Rival Watch

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I thought you lot looked good. Fabregas is simply tremendous. Feel slight animosity we seemingly didn't bother going for him..

This year really fell into place for us. We were close last year but were missing a central play maker to replace Frank and a top striker. Both players at the right price came available and fortunately they've both hit the ground running. Bigger tests to come of course.
 
This year really fell into place for us. We were close last year but were missing a central play maker to replace Frank and a top striker. Both players at the right price came available and fortunately they've both hit the ground running. Bigger tests to come of course.

I think your run will come to an end at the Etihad. Last season pellegrini underestimated you but this time he'll be ready and waiting. You'll lucky to escape with a draw. In fact I think that Jose might play for one <ok>
 
This year really fell into place for us. We were close last year but were missing a central play maker to replace Frank and a top striker. Both players at the right price came available and fortunately they've both hit the ground running. Bigger tests to come of course.

Since when has Lampard been a playmaker?

I think you where missing a playmaker of real quality, as Oscar and Willian are not good enough to play Number 10 for a top side. Fabregas is a massive improvement on both of those.

Costa is looking very good so far. He's looked like the fox in the box you've been missing for along time. Even Drogba was never consistently prolific, and the likes of Torres, Ba and Eto'o were just not good enough last season.

I think you guys will probably win the title this season, if I'm honest. Though still a lot of football to be played :biggrin:
 
Since when has Lampard been a playmaker?

I think you where missing a playmaker of real quality, as Oscar and Willian are not good enough to play Number 10 for a top side. Fabregas is a massive improvement on both of those.

Costa is looking very good so far. He's looked like the fox in the box you've been missing for along time. Even Drogba was never consistently prolific, and the likes of Torres, Ba and Eto'o were just not good enough last season.

I think you guys will probably win the title this season, if I'm honest. Though still a lot of football to be played :biggrin:

Lampard was not a play maker in the same way as Fabregas but still got plenty of assists. What we had that is basically impossible to replace was Lampard's goals from midfield. We were never going to be able to replace the best goal scoring midfielder in premier league history so you have to replace with something else i.e a playmaker who can provide assists to others to make up the shortfall in Lampard's goals.

Nice to see your admitting you were wrong re Costa though ;)
 
Lampard was not a play maker in the same way as Fabregas but still got plenty of assists. What we had that is basically impossible to replace was Lampard's goals from midfield. We were never going to be able to replace the best goal scoring midfielder in premier league history so you have to replace with something else i.e a playmaker who can provide assists to others to make up the shortfall in Lampard's goals.

Nice to see your admitting you were wrong re Costa though ;)

Exactly. What we will miss from Frank in terms of goals will be made up for in what Fabregas gives in assists.
 
Remains to be seen. Not sure he'll ever be as good or consistent as Ronaldo was at United. He was an absolute beast.

Di Maria is a fine player but I think you're over egging it a little.

Not at all. Hes the sort that will take matters into his own hands, run past everyone and cross outside of the laws of physics for falcao to score.

Did i forget to mention falcao as well? Woops
 
Again remains to be seen. The guy has been playing in a weak league last year and just had a really bad injury. He was a top player but there is a reason Real didn't want him...he is an expensive risk.

Or as is more likely. Real are morons. See their transfer dealings, any window you like.

What real madrid do in terms of transfers should be laughed at. Its a circus as you laugh at the circus.