Daniel1980

That looks increasingly likely.

Yeah, he certainly could have, but it's often very close. For example, Cesc's POtMs were won in 2007, even though 2009-2010 was considered his best season for Arsenal. Even Ronaldo had only 4 POtMs in 6 seasons in the PL.

Mata in 2012 and Luiz in 2011. In our current squad, only JT( 2005), Cech (2007), and Cesc(twice in 2007) won the award before, and now Costa.

Signing a new contract means very little these days, though. It would just mean we wouldn't have to sell him for cheap. Ultimately, it depends only on Eden. If he really wants to play for RM and they want him, he might ask to be sold and there's very little we can do about it.

The game against France was nothing in comparison to the Macedonia game. Pass-pass-pass-pass-pass. It was almost hypnotizing. I've seen on BBC that Cesc set his personal record for Spain in that game, completing over 120 passes or something. Xavi would be proud.

I agree with a lot of this, but you can't really compare the expectations people have of Hazard and his other teammates last year. The greater the talent, the bigger the expectations. It's natural. In a way, it is a compliment to him. If people started thinking it was all right for him to perform just okay in many games, then he would have been mediocre. As I already said, I would like him to become the top player--he has everything for that--but I'd be okay if he never makes that step and remains just a great team player he is now. There will be some disappointment of course, but he's a better player already than most.

I share similar concerns, tbh. He's our most naturally gifted player, but at times I feel he lacks something that'll take him to the next level. His dribbling and speed are his best assets, but he seems unwilling to use them more directly and run at defenders like Messi does all the time. His vision and passing are good, but nowhere as good and creative as that of true playmakers like Cesc and Silva. His finishing is good, but he doesn't seem to like shooting much. So while he doesn't have obvious weaknesses, he doesn't use his strengths as consistently as he could have. If he doesn't become the top player, it'll be his own fault, because the talent to be the top player is there. Right now Eden is just a great player. Is it enough for him? I don't know. If it is, fair enough, I guess. We can't force him to become something he doesn't want to be.

I think he'll be something in the middle between Costa and Cesc: will have less goals than Costa and less assists than Cesc, but more goals than Cesc and more assists than Costa.

Azpi was on the bench for Spain, so he's fresh unlike Luis. It makes Luis's playing against Swansea even more unlikely. But the Schalke game is a real possibility.

There's an opinion that Costa isn't really injured (or not injured seriously) and it was just an excuse to call up Munir before Morocco did.

I liked Fly Emirates. It would be cool to have a prestigious sponsor, but considering FFP, money is more important.

What did he say? I'm at work, so I can't watch.

Oscar: Cesc Fabregas is my perfect midfield partner So it's actually the plan. Sometimes I wondered whether they switch positions because Jose told them so or Oscar just happens to cover up for Cesc when he goes forward. Good to know for certain it's supposed to work that way.

That's why I said the opposition is poor. But they look just as silky as the team that won everything.

The opposition was poor, but Spain is ridiculously good. Cesc and Busquets completely bossed the midfield.

Gotta say it must be hard to be Cesc. It's very obvious he's trying to keep everyone happy: Arsenal fans, Chelsea fans, and Barcelona fans, but some people will still hear what they want to hear. SKY headline for the same article: Cesc Fabregas says he is committed to Chelsea (Arsenal fans: "Traitor!") Daily Mail headline: Cesc Fabregas reveals he 'will always feel like a Gunner' and it will be a 'special moment' returning to Arsenal with Chelsea (Arsenal fans: "Liar!") In reality, it was just a small part of a big interview in which he was asked by the interviewer how a gunner can play for Chelsea. It's a very good interview, actually. He says all the right things. Even the gunner part is surprisingly all right.

No one comes up with the characteristics of the teams. They are calculated from the current season's whoscored stats. I think "protecting the lead" stat includes conceding after scoring, and the game against Everton likely contributed to that. I wouldn't take it seriously at this point.

This cracked me up. Not bad for a team that attempted fewer through balls last season than relegated Norwich. Now it's Chelsea's strength apparently. Finishing scoring chances is also nice. Very nice.

Have a feeling it will be a narrow win. Hazard goal, Cesc assist. Or maybe the other way around.

Ibrahimovic for me. Very consistent and has very few (if any) weaknesses. Creates a lot of chances in addition to scoring a lot.

I think it's just a precaution. He did look kind of slow and tired against France. He still has plenty of time until Swansea. I don't want him to play against them--would prefer him to rest--but I think he will play. Most of our players will be tired after the international games while Costa will be relatively fresh.

Wait, Costa is married and has kids?

At least we won't miss Torres.

He has plenty of time to get the numbers. 1 goal in 3 games isn't bad at all. It's just compared to Costa and Cesc -- the guys who have been getting the numbers every week so far -- it doesn't seem that impressive, but it's actually pretty good. Last season Hazard got his first goal (and assist) in the league in October. This year he scored in August already.

I agree with you that both of them(and Ramires) were pretty sloppy against Everton and must do better. But when Cesc played deeper, his pass accuracy has been very high - 85-95%. He made a few sloppy passes in our half against Everton, but half of his unsuccessful passes came from risky balls into attacking third. You don't get the through-ball rate he has by playing safe passes. Many probably don't remember, but when Cesc played higher on the pitch for Arsenal, his pass accuracy was just around 80%, so it's pretty normal for him when he plays in attack in the PL. Out of Matic's misplaced passes only 1 was in the attacking third. The other 8 were misplaced in our half and in the middle of the pitch. That's why I was unhappy with him. All of them need to improve their passing under pressure.