The Mak

But you really have to wonder why he's given the liability to go forward so often when he's so fucking dire at it...

I'll just leave this right here, seems like you guys would be interested.

Cheers ref....says Ivanovic.

Double post.

Bound to happen when you ask a CB to attack so fucking much.

FUCK OFF IVANOVIC!!!!

An article pitting Brana and Dave's stats against each other. Pretty much confirms a lot of people suspicions. However, it again calls into question why Mourinho is so favourable towards Brana when his aerial ability is the only dominance he really has over Dave. And why Brana is given such liability going forward when it is clear who the better attacker is. Link below. http://eplindex.com/43776/azpilicueta-v-ivanovic-start-chelsea-stats-compared.html

A big difference. Azpi was specifically told to sit in that game, it was obvious. He's our best defender going forward and he barely ventured past the half-way line. Read this if you don't believe me: http://eplindex.com/43776/azpilicueta-v-ivanovic-start-chelsea-stats-compared.html If Hazard didn't have his 'untouchable' status with Mourinho, he wouldn't have played against Cardiff because he would've been dropped a long time ago. Agree to disagree then.

I don't think it says much to be honest. Besides from having that shot off target and crossing the ball out for a throw/goal kick, I can't remember him doing much of note.

People tend to go on form. By form and knowing what he can actually do, Hazard has been average so far this season to say the least. And he topped it all off by missing a training session. So no, he isn't better at the moment. Schurrle received absolutely no support during the Schalke game because Jose had Azpi acting practically as a 3rd CB. Now compare that will Willian's performance who was supported the entire game by Ivanovic...Even if you compare their previous games, Schurrle scored against City while Hazard was piss poor against Newcastle. I don't even think Hazard that would get his spot back so quickly but only for the influx of fixtures.

Just forget about it. You're just dealing with someone who refuses to admit he's wrong/contradicts himself, hence why it's getting more absurd. You don't even want to know the exchange we had we he said "Oscar is best as CAM" and then minutes later suggested him as CM....

G'wan lad! I hope they don't actually send him on a new loan in January. He's doing so well at the Dons, he really seems settled. It'd be such a shame if a move would affect his form and he'd end up on a bench for the second half of the season. Dons are also very reliant on him at the moment, it'd be a bit of a sucker punch for him to up and leave halfway through. They could still make the play-offs. I'm sure it can wait till next season.

Willian was absolutely devastating running through the middle. He's now playing at the level he was against us and the Schalke defenders looked quite afraid of him. Great to see Spurs struggling to create chances while we have him! Schurrle didn't have a great game, but I think it's a bit unfair since Azpi was acting more like a 3rd CB. He's wasn't getting enough support as Ivanovic was giving down the right. Eto'o: classy finish from a classy guy...god, I used to hate that man so much! I remember a Schalke player went in on him pretty hard, but he didn't even fall over. All he did was offer the defender a hand up! He looked shocked!

Good free to give away by Willian considering Oscar left us wide open.

Guess who's happy?

This guy is Hazard 2.0.

I think you should stick to praising José/Lampard no matter what, just like in the other 95% of your posts...

Never thought I'd say this...but he's a big loss. Especially on a European night.

More like Atletico made it their mission to replace Falcao. They just play to feed the striker as much as possible. I think you'd see an improvement on just about any striker if they played for Atletico. And it's not like Costa had suddenly transformed into this amazing player in one single season. I'm not doubting his ability for a second, it does also depend on who is on the end of things after all. Just saying that Atletico are very much dependent on their striker, whoever it may be.

The thing that worries me most is why we look so dependent on a 35yr old who plays out of position. I was all for Lampard staying, but I thought the natural progression was for him to have a reduced role; being played based on the level of opposition etc. It seems like José wants him as a nailed on starter for almost every game and it's worrying to be honest. Especially when Mikel is there - who is defensively better and allows Ramires to get forward. I just hope that there was a failed plan or future plan behind all this. Like if we couldn't sign a CM in the summer (an experience one) or we're waiting for Chalobah next season or if Lampard was supposed to share his time with MvG - something, because it just doesn't feel right relying this much on a 35yr old.

Agreed. In all honesty, if Lampard can be a DM I see no reason why KDB can't. He's quicker and less ponderous on the ball. Can also drive forward ala Ramires. He even has a much better passing range.

Yes, and Mikel can do pretty much the same as him except without the need to shackle Ramires. I agree with the need to change the 10 and right wing. I think everyone knows now for sure that Mata and Oscar can't play together. I'd have Willian and Schurrle with Oscar, but it'll most likely be one of Willian/Schurrle with Oscar and Hazard.

Phantasmagorical. What do you expect me to say? With him as a DM it's not like someone can say "oh, he really bossed the midfield!" or "he really dictated the tempo of the game!". He's not going to do something to make it memorable, but Ramires can.

In a perfect world we'd have either Aké or Chalobah being developed there at the moment since Mikel is our only true DM, but alas...