The Skipper

You know I'm a massive Cesc fan but I can't even lie, this is spot on.

Costa was back today. Great performance from him. I thought we played well enough to win today, two brain farts cost us (Oscar pen, Matic penalty). I saw something that I haven't seen in a long time from this team though. The will to bounce back from a goal back down. On wards and up wards. As I was saying in the match day thread, Mikel's introduction was actually a positive one. We were getting smashed in midfield and his introduction completely changed that and allowed us to dominate in the second half. We were unlucky to not win today tbh. Can't fault the players, they actually showed effort (apart from Oscar who was pathetic).

We were getting overrun in midfield before Mikel's introduction. His introduction has completely changed that and we've been on top by far this half. The players definitely wouldn't have sorted it themselves.

Say what you want but Mikel has actually added a lot of stability in midfield.

Because he's just come back from injury? He's not going to be fully fit.

Hazard clearly isn't fit.

Maybe Fabregas was injured at HT?

Matic is actually a clown. What was he trying to do? Protect his face? If he doesn't feel comfortable playing with the mask he shouldn't play at all tbh.

This. Cut uncle Guus some slack.

What's wrong with a technical full back? In fact, the modern game relies heavily on them.

Think I'm liking the Berahino idea more and more myself now.

Kenedy for left back campaign is strong pal, you can't do anything about it!

Alaba wasn't really seen as a wonder kid before his switch to LB tbh.

That would be an awful move considering that Monaco are absolutely stacked with young talent in his position.

You've got a brilliant attitude pal. You were one of Mourinho's staunchest supporters but now he's gone you've accepted that and continued to support the club and even quickly got behind the players even though many despise them. Fair play man.

Legendary stuff. Cheers pal.

There's only ooooooooone Emenalo!

I agree pal. He is pretty much a puppet, and that's why I'm saying he's not the one that decided on Ramires' contract.

Emenalo doesn't decide whether Ramires gets a new contract. Jose is the one that loves Ramires after all, if anything he probably pushed for the extension.

That is exactly why I defend him - the fact that he doesn't actually decide too much - i.e. overseeing our vision, our identity, the managers we bring in etc; this is all decided by the powers above him - when people accuse him of not doing the aforementioned properly... That is exactly why I think the stick he's getting is unfair. The only thing he seems to have quite a bit of authority in is player recruitment (i.e. finding targets the manager and the board have set out for the team). Apart from that, Emenalo isn't your conventional technical/sporting director. I think his role is actually misunderstood.

Yes. Now go make us some tea my tea lady.

There is no hype. I actually think he'd have a better future there. He'd make a great attacking full back if he can learn the ways of defending competently, whereas I think he can only become a good winger. He'd have a higher ceiling as a wing back.

Oh my god! Didn't know mods weren't allowed an opinion young padawan.

Fantasy little player he was.

Like I said, he doesn't decide anything, that's higher up. He's merely there to assist the scouting team, youth set up and first team manager. He's not in charge of much at all.