Juan Mata

[nyikolajevics 2,604]

Funny thing to say when you pick the team

And when we lost he says that the players are tired..

[ChelseasMessiah 304]

That story might have legs though. Mata nearly signed for PSG on deadline day, they just couldn't agree on the fee or something. Whatever he does next I wish him the best of luck, he deserves better. We've got passengers who have been playing week after week all season and yet someone of Mata's calibre doesn't get a look in.

[Pascal Newton 33]

I can understand Mourinho saying Mata should serve different role than he did in the previous year. Fine. But to not give him enough chances at all, that's just not right. I don't think I'll forgive Mourinho if Mata leaves. In my opinion he was the best #10 in the world last season. He had more assists and goals than Ozil in all competitions. Come on, I know we have a good team, but there's no way any team can't find a place for someone like that. Alright fine if you say I'm going to play Oscar as #10 to make up for the unfortunate fact that we partner Ramires with Lampard (why we don't play Mikel instead is beyond me, quite frankly). But I'm not going to buy that we're unable to accommodate Mata because of the quality of our attacking midfield.

Here's what I believe. If we kept playing Mata on the right wing right and gave him the time to get used to that role, we could have been in a much better position now. For one because Mata is actually a winger - he played for Valencia as a winger, and described himself as a winger several times. He disappointed at times as a winger our 11/12, but that had more to do with the quality of the players alongside him. And this season he hasn't been given enough time at all. For another because the two guys he's been constantly replaced with are new to the club, and have been taking some time to not only get used to the roles, but also the team, club, manager everything. I just don't buy Mourinho's excuses and his actions don't make sense at all.

[DYC. 7,542]

I love Juan.

[Gilvorak 3,734]

Wonder what Mourinho's disciples have to say now.

[lucio 5,418]

hopefully will be a regular now

[ChelseasMessiah 304]

Great second half from Mata. He actually suited our route 1 football in the second half.

[Phil Driver 503]

Great second half from Mata. He actually suited our route 1 football in the second half.

God are you still spouting your rubbish !!

[NishC300 1,865]

Brilliant today! Quick reminder to everyone about how wonderful he is.

[NishC300 1,865]

[Clevemayer 764]

what passing, how nice and crips, what spark, what deliverys, what attitude... what mourinho says?... it doesn't MATA

[ChelseasMessiah 304]

God are you still spouting your rubbish !!

What, we were playing tiki-taka in the second half were we? We were losing the game, and the possession before the set piece. Then we changed our tactics to route one.

[Gilvorak 3,734]

What, we were playing tiki-taka in the second half were we? We were losing the game, and the possession before the set piece. Then we changed our tactics to route one.

Playing 2 upfront isn't route one football.

[Phil Driver 503]

yawn ,know when you are made to look a mug . Retire gracefully ,tomorrow is another day and you can spout your rubbish all over again .

[NishC300 1,865]

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

A couple of situations showed his rust but overrall very good. Let's hope he starts playing more often.

[Azpinator 2,325]

Are you kidding me? He was lucky today with those crosses, in fact he was the reason Essien got confused in the first 12 seconds. Please stop overrating him and look at the bigger picture here: He's a poor man's Oscar.

[Jase 43,479]

Ran the show in the second half. Created a number of great opportunities, put in some good passes and deliveries into the final third. Could have done better maybe in 1-2 situations but done very well overall. Certainly deserves to start the next few games against the likes of Sunderland, Stoke, Steaua and Crystal Palace.