treiz wrote:Ok now that I've managed to calm down a bit here's some more thoughts
Cech - Rarely troubled to be honest, apart from that Robben chance in the first half where he saved it with his foot, made pretty easy saves throughout the game, including the penalty from Robben mainly because of the heroics of our defence. Immense in the shootout though, went to the right direction throughout, and could've saved 4 out of the 5, unlucky with Lahm's penalty, but should've saved Neuer. But he did come massive with the Olic and Schweinsteiger saves.
Ashley Cole - Best left back in the world no questions asked. Absolute world class performance from him, nobody on the right could do anything against him: Robben, Muller, Ribery couldn't do squat against him. Also covered magnificently and blocked a crucial Gomez chance in the 2nd. Got a bit caught out towards the end of regulation as shown from the Muller goal. Clutch penalty as well, MOTM for me
Cahill and Luiz - Performed amazing. Luiz won every aerial battle with Gomez, had a few of WTF moments especially when he fouled someone in the box and ball ran to Gomez, but most of it was because you could clearly see him being bothered by his injuries, he couldn't run fully throughout that whole game, another great penalty from him too. Cahill, Got a foot in nearly every shot, played that covering defender well and really sweeped behind Luiz, had a couple of fantastic blocks as well.
Bosingwa - Played well, Robben and Ribery tried to interchange to try to get past him and abuse that side, and he did well, blocks a lot of crosses and did a good job with Kalou. Ruined the celebration, the trophy should've been lifted with Terry on one side of the cup and Lamps on the other.
Mikel - If not for Cole's performance, he would've gotten MOTM for me. Calm, composed, showed great feet on a few occasions and kept it simple and really protected the back four, had a couple of moments when he should've closed earlier allowing the shot from far but I'm just nitpicking here, showed great awareness when defending and strength. One in particular was when he tackled Ribery/Robben (not sure which one), slipped and got tackled got back up and got the ball back. Best performance of his career and it's amazing how far he's come.
Lampard - Did well, gave the ball away needlessly at times that led to 2 of Bayern's best chances. Other than that, him along with Mikel showed great feet when under pressure. Very composed and led by example, marvelous defensive performance from him, won nearly every tackle and even beat Robben a couple of times. Took a captain's penalty.
Mata - Quiet but performed admirably, can't blame him since he was up against Kroos and Schweinsteiger since Lamps/Mikel were far from him, tried to initiate attacks but couldn't but he did do a decent job defending when called upon.
Bertrand - Did well to help out Ashley and neutralize the Bayern right side, had a performace that was expected of him. Defends well but a bit lacking going forward, one in particular was in the 1st half, where I think it was Mata spread the ball to him to the left, Drogba in acres of space in the middle and he cose to run at Lahm. Other than that, good performance from him, and let's hope that he can learn from this.
Drogba - What can I say, an absolute legend, hit was absolutely written in the stars for him. I hope he stays because he deserves to retire with a blue shirt, but if he does leave what a send off. Couldn't do much in the first half attacking wise but his hold up play was terrific as usual. GREAT header from him for the equaliser. Boneheaded tackle for the penalty, but despite that he defended well, won every header in corners and put in a shift down that right side when Kalou came off. Had to be him for the 5th penalty, and like I said what a send off, I know Chelsea have said that they will have contract talks next week, but if he does ply his trade elsewhere, thanks for the memories Didier, best striker in our clubs history.
That said, commiseration's to Bayern, terrible finishing haunted them that whole game and it was an exciting game, we had some chances too but terrible decision making (see Bertrand for example) didn't allow to have a crack at Neuer. My heart was in my mouth the whole time. Just watched the shootout again and I am buzzing right now, what a great day for our club