The Skipper

Come save us Edinson!

The "try finding 5 CBs" argument is a bit irrelevant since we're talking about strikers...

Fair enough - but like I said that's Mikel's job, to protect the back four. The only person with the skillset to harass opponents on our team is Ramires - but we need a change in formation for the to happen. A 4-3-3 would be more suitable, as that'll allow Ramires to be free of the shackles he seems to be under in the pivot. If I was Rafa I'd try to stick to a rigid 4-3-3 whilst sticking out Hazard and Mata out wide but let them act as inside forwards, let Oscar/ Lampard and Ramires act as the two offensive midfielders whilst sticking Mikel in a true DM role. Keep it rigid and simple, keep the team sturdy. Cech Ivanovic - Luiz - Terry - Cole Mikel Ramires - Oscar/Lampard Mata - Torres - Hazard.

Only short sighted people thought that. We need the likes of Terry, Lamps and Cole to stick around if we're going to take this transition seriously.

It's not even that - if he were to sign for us and play in the role he's so effective in - which is NOT in the double pivot - we'd have to bench either Mata, Hazard, Oscar or Moses. He doesn't fit into the style of play we are *supposedly* developing.

Where's the excuse mate? Point them out. And my personal opinion on Torres? I don't even want to say, I'll probably get banned.

You're right, but we're human beings and we all have a right to voice our emotion/opinion about something we're so passionate about. It shouldn't have happened to begin with but it has now, it'll take different times for different people to realise that. As I've said, dark days ahead. It's going to be a long season.

Not an excuse at all, but you demonising one single player to be the fault of this defeat is ridiculous. Where was Mikel? Go watch the goal again - he was marking Carlton Cole. Mikel could've done a lot better with the Diame goal in handling Carlton Cole, but Ramires got caught ball watching and that's why Diame was allowed the space to score - go watch the goal again like I said. Again, the whole team was horrible today, especially in the second half, but to once again single out Mikel for the defeat is ridiculous IMO.

That's why it was ridiculous for the board to sack RDM and appoint RB as his replacement. This was bound to happen. Poor decision from the board.

Sell Luiz!!!

The whole team wasn't up to it today, but fine scapegoat Mikel if that pleases you.

Is that his role in the team though? No. Diame was told to harass the opposition. You can't really compare. Why have a go at Mikel when the whole team clearly shut down after half time? It was a shocking performance all round, from the manager and the team. Dark, dark days ahead.

West Ham are there for the taking, we really need to finish them off.

Surely ideal for Benitez football then?

Torres obviously. By far. Essien would've still been useful here this season whereas Fernando is just...

My point is that I don't see Huntelaar as a stop gap striker because 1. We'd have to offload him in the summer if we get a Falcao or a Cavani in the summer and 2. He's not going to be satisfied being 2nd choice striker. Short term wise he'd be an okay solution but I'm looking long term. I still think Torres and Sturridge are just about enough to get us through this season which will allow us to build a proper strike force in the summer.

Notice I did say for a top four finish, not a title challenge!

Not attainable in January obviously... Do you really think Huntelaar would like to come in January only to be shoved aside in the summer? I don't think so.

So Torres is skilful and Oscar is shit... Okay.

... And in the La Liga. Huntelaar's an excellent finisher I'll give him that - but on the ball he's a slightly better Torres. His link up play is quite poor. Would you be happy to see Huntelaar as our main striker when the likes of Cavani and Falcao are quite attainable? Huntelaar's 29. He wouldn't come here as a back up striker either. Hence why there's no need in us to sign him.

LOL? People just hate Luiz. Ridiculous bashing.

The attacking impetus is just so poor.

Really? This Fulham game was easier than the West Brom and Swansea game by far. We should win this regardless. Also, lets forget we're at home to Fulham and we were away at Swansea and WBA. Can't believe you're trying to make excuses.

Ridiculous reasoning to get rid of a player. Jesus.