Just what is this guy playing at?!

Joe Cole was at the heart of everything good about Chelsea, adding flair and movement to a fairly rigid diamond formation, constantly picking up the ball in dangerous pockets and committing defenders in the final third. Cole is a player like no other in Capello’s England shortlist and, if he can stay fit, must be a shoe-in for South Africa. He’s akin to an English South American; a dainty playmaker that can turn a game with one through ball, one mazy dribble, one devastating turn of pace.

Chelsea could have scored eight; in the end though, five was enough as Frank Lampard (2), Michael Essien, Didier Drogband and a Gael Givet own goal sent the Blues back to Premier League summit.

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed a thoroughly professional performance as Antonio Valencia’s second goal in as many matches, four minutes from time, saw off Juande Ramos’s side and ensured United matched the record set by the Dutch club between 1994 and 1997.

United and Ajax both lost Champions League finals in Italy during these 14-game runs, but let’s not be pedantic…

Like Chelsea, 4-0 winners over Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge, a point from their next fixture — against CSKA at Old Trafford on November 3 — should be enough to secure qualification with two games to spare.

With Liverpool to play at Anfield on Sunday, it was the perfect run-out and result for United, who also avoided any further injuries on the artificial pitch at the Luzhniki Stadium.

I watched the match. I must say, I’ve never seen Liverpool play so badly. It really was men against boys. Fiorentina were first to every ball. I can’t even recall a good attacking move by Liverpool in the first half. Both goals should have been stopped however. The first was ridiculous – every Liverpool defender tried to play the offside – they all just looked around when Stevan Jovetic was through on goal – expecting the flag and the whistle. It didn’t come and Jovetic calmly slotted past Reina.

We are all use to seeing Liverpool tighten up when they need to. However, Tuesday night was different. When they are a goal down, playing badly, Fiorentina are on fire – DON’T GIVE THE BALL AWAY – keep it at 1-0 at the break. Instead Liverpool gave the ball away way to easily and Jovetic poked in his second from a cross/shot. Bam, I felt right there, there go Liverpool’s chances in this game!

But..in the end. We need to take this game into context. Its an early group stage game in the Champions league. It doesn’t matter that they lost – I have no doubt they will still qualify – they still have Fiorentina at home, Debrecon (whom Lyon smashed 4-0 the other day). This game will act as a warning bolt of lightning in the Liverpool camp.

Gerrard said: “We will be fine if we win our home games.”

I’ll put my life out on the line here and say that I expect them to take the game to Chelsea, I expect a goal feast and I expect another phenominal performence from El Nino!

Chelsea also played rubbish this week, however their opponents were too weak to get anything from the game and Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners, courtesy of an 18th minute Anelka strike. I feel this puts so much pressure on both Chelsea and Liverpool on the weekend, to perform and get a result. I’m already starting to get excited!

Manchester United, it could be argued were the only English side who showed some spirit over the past couple of nights. United needed goals from Ryan Giggs (he’s getting mentioned a lot recently!) and Michael Carrick to come from behind to beat Wolfsburg – the German champions.  United had two balls in the back of the net – both disallowed (Rooney and Giggs) but that didn’t deter them! One thing to take from this game – Vidic is immune to getting sent off, unitl the weekend at least!

Liverpool vs Burnley – Benayoun played an absolutely fantastic game, scoring a brilliant hatrick. Kuyt scored the other Liverpool goal in a 4-0, over the team which downed Manchester United.  Not only did Benayoun score 3, he set up Kuyt’s goal, well, sort of. Blasted a fantastic shot at the keeper, who couldn’t handle it. Being fair to Kuyt, he’s a striker, poaching is a must. If you watch the replays, you’ll see how he anticipated to keeper dropping the shot, and making sure he was the first to get there. Overall, a solid performance from the reds.

Chelsea vs Stoke – Pretty standard match this. Chelsea dominating possession after getting the equalizer. The keeper, keeps it level until the very last minute – and bang, something ticks off in his head and he’ll let a ball fly into the back of his net. One, he really should be saving. I’m not exactly sure where the 5 minutes of extra time came in this match. Well done to Chelsea for sticking at it though. Although, this seems to happen a fair bit with the blues, eh?

Manchester United vs Spurs – THIS game, was one of the best games, I’ve had the pleasure of watching this season. Dream start for Spurs, when Crouchy nodded down the ball, only for Jermaine Defoe to smash it in the back of the net, upside down! (bicycle kick) – After that ball nestled the net, the game was packed full of cation. My favorite moment of this game came at Manchester’s equalizer. I will never forget that footy moment. Let me explain further.

1.) Berbatov seems to dive (SEEMS!) – although the tackle was pretty ridiculous, two footed, from behind.

2.) The commentator decides to mention a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, and how Manchester United would be missing his services at this precise moment.

3.) Gigs steps up – and sends a beauty into the top-right corner – Cudicini seemed to get fairly close, but in reality, it would of had to be a pretty special save!

Thats all for now, take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Chelsea were handed a fine of £300,000 and received a three-point deduction for “tapping-up” the ex-Arsenal player during a hotel meeting, 2005. Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, and Ashley were fined £75,000 each.

John Obi Mikel

The Nigerian was first signed by United, from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo in 2005. However, after showing the desire to move to Chelsea, Mikel signed, but not until the latter months of 2006. Chelsea have been forced to pay £4million to Lyn (Norwegian club) as well as a further £12m to Manchester United.

Tom Taiwo and Michael Woods

Chelsea were accused of making an illegal deal to the Leeds United pair, 2006. Chelsea then agreed on £5m compensation to be paid to the pair after Leeds United worried Chelsea with the possibility of Court.

Nathan Porritt

BBC’s Panorama stated that Chelsea had enticed the Middlesbrough teenager to Stamford Bridge in 2006. Chelsea, apparently, offered £150k to Porritt via his agent (due to his age). The programme put the blame on the director of football at Chelsea, a certain Frank Arnesen…REMEMBER THE NAME!

Speaking at his first press conference, the Italian said: “Zhirkov, (Daniel) Sturridge – these are Chelsea players.”

The winger will follow striker Daniel Sturridge into Stamford Bridge as the Blues build for next season’s campaign.

The club confirmed on their website that a fee had been agreed for the Russian but said the deal was still subject to a medical and agreement on personal terms.

“Zhirkov is naturally on the left. I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between,” Ancelotti said of the 25-year-old.

However, the former Milan boss refused to confirm Deco and Ricardo Carvalho would be leaving west London despite the pair being heavily linked with Inter Milan.

He said: “Carvalho and Deco are chelsea players.

“If in the future a player wants to go they have to speak with the club and we take the right decision for the player and for us.”