Mikel John Obi

[CHOULO19 24,332]

wow... I came here to post about his match today and maybe have a debate with you guys about us using a 4-1-4-1 with him being the holding DM '1', but I came across the weirdest posts posted yesterday (09/13).

I don't even read beyond page 180 because it seemed I was entering the Twilight zone...

Anyway, the 4-1-4-1 thing. It doesn't make much sense, I'll be the first to say, but he was good defensively today - as he is usually - that I thought maybe that would be the solution for our AM in some matches and a good alternative for when the 4-2-3-1 isn't working (I'm still convinced our players fit better a 4-3-3 formation than a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Mourinho will insist on the latter)

What if we play him ahead of the defense and ahead of him Hazard - Oscar - Mata - André/Willian/Kevin and a striker ahead of them. Oscar and André are options against more dangerous team as they have impressive work rates - like for example ManUtd as their midfield wasn't exactly threatening. Willian for matches when we need a fast-dribbling player in the wing (some of our home games against weaker sides that will sit deep against us) and Kevin for the matches in the between of both scenarios (matches against mid-tables teams at home or cup games) . It does sacrifice both Ramires and Lamps at once (reason alone why it will never happen, sadly), but this is not something I think we should play at all matches, but when we want to bring something different, have an unexpected game play or fix matches that aren't going our way. It could have been the case today as I see Everton the kind of opponent that we wouldn't miss much having only one player in the pivot. There was so many players Barry could mark by himself especially if we have both Oscar and Mata in the middle. As I said, as an alternative, not our most used formation. I can envision it working and the only CM that could make it work for us is Mikel.

I think that could be a good option against weaker teams at home or when we're chasing a game (certainly better than Torres for Cole ) but I doubt it would be something we play regularly simply because the central midfield would just be too light-weight.

[Phil Driver 503]

After 3rd Feb 2013, we have played 32 games. Mikel started 10 of these games.

Our results when Mikel started: 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats

Our results in the other 22 games: 17 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats.

The 2 defeats when Mikel did not start: vs Rubin Kazan away when we were leading 2-1 before Mikel came on as sub and we lost 2-3 and the Super Cup defeat to Bayern on penalties.

There is a clear trend here ,I suppose it could be a coincidence?

[NishC300 1,865]

Well played Mikel. Hope his critics take this performance into account.

[The Skipper 20,593]

I see the argument from Phil and bleed_blue has now shifted from "Mourinho doesn't rate him" to "Mikel is a bad omen for the team".

[Phil Driver 503]

Pity he is not as aggressive in his DM role on the pitch ,no chance he will break anyones legs on there.

[Phil Driver 503]

bleed_blue, on 15 Sept 2013 - 06:50 AM, said:

After 3rd Feb 2013, we have played 32 games. Mikel started 10 of these games.

Our results when Mikel started: 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats

Our results in the other 22 games: 17 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats.

The 2 defeats when Mikel did not start: vs Rubin Kazan away when we were leading 2-1 before Mikel came on as sub and we lost 2-3 and the Super Cup defeat to Bayern on penalties.

A bad omen? I suppose it could be witchcraft

[Stats 7,060]

bleed_blue, on 15 Sept 2013 - 06:50 AM, said:

A bad omen? I suppose it could be witchcraft

You just don't like him. What did he do, steal your girlfriend? He could be he the last person in the penalty shootout to take the penalty and you would want him to miss so you could sprout out all your hatred for him. Your hate for him is that bad that you would rather him play crap for us than good for us despite being a Chelsea fan

[Phil Driver 503]

After 3rd Feb 2013, we have played 32 games. Mikel started 10 of these games.

Our results when Mikel started: 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats

Our results in the other 22 games: 17 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats.

The 2 defeats when Mikel did not start: vs Rubin Kazan away when we were leading 2-1 before Mikel came on as sub and we lost 2-3 and the Super Cup defeat to Bayern on penalties.

You just don't like him. What did he do.

[ja1 1,166]

Mikel got a match high 97% of passes completed yesterday. Very impressive considering Everton's pressing at points. And before we hear the usual myth that he only 'passes forwards and backward'..

39/44 forward, 20/20 square 7/7 backwards. He's a reliable, good player to have in the squad and showing it. Good match from him yesterday, made a few forays forward too.

[Phil Driver 503]

After 3rd Feb 2013, we have played 32 games. Mikel started 10 of these games.

Our results when Mikel started: 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats

Our results in the other 22 games: 17 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats.

The 2 defeats when Mikel did not start: vs Rubin Kazan away when we were leading 2-1 before Mikel came on as sub and we lost 2-3 and the Super Cup defeat to Bayern on penalties.

Yes we can certainly rely on him .

[OneMoSalah 8,799]

After 3rd Feb 2013, we have played 32 games. Mikel started 10 of these games.

Our results when Mikel started: 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats

Our results in the other 22 games: 17 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats.

The 2 defeats when Mikel did not start: vs Rubin Kazan away when we were leading 2-1 before Mikel came on as sub and we lost 2-3 and the Super Cup defeat to Bayern on penalties.

Yes we can certainly rely on him .

Your not honestly going to say those games were Mikels fault are you pahahaha? What a pathetic argument.

[Phil Driver 503]

What do you want me to praise him for the games we win ,when he is absent?

When he plays we have a big chance of not winning,what about that do you not understand?

When for instance Lampard plays we are likely to win . Do you understand cause and effect? or are you in the 95/100 pointless passes camp?

[lucio 5,418]

Your not honestly going to say those games were Mikels fault are you pahahaha? What a pathetic argument.

well you wouldnt expect us to lose half our games when "the leagues best defensive midfielder" plays would you?

[OneMoSalah 8,799]

well you wouldnt expect us to lose half our games when "the leagues best defensive midfielder" plays would you?

What so do Mata, Hazard, Oscar, Torres, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry and Cole not have to defend well or what? Is it just Mikel vs Everton, or Mikel vs Manchester United? Don't fucking think so.

[zolayes 14,489]

Course Clattenburg just decides to come out and say it about a season after, what a fucking twat he is.

Clattenberg is a cunt ,,,,but this comes from Halsey

[CHOULO19 24,332]

well you wouldnt expect us to lose half our games when "the leagues best defensive midfielder" plays would you?

You do know there are 21 other players on the field, right?

[Kojo 4,676]

Mikels performance wasn't as good as some are making out.

Why is it when Mikel plays as a Chelsea player is expected to he gets praised more than the other players? Oh yeah because he's the best DM in the world according to Ryan.

[Tomo 21,733]

After 3rd Feb 2013, we have played 32 games. Mikel started 10 of these games.

Our results when Mikel started: 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats

Our results in the other 22 games: 17 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats.

The 2 defeats when Mikel did not start: vs Rubin Kazan away when we were leading 2-1 before Mikel came on as sub and we lost 2-3 and the Super Cup defeat to Bayern on penalties.

Yes we can certainly rely on him .

That's what? 6 times you have posted this in 5 pages. We get it, you don't like Mikel.