Drog is rested. Hope he will come on as sub to torment his favorite foes. Arsenal XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud.Subs: Szczesny, Debuchy, Gibbs, Wilshere, Walcott, Flamini, Welbeck Chelsea XI: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Ramires, Oscar, Willian, Hazard. Subs:Cech, Filipe Luis, Zouma, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Cuadrado, Drogba.
Technically Cesc's dive waz a pen cos there waz contact, I don't like it cos cesc waz fishing for it. All pro players say they think that is fine to do and all defend the practice of it.
Such a comfortable performance with the pressure right on us. Azpi was outstanding. Title almost won.
Happy days! We're all but there! Not pretty but we did what we needed to do! Our back 4 has to be the best in the world!
Never thought I'd praise the team for a 0-0 scoreline. This game was the best example of the difference between "the Bus Route" and tactically controlling the game and neutralising the opposition. This time we held the ball, stopped almost every Arsenal attack and attacking player, created a couple of excellent chances, and ran the show the way we had to. Throw in a couple of Penalties not given ( and one for Arsenal) and we gave a masterclass in defensive domination. Not a player flinched, and the often criticised Cahill was as good as anyone. Would prefer to beat them by scoring more goals, but this was one to savour.
Maybe, maybe not, not sure our first call was either, but I'm sure the Goalie foul was, and Fabregas as well, but an overdramatic dive made it harder for the ref.
Have to say the Arsenal fans were showing their colours yesterday alongside their frustration. Chants of boring, boring Chelsea rang out across the game yet every time there was a Chelsea break away the player was brought down deliberately, resulting in a yellow card. Not only that but when Cesc was subbed he was booed. Quite frankly a nasty showing on all accounts from Arsenal and happy that a draw angered them more than it elated us.
Arsenal fans embarrassed themselves with their lake of class yesterday re Fabregas. Re the pens, I don't think any were pens save for the Oscar one when the keeper completely took him out. It's arguably a red as well for a combination of denying a scoring opportunity and dangerous play. How the ref 'missed' it I'll never know!!
This Dial Square, Woolwich lad from South London needs a cuddle. When I see this lot seething it just makes the world a lovelier place.
Best chance of the game fell to Rambo who per usual screwed up. We were miles better and deserved all 3 from that game. That is not including the pens.