkeeper in the world. Tottenham did not act and, after an eventual move to Rennes where he was scouted again, we received an adverse report from our goalkeeping coach and did not follow up our interest. A sad day.

Liverpool 8 | Chelsea 9.5

The defence
Sami Hyypia's best days may have gone after a fabulous contribution to the club over the years, but what he does well is guide the defence. He is the controller-in-chief, ensuring that they stay solid

as a unit and follow the ball out of defence after clearances, catching lazy opposing forwards offside. Jamie Carragher, happier in the centre-back position, has a sizeable task in replicating the Finn's authority, but his support of the Slovakian Martin Skrtel has been crucial.

But while Benítez has put a back four together with an emphasis very firmly on the future, Chelsea's group has a more established and solid look - typified by the enduring excellence of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho - and is laced with pace. Ashley Cole has not shown his Arsenal form at left-back but is still quick on the turn and possesses good balance.

Dirk Kuyt might present a problem to Chelsea coming blindside for headers, but he will not beat Cole for speed. In the absence of the suspended Michael Essien, at right-back either Paulo Ferreira or Juliano Belletti must contribute a performance - both, after all, are past European Cup winners, with Porto and Barcelona respectively. The visitors will want to go home without conceding more than one goal. They have the personnel in their back line to achieve that.

Liverpool 8 | Chelsea 9

The midfield
Benítez has taken a season to arrange his midfield group in a way which best complements his side's attacking talents. Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso provide a holding base to protect central defence and lock down the centre of the field and with Steven Gerrard at the head of the midfield trio, they form a formidable group to penetrate centrally.

The Argentinian has the bite, Alonso the calm head and Gerrard the acceleration to unsettle opponents. Benítez sets them out so the opposition are forced out wide. If they succeed in achieving that, the theory goes that any crosses can be dealt with and shooting opportunities can be duly restricted.

Grant will hope that Michael Ballack is fit to play alongside Frank Lampard and the reliable Claude Makelele. Lampard has to be covered closely by Mascherano as he starts deep at times and continues his run beyond Didier Drogba. Ballack, too, offers a potent goal threat. Outstanding in the air, the Germany midfielder will need to receive tight attention on set-plays in particular, although Liverpool's formidable midfield cage will be hard to break down.

Liverpool 8 | Chelsea 8

The attack
Both managers have rotated during the season, though both favour three spread across the front - two wide men coming in to support a lone front forward. The strategy demands that the wide forwards curtail the attacking movements of the opposing full-backs but, when possession is gained, provide good support in-field as well as attacking wide.

Some players are better suited to the tactic than others. Dirk Kuyt has more to his game than Jermaine Pennant or the sinewy Yossi Benayoun, while Ryan Babel's dribbling and speed will ensure he improves beyond his first season in English football.

Both sides boast outstanding front men. The in-form Fernando Torres is young, a darter of a player blessed with wonderful pace and an eye for a chance. For Chelsea Didier Drogba - brooding, powerful, forceful and stronger when holding up the ball - is also a natural goalscorer. It has taken both Grant and Benítez a season to understand which of their players suits their best combination.

Liverpool 8 | Chelsea 9

Liverpool 41/50 | Chelsea 42.5/50

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/04/22/david_pleats_big_match_analysi.html

@ Eldee,

May thunder fire your keyboard!!!

Gallas brung out the best in which players?
Fabregas? Walcott? Clichy? Why not include Adebayor, Almunia and Eduardo?
Blimey. . . . I should also say Gary Neville(without kicking a ball) brung out the best in Ronaldo, Anderson and Rio!!!!

Take off your rose tinted specs for once.
Arsenal failed to cross the finish line was due to Gallas' petulance. . . . U dont need rocket science to figure that out.
All he had to do against the Brummies was to cheer Clichy up and support Almunia. . . his confidence might have rattled McFadden!!!
Did u see Rio blaming Wes Brown for bringing down the Roma player @ OT? What happened afterwards? The plonker blew his chance!!!

William Gallas should learn to be a leader.

@ Eldee,

What about the Juventus team United whupped in 2003?
Blimey. . . .what about the Bayern Leverkusen team United walloped in 2003?
Roma in 2007 and 2008!!!!
Lyon in 2005?

Dayokanu is an idiot and i advise u not to tow his line. . . .
This was the same guy that said Ronaldo scores easily in the PREM because the defence in England is shyte and Serie A is the shiznit!!!
However, 3 Italian teams could not score a single goal against English clubs in the knock-out stages of the UCL this season, PRICELESS!!!!
How ironic?

His argument is horrendously flawed. . . . Lets look at it this way, how many teams are bigger than United in Europe? 2 or 3.
What are the chances of United meeting any of these BIG TEAMS in Europe? 1/32!!!!  Geddit?
You will live longer if u disregard Mr Dayo's animalistic rants. . . . He is a hiccup in the system of humanity.
Without a shadow of doubt, Dayo is the dullest member on Nairaland(if u assume J Unit and Folahann are rodents)

@ Eldee and HNIC,

You guys are completely missing the point!!!!
There's a thin line between success and failure.
Roy Keane/Vieira/Gary Neville/John Terry all led their teams to the title with fire in their bellies. . .
I am afraid, Gallas does not even come close to them as a leader of MEN. . . .

Do u really think his petulant behaviour would have mattered if Arsenal had won the league? The obvious answer is NO!!!!
No one would have cared if Gallas had slapped Clichy or drop-kicked the Referee for giving the penalty if Arsenal were in the pole position today.
The difference between Gallas and Neville is so CLEAR. . . . Gazza is a winner, Gallas is a loser.
Whats the point showing passion and losing out in all competitions in one season?

I am sick n tired of hearing Gallas is passionate. . . . . Can u explain why he kicked Nani? Is that passion?
Why am i even dragging this with y'all? Arsene Wenger is already re-considering Gallas' status as the captain.
I wont be surprised if its given to Cesc Fabregas or Kolo Toure. . . . Gallas as a captain failed Arsenal.
Who knows what coulda happened if Toure or Lehmann was Arsenal's captain this season. . . Arsenal lost the plot after Gallas' petulance!!!
P.S. Please, never compare Gallas with Keano, Paddy, Gazza or JT. . . . They all led their respective clubs to win titles.

@ HNIC,

Stop clutching at straws.
How can u compare Gallas' petulance with Maradona, Gazza and Sunday Oliseh crying on the pitch.
Gallas left his teammates when he should be rallying his team and defending the outcome of McFadden's penalty kick.
Your captain was throwing tantrums and kicked the hoardings of St. Andrews whiole kids were watching(his stud marks are still there).
The idiot even refused to get off the pitch after the match was over. . . It took gay Wenger 3 mins to get him off the pitch!!!
Now. . . .tell me any player in the world who has shown similar idiocy in world football.

@ Dayokanu,

You are an ERRORIST!!!!

Are u saying Juventus that had Zidane/Inzaghi/Deschamps and Edgar Davids in 1999 was not a top-rated team in Europe?
I am now sure your IQ is lower than the temp of Russia in January.

@ Doyin13,

It was bright!!!!
Arsenal were able to win the 03/04 season because RIO copped 8 months ban. . .
Up until his ban in mid-January, United was leading the table with 5 points, remember?

04/05 was the worst as injury plagued United's season. . . .RUUD didn't even play 16 games in the league.
Ferguson started rebuilding. . . . Wazza was acquired and so many teenage players were still growing(Fletcher, Ronaldo, Rossi).
U must remember United did a double on Wenger that season.

05/06 was Jose's 2nd season in the PREM. . . . .United was the only team that challenged. . .Arsenal finished 4th(should have been 5th)
This was the same season we lost Roy Keane. . . . Scholes had a recurring double vision, It was Giggs and O'Shea in the midfield.
However, Fergie was able to cop the Carling cup to console United fans on anutha disappointing season.