The Skipper

Stopped reading after the title said JTs an outcast. Can't take that seriously sorry.

He sounds like The Dictator (movie).

They really wouldn't. It would be exactly the same as playing Oscar in the pivot because Mata will naturally drift further up the pitch a lot more due to Oscar being more solid defensively. It'd be suicide IMO. It'll also require a lot of defensive cover from our wingers, which is fine with Moses but not for Hazard - I think it would limit the ability he has in the final third. And Luiz is not emerging as one of the best footballing DMs at all. He'd need a couple seasons in that role to fully become accustomed to it, something we can't really afford at CFC IMO.

DP.

Lampard had a shocker? What the hell? I don't get it with some people. They complain if Lampard's leaving the pivot exposed and say he should be more disciplined and when he is, he supposedly has a shocker. I thought this was one of Lampard's finest defensive performances this season, he got back well, made a few great tackles, stayed in position well and also spread the play quite nicely during our dominant spell. Anyone who thinks Frank had a shocker should go watch the game again.

One thing. IMO if Hazard had Fergie as his manager and was part of the current United team, he'd be an absolute monster this season.

What? Capello shits on Rafa when it comes to managerial achievements. Plus the fact that he was a terrific player. Seriously. Capello isn't an "average" manager whatsoever. He's managed big clubs all of his life.

People have their own opinions you know.

Kagawa has pretty much reached his potential, he won't get that much better... Whereas Hazard's potential ceiling is well let's just say... Sky's the limit for this boy.

Mata is a very streaky player indeed. But when he's not scoring or assisting he still brings a lot to the team in the final third.

Mata, Oscar and Hazard all took chances to play through the middle, especially the former two. Oscar and Mata were interchanging a lot, sometimes you'd find Oscar on the left or right wing, likewise with Mata. They all pretty much have free roles. Yes we don't have real width but this is the best way we as a team can play. If we need to change it up we always have Moses available.

Lampard and Ramires always get stick but they were brilliant in the first half, especially Lampard defensively. Both are distributing the ball nicely and are holding up well positionally. Luiz, Oscar and Ba also having great games. Hopefully Eden and Juan step it up just a little bit in the second half so we can grab a deserved second goal. KTBFFH.

MAZACAR RUNNING THINGS.

Oscar has been brilliant IMO. Great cross there.

Feeding off scraps, but I'd love old Guus to coach the team for a couple of years. Brilliant manager.

Wish JT was playing instead of Bran. Apart from that, not bad. As long as the pivot do okay and Oscar is predominantly played through the middle.

Thanks for the nomination guys, but I really think it should go to The only place to be or Peace this month, they've been very very good.

Mourinho is currently playing a 19 year old in defence over Pepe. He does give chances, and he'll know that when he comes here he has to work with these sort of players.

@The only place to be and @Peace. have been excellent. I nominate them both.

For Newcastle this season, he scored 14 goals in the league before he moved to us. We aren't using him right and he's really not being allowed to play into his form. It's quite similar to what we did with Sturridge.

@Peace., you make a very valid point but then again we can also look at the other side of the coin and say that buying Luke Shaw now for £10m (or whatever his fee will be) is also another big gamble. Shaw looks an outstanding prospect but anything can happen - look at Kakuta for example who looked to be head and shoulders above everyone in his age group. My point is that right now we're pretty solid at the left back position with Cole staying for another year and Bertrand and PVA coming through alright - we shouldn't really prioritise signing Shaw as he could be as big of a gamble as us allowing Bertrand and PVA to fight it out as to who becomes our new starting left back. Personally I think we should allow Luke to develop maybe for another year or two before seriously considering purchasing him. Maybe if he's still making strides in his development we could have a look at purchasing him next year if the price is reasonable and if he'll be worth it. Right now though I don't think he's anywhere near ready for CFC. If he comes now we'd practically ruin his career unless we let go of both Bertrand and PVA.

And personally I really wouldn't want Grant as a manager here, he's worse than Benitez.

Benitez won't get sacked IMO. I know it's painful to watch sometimes but he's off at the end of the season and that's okay with me. As long as the players rally together for the last 15-20 or so games and win the majority of them we'll make top 4 IMO. That's all we need to focus on now - support the team by creating a good atmosphere for the players whenever we have a game.

Was just going to post this. He's a funny man. He's right though - we need to create a better atmosphere at home. Whenever I've been SB over the last 2 years the atmosphere hasn't exactly been as good as it could be. Regardless whether he's here or not we need to support the team. That doesn't mean you have to like Rafa - just don't single him out during games. Speak about him after the game. It affects the atmosphere.

Off topic but it's what happens when people see youth players make the step up. Didn't watch the game but I'm sure Ake had a very solid game but if Mikel had a game like that no one would even comment on it. People are naturally more lenient with new players/youngsters but its fine, I'm glad Nathan made a solid debut.