KaKa

I'm not watching it until about 2:00pm tuesday uk time so nobody mention the result.  Cheers.

So weird you say that because I noticed him in the most recent training photos looking really cheerful, and I did think at the time that it seemed he was more into it than previously.

Yeah the pictures from Saturday's session had them side by side during the session. Looked like they were gelling. Can see them getting along really well. Colo to join his staff next season should we stay up.

Love the fact he went and spoke to Shearer and Beardsley. You can see that Shearer appreciated it, and I'm sure it got Rafa even more excited and determined about pulling this off. Good stuff.

Mahrez vs Colback the stuff of nightmares!

Scholes is so pathetically biased. Such a weirdo.

Good game.

Howard's brilliant because he's watched replays the last 15 mins.

Give me strength Lawd.

Memphis is such a goof.

Carrick is pretty awful man. Misplaces so many passes nowadays.

Great goal Martial! Good finish.

Memphis is the worst impact sub ever. Either start him or don't bother with the guy.

Never a foul on Payet on that breakaway.

 

It was, didn't think it at first but he does pull his arm when he gets ahead of him.

Nope Varela went to use his arm first. Both were jostling for position. No foul.

Never a foul on Payet on that breakaway.

What a strike!

Penalty all day.

Excellent article on Rafa's tactics below. The bit about the midfield balance is particularly interesting. Highlights how clueless our midfield pairings have been. Rafa's emphasis on balance based on each midfielder's attributes is going to be key.

http://eplindex.com/30418/chelseas-tactical-progress-benitez-in-depth-analysis.html

Costa is so mentally weak man. Utter head case.

The level to which Chelsea screwed up over Lukaku man. Mourinho is such a clueless git with youngsters.

I may be getting carried away here, but with this appointment, I can see an end game from Ashley. Much more sellable asset still in the PL with Rafa in charge. This appointment is so unlike him. Full control as manager, big wage, new staff, he'll not be pushed around... All total opposite to what I'd expect. This is a huge move. With only 10 games left? It's all or nothing now. Balls on the table. Hopefully we stay up and then he f***s off. Optimistic I know

 

We've spent the best part of £80 million to go backwards, spending the same to go forwards would be a no brainer.  Charnley, Carr and Moncur have all screwed up and put their easy jobs at risk, screwing a good manager doesn't make sense and they will know that.

 

I'll almost guarantee our defence is sorted in the summer if we do stay up.  We'll not be buying more midfielders while we can't score or keep a clean sheet.  Benitez is their potential get out of jail card and they'll know it so self preservation will tell them to back the manager.

 

I agree. Small thing though; none of NUFC's current crop of midfielders strikes me as having what Benítez looks for in a midfielder (tactical discipline, good conditioning, not afraid of the ball, and then more tactical discipline) so they'll definitely will be in the market for one or two this summer.

Anita and Saivet are the closest IMO.

Can't wait to see his first team sheet man. Love to see how he envisions setting us up.

From his interview it seems he has watched us play and is familiar with the team somewhat.

That defender for Reading is incredibly thick. Just so stupid man.

would be nice if he said fuxx the relegation clause ...if I get you relegated I will stay with you 

It's a remote possibility, but it's not completely impossible, so there's that too. Better to just assume he leaves tbh.

OH MY GOODNESS!!! OLA JOHN HUGE MISS!!!

Another goalkeeping howler. That Woodman effect!

Palace lose this and then immediately sack Pardew would make this day perfection.

Hell no! They need to be relegated with him at the helm please.