The Skipper

Well, I truly believe so, yes. It's nothing against Oscar mate. Just think that when Eden and Juan are on the pitch together we're a lot more creative in the final third.

He failed because he's not been getting minutes, simple. Hazard on the other hand keeps getting played even though he's been bad in most games. Don't forget Eden plays a lot better when Mata's on the field as well.

Game is screaming for some creativity from Mata or even Luiz - or even KDB or Willian.

Bent should've scored. That's what I really hate about Cahill.

Delighted for him. If anything he'll come back a much better striker. Everton is the perfect environment for him.

Don't see why we're leaving Luiz and Mata out of the squad. Yeah okay, they might not start but why leave two of your best players out of the squad completely? Looks like we've set up as a counter attacking team. Not liking this Mourinho.

Don't know why Mata and Luiz aren't even on the bench. Team should get us the win but I have no idea what's going on.

Depends what you want from your number 10. I don't like Mourinho's quotes though. We'll see how the season pans but if he's being turned into a bit part player he should leave for his own sake. Mata isn't anywhere near as effective on the wings as he is as a number 10.

I didn't though, so we will see.

Yeah as Choo Choo said, when you compare him to the real divers in the game he's a saint. Sure he tries to trick the referees sometimes, but every player of his style does it. Last game was an anomaly, he just wasn't good enough in every department - even being fouled.

I meant to say he didn't say that because he hates Benitez.

I seriously think people need to have more faith in this team. How anyone can completely write off a team after 5 games is pretty ridiculous IMO. Acting as if the Basel performance is how we always play. This team is playing at 50% right now, of course things will improve. I have a feeling we'll trounce these lot.

No he doesn't hate Benitez, he just knows that Luiz isn't really a necessary option in CM.

No, Eden doesn't dive or simulate. He's very clever with it. The only way you can get the ball off Eden is if you physically contact him - which usually (90% of the time) results in a free kick as he protects the ball with his body superbly most of the time. If Eden has the opportunity to go on he will - if he doesn't he'll usually get fouled. There's a reason why he was Europe's most fouled player last season and the season before if I remember correctly. That in itself should tell you he doesn't dive.

Yes, go watch the game again and you'll see he made a lot of interceptions and tackles, drove well with the ball and had Ross Barkley in his pocket for the majority of the game, and of course passed exquisitely. Apart from maybe slacking a bit for the goal he was very good.

Mikel wasn't our best player against Everton because he made a high percentage of his passing though...

nvm.

You've never seen MVG outside of Chelsea so how can you possibly deduce that it's inconceivable to think that MVG is a bigger goal threat than JM?Believe it or not but Van Ginkel is a B2B midfielder, not really a DM. I've watched both for a while and I comfortably agree with TOPTB. Last season Van Ginkel got 12 goals - 8 in the Eredivisie, 1 in the cup and 3 in 4 appearances in Europe. How you're making a final conclusion on said player's goal scoring ability after only partially seeing it in pre season is pretty crazy especially when you haven't seen him before his days at Chelsea.

Yeah, lost his man for the final goal but won't get criticised for it by the media.

I said next season Choo Choo!

Maybe we didn't sign a midfielder because Mourinho wants to give Nat a chance next season.

He was being sarcastic mate.

It's very difficult to change formation with this squad though because the players we have bought are better fitted to that 4-2-3-1 formation. I think it's the link up play and movements between the attacking 4 that really needs to improve.

Yup. Bran can cover excellently at RB, can have good games there but he's still a CB first and foremost. Azpi is our best RB by far.

I think the most important thing is that everyone just tries their best not to insult anyone when disagreeing with their opinion. If everyone acts civil the forum is enjoyable. Kojo for example has done this more often recently and his posts are more enjoyable to read now. If everyone does this the forum will be a great place (still is IMO). The admins are doing a wonderful job as well. Keep it up Alex and co; and congrats to Spike.