Cesc Fàbregas

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Thought he did fantastically well in defense yesterday. I haven't seen the numbers, but he made several crucial tackles and interceptions in midfield and at the edge of our box.

[Barbara 15,149]

Thought he did fantastically well in defense yesterday. I haven't seen the numbers, but he made several crucial tackles and interceptions in midfield and at the edge of our box.

5/8 tackles, 0 interceptions, 2 clearances according to Opta.

[Nike 373]

Mikel can handle the coming game, he is not good going forward but can provide the same stability as Matic.

Cesc on the other hand has been our playmaker, dictates our whole game. He doesn't have a direct replacement, he will be missed very badly.

Mikel cannot provide the same stability as Matic.

Mikel can provide another body when a team parks the bus.......

[CHOULO19 24,332]

5/8 tackles, 0 interceptions, 2 clearances according to Opta.

Shows how reliable they are. I'm watching the rerun and I just saw Cesc make an interception in the 63rd minute!

[Atlas Lion 1,223]

Cesc has always been a great tackler of the ball, surprised so many people are surprised by that

He started out as a holding midfielder at Barca's youth academy.

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

[stroey 2,525]

Yellow for him today, suspended for the next game right? (Hull)

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Today really showed me something about Fabregas. His off-the-ball positioning is almost woeful! Don't get me wrong, I love what he brings to us and I'm not saying he shouldn't play or anything like that, so I'm not being ungrateful to his contributions. But today, alongside Mikel, he showed the one weakness in his ability to play in that position ahead of defenders.. He's seldom in the right position to break up the play or sometimes even make space for himself.

[Stats 7,140]

When we play really good teams in the UCL, I really would prefer to see him in the no.10 role as I believe we will be caught out defensively. Especially away from home. Let him do what he does best but playing against teams who will counter us at pace, we don't really need him in the double pivot.

[coolhead23 1,147]

Today really showed me something about Fabregas. His off-the-ball positioning is almost woeful! Don't get me wrong, I love what he brings to us and I'm not saying he shouldn't play or anything like that, so I'm not being ungrateful to his contributions. But today, alongside Mikel, he showed the one weakness in his ability to play in that position ahead of defenders.. He's seldom in the right position to break up the play or sometimes even make space for himself.

Thats the risk that we have taken ... I m sure the coaching staff is pretty aware of .. I believe thats one of the reason why Matic and Oscar fills the defensive void for Cesc ... But one positive is that he is trying hard (damn! i dont believe i saying that) just like Mata did but then the defensive thing doesnt come naturally or easily to players with flair...

Having said that he is an intelligent player... He reads the game well like he did with the goalkeeper's position today ... rushes out everytime and was a very good drop for Drogs ...

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

Really needed the rest, im glad his suspended

[didierforever 7,349]

its cesc's MO. starts a season brilliantly and then tailors off. doing kind of the same thing here. probably needs a rest!!!

[Sheva. 5,373]

He played good in the first half, i saw him win the ball back more than 3 times.

2nd half was a mess, so nothing to talk about there.

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

He played good in the first half, i saw him win the ball back more than 3 times.

2nd half was a mess, so nothing to talk about there.

Agreed, but even then his pass created our only goal.

Really think he will be at his best in a midfield where he does not have to be as defensively aware.

[Tomo 21,751]

When we play really good teams in the UCL, I really would prefer to see him in the no.10 role as I believe we will be caught out defensively. Especially away from home. Let him do what he does best but playing against teams who will counter us at pace, we don't really need him in the double pivot.

I can't see him playing number ten, if he plays further forward it will be part of a 4 3 3, and that didn't really work (defensively) at Everton which is why Mou put Rami on the right at Eastlands and Anfield.

He's been a great signing not for one second saying otherwise, however where/how he plays against Real/Barca/Bayern will be the biggest tactical headache of the season.