The Skipper

The pass wasn't really good though. Willian had to stretch for it and luckily Willian's class first touch took it past the defender. Also the last time we played a through ball through the centre was in the same... Ba's goal? He doesn't have zero vision, that's way too harsh, Oscar has pulled off some great passes before, but he does need to do it on a more consistent basis. Out of our AMs I'd say he is the least creative bar Schurrle.

4-3-3 as the most advanced midfielder, that's where Frank's at home.

Yeah, because Chelsea really need to "raise funds".

A little bit, but I feel like he could contribute so much more. He definitely has the talent to but his role is too disciplined.

Solid game from Mikel. Love how him playing really releases Ramires from his shackles. More of the same please John.

Willian was outstanding today. My MOTM.

Great touch to take it past his marker and great weight on the pass from Willian. Orgasmic first touch and finish by Eto'o. Well done.

Mikel 100% on tackles, take-ons, clearances, aerial duels, 5 ball recoveries and 39/44 on passes.

So glad we didn't sign Fellaini.

There is always an overreaction when Luiz has a few bad games - always talk that he should be moved on, that he isn't "good enough" for English football... Just can't wait till he gets into form and shuts up all of the doubters.

Alonso would also start ahead of Frank. Alonso would not be bought to play beside Frank, but rather besides Rambo.

Does anyone remember Schweinsteiger who started out as a left midfielder/winger before being moved into what is now the pivot role? It's been done before. I can see Kevin achieving the same if he works hard at his defensive side of the game.

Azpilicueta is way too uncomfortable on the ball for that. He isn't the sort of player that can get out if tight spaces and he isn't used to playing in the middle - also don't think he has the passing range. No chance.

I think Oscar could do a job in the pivot but using Ramsey as a reason to justify it is wrong. Ramsey was never a #10, always been a CM in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 in his Cardiff days, and more recently in the 4-2-3-1 Arsenal play. He's never been an 'in the hole' player like Oscar so the move wasn't unnatural to him. Ramsey is already used to playing deep and disciplining himself, he's done that from day 1.

That's pretty much besides the point I was trying to make - he isn't going to chose Arsenal over Chelsea solely because Podolski and Szczeny are polish. And yeah I've watched Arsenal almost as much as CFC this season, my house mates are big fans, even been to the Emirates to watch a game this season - their system would definitely be great for any decent complete striker like Giroud or Adebayor etc. but still I don't see how this means that Arsenal are more likely to obtain him if we both did make a move for him. There are obviously a few of factors Chelsea bring in that Arsenal don't have as well.

Ramsey was never a number 10. He's played CM all of his life, so playing in the pivot (Arsenal's pivot also functions a lot more different than ours) isn't foreign to him. IMO the attacking midfielder with the most potential to play well in the pivot is KDB.

Personally I think Lampard should not play when Mata is at no. 10 simply because the gap in the middle of our team is too apparent when they both start in the middle. I always say we have to play Mikel to allow Mata to orchestrate the attack better, he brings more balance to our side. It's the opposite with Oscar obviously, who'll make up for the lack of balance Lampard creates in the pivot - they both compliment each other pretty well as Oscar does like to come deep and Lampard does like to join the attack still - however; I must say that Frank has tried to discipline himself. Frank obviously doesn't go as forward as much as he did back in the day - and that's why he's more invisible in games, especially this season as Mourinho wants to make him a deep lying playmaker more - it's a tough thing to ask of a 35 year old - to remodel his whole game. It's why I think Jose is sticking with him there as he does have more experience (especially defensively) over someone like a KDB who could potentially play there if he works hard on his defensive game. He hasn't been great of late but SFL will still play a lot of games this season unless we do get a proper metronome in our pivot in January.

KDB - Mikel or KDB - Ramires pivot would be very interesting. Said it earlier in this thread but if he works on his defensive game a lot he'd be a great player there.

No idea how Henry being his role model makes it more likely for Arsenal to sign him?Podolski might be Polish by birth but he recognises himself as a German. Yes, Arsenal have Ozil, but we have a few good attacking players who'd be able to create for him too - don't know if you've heard of the likes of Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Ramires, Luiz, Willian etc. But like you said, still think he's probably off to Bayern. Then again, wouldn't say no, and Arsenal certainly wouldn't be clear front runners.

So we are now the worst team with the worst players according to some? People need to relax, this stuff always happens in football. Remember, the PL is a marathon, not a sprint.

No, I don't like how you're trying to associate me as a Lampard detractor when I'm far from it. It wasn't funny.

What the fuck.

Welcome to November.

See what I mean. The argument wasn't me saying we're a better team when both play, but that they do, as Rmpr said, bring the flashier side out of each other.

Same. But you'll get blasted for saying it.