Out of form? My right foot!

Frank Lampard must be well and truly out of form! He just scored his fifth goal of the season apart from the assists and the goals he has set up. What was more conclusive of Lampard’s in-ness in the season was the fact that he scored through a free kick.

The first half did not promise too much. It did not look like we were going to crush them. We were just playing along looking not too motivated to give a five-star performance. The highlight of the first half was of course, the three-point save (as referred so by Boss) by Hilario. He is making a very strong case for himself and he is proving that he is no mickey mouse (thanks to Boss again) goalie. Boss said:

Hilario is playing amazing. He is very cool in the goal, very comfortable. The penalty save could be crucial for the game. Carlo Cudicini is available for selection. Like with every player, I have to think and choose the one who can do better for us.

After Lamps embarrassed the Sheffield goalkeeper, within 10 minutes, beautiful teamwork and set up play ensured another Ballack header. His headers are so convincing and comfortable that it looks like he’s got two hands sticking out of his head. He put across a volley that missed by some inches, which, had gone in, would have sent shivers through the other premiership teams.

As we got two goals up, I could see our tempo slowing down and we weren’t too keen to humiliate Sheffield. Later on, Boss explained why we were not stretching ourselves too much:

I am pleased with the points, they are very important, I was pleased with the way we controlled the game after the second goal. Maybe if we didn’t have the game on Tuesday, the activity of team would be different with a bit more ambition.

But for a big team like us with matches every three days, I think it was the perfect decision the team made to play safely and control the game in the second-half.

The bad news is that Drobga has picked up what seems to be a minor injury that should keep him out of action for a week or so. Unfortunately, even Sheva is doubtful starter for Barca. Jose is not ruffled though, he has seen two of his goalies stretchered off in the same match! In this context, one thing is for sure - Kalou and Robben are the men to watch in the weeks to come.

Elsewhere in the Emigrants stadium in the Arsenal’s Grave, the gooners drew 1-1 with Everton and all the hype and hooplah of super form of the 4-0 win against Reading are settling down. I always believed that Arsenal would look very formidable against weaker opponents and better teams can always frustrate Arsenal by hampering their natural game and even pick up a point or three.

Liverpool fans can sleep peacufully tonight after their top performance that got them a 3-1 win over resolute Villa. Rafa can write back to that unnamed but identified director of the Liverpool Board.

Man Utd is now the team to beat. The only missing piece of their jigsaw fit perfectly today. A fantastic hattrick by Rooney saw them demolish Bolton at the Reebok’s. I would love to see us play these guys. Less than a month to go!

Ok! Bring on Barca!

Oh wait! As I finish this post I see Milan pipped by Inter 4-3. Sorry Sheva!