Jase

Him and Aguero actually.

To say Mata's recent dip in form is down to being too comfortable in his position is just harsh. Too harsh IMO. I for one believe Mata is one of the few players in our current squad who actually gives his all for the team whenever he plays. But as some have said here, it's incredible difficult for him to perform well when others don't do their job properly. We don't have wide players pushing forward, creating space, offering movements upfront for him or someone bursting forward from midfield for him to lay the through balls or ball over the top. That is why that has been lacking. Furthermore, there's just seem nobody in our team right now who can play in the same wavelength as Mata, the one-two short quick passes etc. Maybe Torres but another player who I think that can do that is Benayoun. Why did we even loan him out is baffling. He's a similar type of creative player as Mata and had we kept him in the squad, we would have been able to play more creative players on the pitch when need be and/or able to rotate between them when necessary. But instead, we loaned him out to Arsenal and he's rotting there! On top of all that and as I said before, Mata is just simply too tired at the moment. It's his first season in England and he has basically played in almost every single this season and not got a proper chance to rest. Hence, I'm fearing that he will face a major burnt out with EURO 2012 coming up and him potentially participating in the Olympics as well.

So, first Eriksen and now Hazard?!! Then again, it's Chelsea. We are a charitable club who is keen to pay big bucks to other clubs anyway.

After 3 straight games of playing defensive, cagey and containing football, I hope RDM release the shackles and take the game to Villa!

I think some people here should give more credit to the team for stopping Benfica getting into their rhythm rather than complaining how bad Benfica were.

King Salomon Kalou.

Really? Well, it's always good to have an assistant who can help out with that. Yeah. RDM basically played more to the strength of the players we've got than AVB. He tried to implement his style of play but ultimately failed because our players are not suited to it.

Have really been impressed with his recent performances. He's not exactly scoring but he sure work his socks off every single time and he definitely gives more to the team than Drogba when he plays! Keep it up El Nino!

One reason for that is because RDM's team selection worked whereas AVB's didn't but the main difference IMO is the approach that AVB and RDM took. The former was too gung-ho, attack minded and seem to keen to play attacking football without taking the opposition's strength into mind that it left the team exposed as seen against Napoli. On the other hand, RDM was more pramagtic in his approach and had a proper game plan to grind out results. Not entertaining but at least we looked more solid and less vulnerable under RDM.

I know Villa Park is our bogey ground but I cannot believe we have only won 1 our last 12 visits there! Ridiculous!!

Just 2 votes for Ferreira?!

Following 2 draws in the Premier League meetings this season, it's time to settle the score against them!

Picked up this stat from Twitter: I'm speechless...!

Here's another one. 'Chelsea have now only conceded 1 goal in the last 8 games in all competitions in which John Terry has started.'

Have to say, as much as he tends to miss open goals, he does usually pops out with a goal or two when we really need it. That said, it still doesn't alter the fact that he's average at best and probably needs to be sold in the summer.

As said in the post match thread, even Rafa Benitez would have been proud of this performance.

Well, all I know is whichever pundit continues or even attempts to criticize him at the slightest mistake seriously needs a proper brain check!

+ Chelsea became only the 2nd team this season to get a result and beat Benfica at the Estadio da Luz.

According to the Guardian Live Commentary, Christophe Lollichon apparently said something out of turn to the official and was sent off. #CFC

The only real quality one I can remember is towards the end where Cole cleared off. Otherwise, it's usually just putting in crosses or drawing fouls and lump the ball into the penalty box. Wouldn't mind them doing the same next week.

Erm, translation?

One thing he could do now is actually teach Bosingwa how to defend.

Think he's extremely tired at the moment. First season in England and he has basically played almost every single game this season and I'm extremely worried he's gonna face a major burnt out when he goes to the Euro 2012 and potentially the Olympics as well!

Was skeptical and worried before the game to see him start given his lack of playing time this season but credit to him. He played very well and didn't put a foot wrong all game.

Ferreira gets my MOTM vote. Thought he did exceptionally well for someone who has hardly played at all! All credit to him. Top player.