Decent performances today...

[Meursault]

For me Gonzalez showed pace and effort but nothing more today. That said I think in order for him to adapt he needs to really get the bit between his teeth, and that's what he's doing. Hopefully he will progress, I can see him getting starts in many of the remaining league games now which will be a good opportunity for him.

Gonzalez was absymal. If we want a sprinter, we would've bought an Olympic gold medallist. His crosses were shocking. No sense of positioning, dreadful final passes.

[Guest]

Gonzo will be a key player for us next season. His wing play was excellent in the second half. It has to be said also that Pennant can also improve. All in all, both these players are starting to prove the doubters wrong.

[Svennis]

Bellamy and Kuyt should start up front againts Chelsea, because of their movement and CB's pace.

[Morph]

Pleased with Kuyt's performance today, think he's becoming more accustomed to the league now, and plays better when he's deployed further up the pitch, rather than trying to bring the ball from midfield.

Was impressed with Pennant again, I hope he maintains this level through till next season, the need for another right sided player won't be so great then.

I'm starting to think more and more that I prefer Arbeloa to Finnan, he offers more going forward, maybe sacrificing the defensive play slightly but against teams like Wigan it's not too important.

Gonzo I thought did well, showed glimpses of his pace and passing ability, not up to standard yet, but hopefully he can use today to get himself going.

One of my main gripes was JAR, why must he always take 25-30yrd pot shots? Okay once we went a goal up it can be forgiven, but it seems like every time he sees the ball he just wants to attack it even when the pass would be a better option, pity Aurelio got injured when he did, because he was starting to offer a bit more from that position.

[Kopite_Colin]

Bellamy and Kuyt should start up front againts Chelsea, because of their movement and CB's pace.

Crouch has to play against Chelsea. He's scored against them this season. Away from home it'll be Riise, Sissoko or Alonso, Mascherano & Gerrard in MF, and Kuyt off Crouch. Or even Riise, Sissoko AND Alonso, Mascherano & Gerrard off Crouch from the right.

[Morph]

Crouch has to play against Chelsea. He's scored against them this season. Away from home it'll be Riise, Sissoko or Alonso, Mascherano & Gerrard in MF, and Kuyt off Crouch. Or even Riise, Sissoko AND Alonso, Mascherano & Gerrard off Crouch from the right.

Disagree, he'll want to play Bellamy to hit them on the counter, which is probably what our game will be based on up there, and in that type of system, i'd imagine he'll be partnered with Kuyt to do all the donkey work, including more defensive duties.

[Kopite_Colin]

I don't think Kuyt or Bellamy will play. Of the 2 it'll be Kuyt for his closing down work rate.

I think the front 5 will be:

Riise---Alonso---Sissoko---Mascherano---Gerrard

--------------------Crouch

[Morph]

I'd say one of Alonso, Sissoko or Mascherano is expendable, especially given the work Kuyt does. I'd play Crouch in the home leg, but like I said Bellamy in the away leg to hit on the break, because there's not a lot of pace in those 6 players.

[REDSCOUSER]

Kuyt was immense today, movement, link up, first touch. Defo man of the match for me.
How about Arbeloa. Again he had a fantastic match. He was so good that Kilbane shoved him off the ball at the Kop end when he was trying to shepard it out of touch. Arbeloa just got on with the game, no fuss.
I am really liking him as a player and attitude. He might save a few million in the summer the way he is playing. Also, he is linking up very well with Pennant who had another solid game. Overall the REDS totally dominated.

[Kopite_Colin]

I don't think Rafa will be that attacking in the 1st leg. I think he'll bring Bellamy on after 70 mins and try and pich a goal as players are tiring.

[Meursault]

Kuyt was immense today, movement, link up, first touch. Defo man of the match for me.
How about Arbeloa. Again he had a fantastic match. He was so good that Kilbane shoved him off the ball at the Kop end when he was trying to shepard it out of touch. Arbeloa just got on with the game, no fuss.
I am really liking him as a player and attitude. He might save a few million in the summer the way he is playing. Also, he is linking up very well with Pennant who had another solid game. Overall the REDS totally dominated.

Arbeloa actually tugged Kilbane's shirt first (blind side of ref and linesman, facing the kop). Kilbane shoved him in frustration, should be a foul and a freekick against us. Arbeloa actually gave a C.Ronaldo-esque wink to Sami/Reina after winning that freekick, but that ex-bitter had it coming with that constipated face of his.

[Morph]

Arbeloa actually tugged Kilbane's shirt first

Nah they both had hands on each other, could just see Arbeloa tugging his shirt more clearly.

[REDSCOUSER]

Arbeloa actually tugged Kilbane's shirt first (blind side of ref and linesman, facing the kop). Kilbane shoved him in frustration, should be a foul and a freekick against us. Arbeloa actually gave a C.Ronaldo-esque wink to Sami/Reina after winning that freekick, but that ex-bitter had it coming with that constipated face of his.

maybe sami/reina were tell him what a good job he did so he answered back with a wink all irrelevent really, he had a sound match once again

[Meursault]

Very sound match indeed. Thank you West Ham Utd.

[Kopite_Colin]

I hope West Ham beat Wigan, so they've got something to play for on the last day of the season against the Scum.

Next week's also going to be critical - Scum away to bitters, Chelski at home to Fat Sam's Boys