A crap game? wash your mouth out

I agree that from a Chelsea perspective it probably was a crap game as you are so used to winning, but from a Sunderland point of view it was a brilliant game and a totally deserved result, these thoughts also echoed by the commentators. This sort of performance from a very young Sunderland team has been brewing up this season and was no fluke, although I doubt we will get to see it every week. There are a few Mackems on this forum, so let's enjoy a great team effort when we can - yesterday, the boat came in.

Given the way the PL is shaping up this season you could probably make the same claim for every other team, bar West Ham.

I really wasn't confident Dougie, as the opening montage said we are 12-2 from out last 2 visits and even going further back it's not a ground we have enjoyed. But as Merson quite rightly pointed out, they had 4 international players at the back and we outplayed them for most of the 90 mins.

As you poined out, this from a very young side too, exciting times up here

So who will win the league?? Chelsea are starting to show they look 'not so good' with a few key players missing, Man U certainly havent done anything to warrent a fluury o fbets at the bookmakers.

As I have said in the past Brian with 5 or 6 games to go Arsenal were right in there last year, but we lost 4 or 5 key players and faded. Why do you keep using Xmas as a refernce point??

Yep! and as per last year the top teams will all lose 5 or 6 matches, wide open IMO

And Liverpool.

Obviously.

Yes, it certainly is lack of depth.  Of course part of that is the new Premier League rule about the composition of the squad. 

If you are competing in the Champions League as well then you do need two very good players for every position, or several all-rounders who are able to double up.

Lampard is a class player - one of the best in terms of goal-scoring attacking midfielders IMO.  That's a big reason for Chelsea's dip in form, coupled with the loss of other first team players (Benayoun, Essien, Terry, Alex, Lampard, Essien - not to forget that Drogba is recovering from malaria).

Essien: so good you named him twice??

LOL. I'm sure there's a song in there somewhere....

Well spotted - he is worth two mentions isn't he?

If I was a betting man I would have staked my money a couple of weeks ago on Woy getting sacked before the Spanish Waiter. However, having read the press this morning (not that I believe much of what is written) I'm not so sure.

Terry out for months?

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/football/article-1330021/John-Terry-injury-shock-Chronic-leg-nerve-problem-rule-Chelsea-captain-months.html

Its funny isnt it, Last year Arsenal lost many key members of their starting XI , the side they took to Barca for the 2nd leg was short of several first choice players,many said Arsenal were weak. I wonder what the comments about Chelsea will be??

Dont be surprised if they aren't top after Saturday's fixture's , but they will be unlucky because of the injuries they have

What is funny is that until the weekend all the talk was that the likes of Chelsea and possibly Man U have two teams that would be top of the table. Suddenly it's now all about injuries??

Yes , strange that

I'm worried that half of our first choice players will come back from international duty injured and miss the Spurs game.

Be afraid...be very afraid!

Yeh right. Not a chance in hell.

'Arry will be in for him, because 'Arry's always in for everyone.

I certainly expect him to make a bid for Carroll.

A move to the bright lights, big city is just what Carroll needs off the field

Me too, though hopefully with it being friendlies most will only be bit part players, at least Huddlestone is already missing for Spurs, a must win game for Arsenal, could go top and 10 points clear of Spurs

It would certainly be a challenge to 'Arry's 'man person management' skills. I dare not imagine him being out on the razz with Jenas, Huddlestone and Defoe.

Not that I read all of this stuff but anyone who has been following Chelsea will have known that they (a) reduced the squad and (b) were restricted by the new rules

Remember that Chelsea let go in the summer:  Cole, Ballack, Carvallho, Belletti

Add on the current injuries:  Terry, Lampard, Benajoun, Alex

That's eight players who were mostly key to the success of recent seasons.  The squad is nowhere near as strong now.

My point though, is that none of this ever gets mentioned until they get beat. I think it's a bit of a poke in the eye to the likes of Sunderland, that whilst getting a pat on the back for playing well, it's always with the caveat that Chelsea were not at full strength.

Agreed, to have 19 shots at Chelsea's goal AT Stamford Bridge is a top top effort