locutusofliverpool

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Rafa about to do some robotic dancing as part of the half time entertainment

I have to admit you are right, I made a mistake with my point about the 7 players mentioned. If Utd bought the players I mentioned on their own then maybe be able to. If they did they would do so at the cost of not having enough funds left to purchase quality squad players and thats the difference. Chelsea can afford to buy the big name player and then invest in purchasing some quality squad players, whereas with Utd its either buy the big name player this time round and then invest in squad players the next. Clubs would set high vaulations for the higher quality squad players to fund their replacements so a club like Utd cannot afford to invest in these players and the big name players simultaneously, but Chelsea can and that is how they would outspend Utd.

Bah who needs Rooney and Owen when you've got Little 'ol Robbie Fowler and Crouch?

My point was that they were prepared to spend huge amounts to sign the top players in Euope. In 2003 I remember them tabling a 32 million bid for Nesta, 50 million for Gerrard (at the beginning of the season before the summer saga). In 2005 they bid 50 million for Eto and 21 for SWP. Because of Abramovich's millions they were fully capable and willing to spend such hideous amounts on such players. Fortunately none of those clubs were so desparate for cash except for Man City. But if they had been then Chelsea could have signed all of those big name players. In the 3 years that Abramovich has been here Chelsea have spent something like 150 million or so They bought enough players make an entire line up. Compare that to Madrid or Man U How much have those clubs spent in the 3 year period and how many players have they bought? Not all the players are average as you assert. They bought Joke Hole, Robben, Duff, SWP, Chech and Crespo in that three year period. Again in comparison to either Madrid or Man U could either of those clubs buy all of those players within the short space of time at anywhere near the prices Chelsea paid? When you compare Chelsea to Madrid or Man U its quite clear that they have outspent their competion. Hardly something to be congratulatory about.

They tried to buy Gerrard and nearly suceeded. They tried to poach Walcott but failed but they suceeded in buying SWP. A player that clubs were lining up for. Duff and Robben Bridge were players other clubs were interested in, Back in 2003 there were loads of top European players that Chelsea were after but their bids were rejected. FFS they even tried to buy Henry and Viera! If thats not outspending I don't know what is. On top of that don't forget the way they recruited Kenyon and Frank Arnessen. Ever since they have been equiped with their millions they have been aggressively buying up anything they can to snuff out the competition. The signing of SWP was clear enough. They didnt want him going to one of their rivals.

The only congrats Chelsea deserve is for not bottling it and losing the league with the vast resources they have. I'd rather save my congrats for a side that fought for the title with heart, passion and skill. Such a team would be worthy champions. Chelsea havent earned the right to be called worthy champions.

Totally agree. International footie aint what its all cracked up to be.

Said the exact thing a few months ago But I think McLaren will get it. Its the FA's best and surest best.

Thats fair enough. Besides Rafas a tactical genius. If he can figure out a way to beat AC Milan from 3-0 down I am sure he can figure out a way to compensate for Garcias absence and to take advantage of the absence of Mullins.

Arrrrgghhhhh why did Garcia let that happen to himself?? FA Cup finals come around that often, bad bad mistake. I wonder though, how crucial is the WHU player that was sent off? Will his sending off drastically affect the teams shape and formation? I agree with the poster who suggested we play Kromkamp on the right. Stevie should play behind Crouchy as hes a good shooter and can link up with the big fella.

That sounds really grim. I hope we get some news tomorrow. If it is something to do with his groin then hopefully he didn't injure it badly and he was taken off as a precaution.

here here Our fans were magnificent today. If we win this it should be dedicated to Michael Shields

If only every game against Chelsea was a cup semi

Where did he injure himself exactly? Someone on the offal msg boards was saying he did his groin. I hope to god not! It would be monstorously unjust if he were to get injured after putting in such a brilliant performance

Not necessarily. Hard to find an oustanding player in a dull 0-0 long ball game.

Too bad Jose forgot to hit the save button before 5:15.

I agree, quite classless Hope this one wont come back to bite us in the a**se one day.

I wonder what was he honestly thinking when he decided to play that narrow formation? Was he trying to use man power to dominate our midfield trio? Did he think that Gerrard and Kewell would be rubbish on the wings or something? Maybe that dodgy rumour about Kewell being injured was a clever ploy by Liverpool to get him mess around with his tactics

No doubt about it. But It was really wierd to hear it being played at Old Trafford!

YESSSS justice has been done!!!

5 mins injury time...

Cisse comming on. Good substitution. Use his pace to catch them out.

oh no they are bringinger their wingers on. I am worried now