The midfield puzzle

[Madmax 9,219]

I did...and their movement was poor for periods (especially in the first half) in the match..

But even lesser players can show better off-the ball movement upfront...Why not ours?

Then you would have noticed Torres doing literally everything upfront (except scoring). The problem was the wide forwards did nothing.

As to your question, it is a big problem isn't it. One thing I can think of is that it's partly down to them being used to having a Drogba alongside who holds up the ball and brings them into play. With Torres it's not the same obviously.

[Blue Armour 4,436]

Then you would have noticed Torres doing literally everything upfront (except scoring). The problem was the wide forwards did nothing.

As to your question, it is a big problem isn't it. One thing I can think of is that it's partly down to them being used to having a Drogba alongside who holds up the ball and brings them into play. With Torres it's not the same obviously.

Agree and agree.

Although...., its a bit disappointing that Torres has slowed down again in the past two games....I guess I'll hold my breath till he finally starts a game with Mata

[eldo 868]

Winning always masks inadequacies of a team. What is frustrating is this team is supposed to challenge for titles, trophies, etc. The team itself says that's their goal. Every team is going to go through stretches where they grind out wins - fair enough. But Chelsea is grinding out wins against Norwich and West Brom. Have you watched and felt a spark watching the team play except for a few minutes here and there? They are grinding out the offense and its painful to watch at times. The one thing the last three games has reinforced is the need for a creative force (or two or three) on this team and players who can play with a quicker tempo. The slow methodical tempo is mind-numbing, boring, and I don't see it winning titles, trophies.

Man Utd were grinding out wins last season.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Man Utd were grinding out wins last season.

Yeah.

We do tend to over analyse things sometimes. I'm guilty of it too, but I do urge that everyone just wait a month or 2 more to see progress.