Alonso

[saj]

**** it, I think Zenden should play instead of everyone. I reckon G and T should offer him a new 5 year contract and use him as a mop - his hair is the right length

[AFII]

It's not easy to play in the central midfield when you play with Momo because you will get at least two players marking you. The opposition can afford to leave Momo unmarked and close him down later.

That changed when Momo moved out on the wing and Alonso dictated the play much better after that.

[glynner]

if todays first half has anything to do with it, he wont play on tuesday. ****in shiite

he was crap in the first half, but much better in the 2nd, when he spread the ball around more, and knocked a couple of couple of great balls out to the left wing.

[Zambian_Red]

Alonso has had a poor season, but it must be incredibly difficult for him with zero attacking movement in front of him.

He owes us a big game on Tuesday, as does Stevie, and Kuyt and Pennant and Riise....etc

Not just the above named mentioned players but the 11 players on the field will need to raise thier game and owe us a good result.

I just hope Zenden is not playing cause he does not offer us anything, wasnt great today either. The chavs blew thier title chances and apparently that dirty player carvalwhore has busted his knee.

[Morph]

Alonso was absolute **** today, one of the worst games i've seen him play, as for zenden well i'm just glad we're one game closer to the end of his contract

on a more positive not Sissoko was looking much better

[Kopite_Colin]

I Agree. Momo held the ball much better today. Esp playing right wing.

[Phil Eel]

don't think the ankle injury has anything to do with it, I think a lot of ppl take alonso for granted now, he still pulls off perfect passes with ease but that's what we expect from him now. True, I don't think he's been as good as previous seasons, but the same could be said of a certain mr gerrard as well, hopefully it's just because of the non stop footy and a good summer break will sort it

Chelsea will defend deep and not give any scope for us to get behind them. Alonso's passes will not be a usable weapon. That's why he won't start the match

[Joe Le Toff]

Alonso has had a poor season, but it must be incredibly difficult for him with zero attacking movement in front of him.

In a nutshell

He has had a hit and miss season by his standards, but the quality of his passing remains top drawer for the most part.
Put a quick goal-hungry striker in front of him who moves and Alonso's assists stats would go through the roof.
Have to say, put Owen of old there or someone similar and they'd be tailor made for each other.

[Morph]

Chelsea will defend deep and not give any scope for us to get behind them. Alonso's passes will not be a usable weapon. That's why he won't start the match

not sure why you quoted me, but I agree with you I don't think Alonso will play.

[Attilladahun]

All top players have dips in form - a point to be made is that for a midfielder you are very reliant on front and wide players getting in good positions to receive the ball and to be fair to him he has not been overly helped in that department. Of course we have seen better and tuesday will be the date for him and others to step up to the plate

[Morph]

On a side note, does anyone think he may be distracted with a possible summer move? Just watching him play today, he didn't look hugely interested and was taking an age with his passing. I know probably trying to make something out of nothing, but the end of the season is getting closer

[tomasjj]

We are owed a big performance by him on tuesday. He really needs to up his game. For me, Alonso hasn't been consistent for a while now. I am not just talking this season either. In fact I don't think Alonso has been the same player since he broke his anke two years ago. I have thought about this for some time now but have never really mentioned it. Before his injury he was absolutely suberb, his passing was ridiculously good and people were rightly comparing him to Jan Molby.

I have no idea whether the injury has affected his passing, only Alsono can answer that. What I can say is that it is nowhere near as crisp as it was pre ankle injury and the level of consistency has dropped too.

I also had the same feeling about Baros when he came back from his broken ankle. The pace and trickery had gone. He was a top player before the injury but you could see he lost his sharpness when he returned.

Singling out my favourite player for criticism!?

[marcus50bucks]

Singling out my favourite player for criticism!?

No mate.

I just wanted to share my opinion that I don't think Alonso has been the same player since he returned from a broken ankle.

Sorry.

[tomasjj]

No mate.

I just wanted to share my opinion that I don't think Alonso has been the same player since he returned from a broken ankle.

Sorry.

I was just joking, mate.

He hasn't been as good this year, very much on and off, but to be fair, the amount of movement has been lacking both on the wings and up front.

You doing fine, btw?

[marcus50bucks]

I was just joking, mate.

He hasn't been as good this year, very much on and off, but to be fair, the amount of movement has been lacking both on the wings and up front.

You doing fine, btw?

I'm fine mate thanks. Hope all is well with you. I'm starting to play the 2nd leg in my head. I'm a nervous wreck man.