Sir Mikel OBE

Just scored for Brazil! :blue scalf:

Smooth penalty.

He needs to go(loan or whatever) in January. Fighting for a spot is all well and good, but this is a world cup year and its not a given you will be back there. Golden generations can end in a flash, and you never know who you will be drawn with in the future. He needs to go to give his nation a chance next year.

We really dont.

If we cant score goals we should be looking to play 2 strikers on the pitch at the same time. Sturridge and Suarez Negredo and Aguero Torres and Eto'o Make it happen.

I think something may be up with Essien as for reasons hes not playing in the league. I dont think Mikel can link attack and defense with passes. He seems content to use Mikel as a destroyer and game closer. Ake was a benitez prospect. I agree with you though that Azpilicueta should be on the right. Hopefully we can secure a left back in the next 2 windows so that Azpilicueta can be in his best spot, and Ivanovic can be back in the middle.

Lampard is there to pass from defence into attack. If Van Ginkel didnt get hurt I am sure Lampard would see the bench more, but as of now hes the only player who can really do it for us there. Ivanovic is a defender. The fact that he is viewed to start of our attacks is a flaw in the system. Schurrle should start over Hazard, but Hazard is the type of player who can turn a match at any time. Mazacar was terrible.

Because Mata can only play in one position, and when he does not play well, we have more than adequate players who can play.

The starter gets the benefit of the doubt in many cases early in the season; That is part of being the starter. Schurrle has been better on the left wing than Hazard, but Hazard gets the benefit of the doubt comes decision day because he is the first choice

Oscar isnt the only one either. Today when West Brom were breaking on us to get the third goal their player had an easy pass which was shut down in flash by Wilian running back at full speed. Willian has clearly shown that he deserves that winger spot over Mata, and Schurrle has been just as impressive when given chances. I think he is of the opinion, at least from the Newcastle game, that Mata's performance dragged them down. Would have been harsh to drop them based on that when he made the change to bring Mata in. If we are going to be really honest Mata should not have started that Newcastle game based on that performance vs Arsenal. Nice goal, but it was a pretty unimpressive besides that. Even more so was him displacing Schurrle who was very good vs Manchester City the week before. Other than Hazard getting the benefit of the doubt, Mourinho has been pretty fair with his selections and rotation.

Oscar most certainly has.

Mata has had plenty of games to show what he can do. He plays in the same position as the guy who was on fire, and when they played together we have been awful. I dont think Mata being on bench duty has anything to do with Mourinho not liking him, but everything to do with the fact that Mata and Oscar together does not work.

This almost seems sarcastic.

That tired excuse doesnt work when hes the only one in the attacking middle who actually got a nice rest during the week.

I'd rather they pass back than spray terrible passes the way Lampard did vs Newcastle, and the way Ramires did today

You'd be better off thanking ramires and mariner.

Media will love this.

He's coming for your job Hulk :blue scalf: :blue scalf:

Probably, it needs to happen though. Not only is Frank being wasted in the pivot, it is also hurting Ramires.

He grew into the match, like the rest of the side. Would like to see him start the weekend.

Let him Challenge Oscar for the attacking midfield spot. This is the only reasonable course of action.

2 minutes in his best position and another assist by Frank.

Willian really has impressed tonight

Double post.

At what point does it stop being luck and become skill?