The Mak

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...

It's got absolutely nothing to do with that. It's to do with the fact that both Mikel and Ramires are better DMs than him; a better combination. I'd rather see one of Ramires' lung-busting runs with the ball instead of him sitting back nullifying his best attribute in, what is supposed to be, a counter-attacking team.

As long Willian and Schurrle start and Lampard doesn't, i'll be happy.

The main reason Lampard was so bad today was because he can't defend/anticipate/position himself correctly. It's not his fault, he's not a natural DM. And neither is Luiz. Luiz might be able to defend (95% of the time) but he is way to rash to be a DM. It's like he has OCD, he can't sit still, he just wants the ball. He's like a dog; that's the only way I can describe Luiz in midfield.

Thank God you're not actually in charge of solutions then...

Now the best we can hope for is a Arsenal-Liverpool-Tottenham to all drop points...none of which I really see as title-challengers. But then again, with anymore performances like this, are we? Shitty weekend! We really need to ensure this is only a one game blip and that it doesn't turn into the November slump. Especially with all these very winnable games coming up!

Not to mention the fact that our early loss seems to have lit a fire under both Manchester clubs. Both are 3-0 up with not a half hour gone.

Could've done with our Carling Cup 'B team' in all honesty.

Confirmation of my point and irony all rolled into one. I was just trying to say they understand each other more. Can't say anything anymore without an Oscar/De Bruyne/whatever fanboy jumping on you.

Oscar shocker.

I'm under the influence they get the best out of each other but some seem to find it crazy...

Don't merely say 'N/a' to the most important question!

Chelsea's Kevin De Bruyne admits he may have to look at options in January http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/9000536/chelseas-kevin-de-bruyne-admits-he-may-have-to-look-at-options-in-january Says 'he may have to look at options in January' but he's actually quoted as saying: He then goes on to say: