More on topic, if Chelsea can pull off the Quadruple and considering that Arsenal's squad is largely unchanged (other than the recent change in goal) from the players who made the unbeaten run, I'm slightly inclined to give Chelsea the nod. Certainly all four trophies would top the three to which Sir Alex lead the Red Devils in 1999.
bill, the big difference for Arsenal this year is the rash of injuries they've faced. Ljunberg, Campbell, Lauren, Bergkamp, Edu, Gilberto, and Reyes have all missed significant time (more than a couple of matches) due to injuries this season, and they don't have much depth especially at the back (Cygan? Yikes!) and defensive midfield. I think they are really missing Gilberto and Edu (and he's probably off to Valencia) particularly. Viera hasn't looked much like himself until recently either. Last year they were remarkably injury free. I'm not using this to make excuses (Fabregas has looked great for one)--their showing at Man City and Bolton was pathetic--but merely pointing out that the squad that actually steps on the field is not largely unchanged from last year's. There's a reason it took well over a hundred years to have an undefeated season occur. But a quadruple would defintely put Chelsea in rarefied air. Has it ever happened in any of the European leagues? Or does it even apply? And finally, is the Carling Cup even that important these days?
The Carling Cup is more important now that it has its European qualifying place back. Even so, it's still not that important to clubs or supporters. I can't even remember who won it last year...
I'm sure the Carling Cup is only important to the Chelsea if it comes as part of a four pack, or simply to increase the silverware count for the new era. trox, I'll give you the injuries but you have to add back Fabregas, van Persie, Flamini and Almunia and account for Chelsea's injuries (Drogba, Robben, Bridge, Kezman are the ones I can think of). Though Campbell, he could be the biggest difference for Arsenal the way Rio's return made a huge impact for ManU.
I think Robben it the main injury to have any effect on Chelsea this year. Before he returned, I actually heard chants of "boring, boring chelsea" while watching matches. He's just scary.
Yes, without Robben i don't think Chelsea would be anywhere except fighting for 4th.
Big Calm - It's going quite well. I'm more focused on organising than participating at the moment, but I've completed 8 events so far, so only another 120 or so to go. All the latest news etc. here: www.ultimateolympian.blogspot.
com [/self-promotion] afx237vi - Middlesborough won it, didn't they? First major trophy for them... ever, I think. Although, like you, I'd have to question its description as a "major trophy" Nice work those of you who tried to hijack this thread in the name of yet another Liverpool love-in - booooooo to the level-headed topic retrievers.
There are too many Liverpool love-ins hereabouts. Right now, I'm turning my attention to the FA Cup games this weekend.
Which should comfortably exclude any and all Liverpool fans from further comment.
