Started well but chances that were made were fluffed or easily saved. Two goals and the bar being smacked twice with Almunia copletely beaten means we got away without being trounced. Matches are 90 minutes long, not 30.

I think it’s important to take the positives from this game. We were more than a match for them and probably should have punished them more in the first half. When we failed to do so it was always a concern since Chelsea specialise in winning matches in such circumstances.

It was a great goal from Theo and the stress he released in his celebration was brilliant to see.

No complaints about their first goal from me. It was very marginal and I would have been annoyed had it been one of ours and he was called offside in an identical situation – just like Adebayor was late in the game. I prefer when the benefit of the doubt in such tight calls are given to the forward.

As for the second goal, Senderos lost his man altogether. Very annoying. Good header but really he should have been under more pressure.

The brawl… well Kolo was probably frustrated having missed that great chance to put us ahead before Drogba scored. His reaction was over the top and out of character and he probably deserved to go. As for Ade… well I saw him waving his arms but lotsa people were doing stuff so I feel the ref could have just sent the two boys off and everyone would have been satisfied action had been taken. At that rate, Fab and Lampard should have walked too. Webb likes the attention though and that shone through there.

Strange game and quite anti-climatic. I think we lost some tempo after the Terry incident and I really wished we’d had Hleb to stick on the left wing rather than Hleb who was less effective on that side. We were also disadavntaged by Hoyte’s injury – he was basically walking wounded for the last 20 minutes.

A shame but the team did us proud again. More than a match for the (former) champions and let’s hope their progress continues.

Not hugely surprised JT is fit. A bit like the egg-chasing ruse with Johnny Wilkinson this weekend. Fat lot of good it did them so more of the same for Chelsea please… I wouldn’t be 100% convinced of his fitness, especially if it went to extra-time. The prospect of Cashley coming back only to get destroyed by Theo… Wonderful.

While I think Traore deserves to start, I reckon Clichy will get the nod. I’d sooner have kept him on the bench and then unleash him if and when necessary (as we did at the Lane). Then again, Clichy is hardly a ‘senior’ player! Also reckon Tom will start the game. He’s becoming a hugely important player for us and his presence helps move us up a gear.

Almunia (always a good man for a penalty shoot-out and in great from right now)
Hoyte (if fit, although I’d play Djorou ahead of Gallas as he liked a bit uncomfortable out there on Tuesday)
Toure
Senderos
Clichy
Walcott
Diaby
Denilson
Rosicky
Aliadiere
Baptista

Average age of around 21 when you exclude Almuina? Nice…

Today’s the day when Theo does the business. WE GONNA WIN.

By the way I’ve added a new contact page. http://the-cannon.com/contact

I don’t believe 1st team (tired) can win against Chelsea if maintaining same performance against PSV in Wed. So, why don’t take more youth with talent in squad? Coming FA Cup against Bolton and CL again PSV will be more important and tough. AW must rest his important players as much as possible for them to refresh.

Alumina
Hoyte(Flamini)/Toure/Djourou/Traore
Walcott(Helb)/Denison/Daiby/Tomas
Ali/Bap

Sub
Flamini Helb Fab Gilberto Senderos Adebayor