Branislav Ivanovic

[BlueLion. 21,491]

You could tell it's been a long time since he played at CB - he almost looked nervous. Really wouldn't mind it being given another go though, having Dave and Luis maraud forward was a joy to see.

[CurlyHairLikeLuiz 1,625]

You could tell it's been a long time since he played at CB - he almost looked nervous. Really wouldn't mind it being given another go though, having Dave and Luis maraud forward was a joy to see.

He drifted to the right a lot too

[Dimitri 4]

Some harsh comments in here remind me the criticism Toure receives from the City fans even if he is the A and the Omega of their team (some still find it hard to realize it). Don't be so quick to dismiss a player of his contribution and devotion. There aren't many like him. I hate to see another Legend of the club leave from the back door due to our indifference to the matter and because we cant grasp the simple concept of "lack of form".

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Thought he did much better than Cahill has in the past few games

[iseah100 5,612]

How was he at cb yesterday?

[LAB 1,030]

How was he at cb yesterday?

He was a bit confused. At times it was like seeing us playing with two RBs at the same position

[Jase 43,479]

He drifted to the right a lot too

Well, he had to cover for Azpi at times when Derby broke forward down our right side.

[Barbara 15,149]

I don't get this criticism towards one of the players I think gives the most for us in the pitch... and it's not only about his disposition. This guy is a lion and he embodies Mourinho's philosophy like few do.

He'll always have my unconditional support unless he has a long sequence of bad games where we lost because of his mistakes. Which honestly, I don't see coming. Just because a goal comes from his side of the pitch it doesn't mean he was at fault, that argument is RIDICULOUS.

He bullies opposition all the time and while I know and address when he goes up in the pitch he offers a lot of space behind him, someone has to, as Azpi is nearly inept in the LB attacking. He has a couple of good moments every now and then, but he offers virtually nothing to our attack. If Iva doesn't try to come and support the attack we'll be even more narrow than we already are.

People are in general very unfair to this legend.

On the CB subject. I'm more convinced than ever that he shouldn't play there, although maybe he was still on autopilot when he came to play there against Derby. I still like him better as a RB.

[The Chels 2,502]

I don't get this criticism towards one of the players I think gives the most for us in the pitch... and it's not only about his disposition. This guy is a lion and he embodies Mourinho's philosophy like few do. He'll always have my unconditional support unless he has a long sequence of bad games where we lost because of his mistakes. Which honestly, I don't see coming. Just because a goal comes from his side of the pitch it doesn't mean he was at fault, that argument is RIDICULOUS. He bullies opposition all the time and while I know and address when he goes up in the pitch he offers a lot of space behind him, someone has to, as Azpi is nearly inept in the LB attacking. He has a couple of good moments every now and then, but he offers virtually nothing to our attack. If Iva doesn't try to come and support the attack we'll be even more narrow than we already are. People are in general very unfair to this legend.

The majority of goals we've conceded have come down his side but that's not the problem in itself. The reason he is often slated is because the goal typically stems from his nonchalant defending or one of his customary lapses in concentration when he is in position - e.g. against City, Everton, United, Maribor, QPR, Derby. The excuse that he has to attack a lot and is obviously going to be out of position isn't really valid as you'll see he is usually back 'defending' or 'running' back (Schalke, Newcastle) when we do concede from down that side.

Of course Ivanovic isn't the only one responsible for the goals conceded in these games or our lack of clean sheets this season (it certainly doesn't help having Cahill cover that side) but I'm surprised to see you defending him just a couple of days after he was very clearly responsible for yet another goal conceded!

[zolayes 14,489]

in attack he is best at RB in defence best at CB ,, so it depends how we are set up to play

[The Chels 2,502]

in attack he is best at RB in defence best at CB ,, so it depends how we are set up to play

I thought he'd be better off at CB but having watched him play there against Derby I have come to the conclusion that that he will suffer concentration lapses and defensive brain farts wherever he plays.

[zolayes 14,489]

I thought he'd be better off at CB but having watched him play there against Derby I have come to the conclusion that that he will suffer concentration lapses and defensive brain farts wherever he plays.

you could be right ,,,but if he was at CB their Left wing channel wouldnt be as open

[The Chels 2,502]

you could be right ,,,but if he was at CB their Left wing channel wouldnt be as open

It's a difficult one.

Is he a better CB than Cahill? Probably not as imo both are similarly error prone.

Is he a better RB than Azpi is a RB/LB? Offensively yes, defensively no.

Is he a better RB than Luis is a LB? Offensively no, defensively I'm unsure - neither is great 1v1, Ivanovic is stronger and better aerially but Luis switches off less and is better at tackling & pressing.

Is Luis a better LB than Azpi is a RB/LB? Offensively yes, defensively no.

Clearly each FB has their own merits and I don't think Cahill being dropped is realistic. The least we can hope for is a lot more rotation between the 3 FBs depending on the game just like we've been seeing recently.

[stroey 2,525]

https://vine.co/v/OXm9wLIHWij

Lol

[Fernando 6,453]

Must have gone to Barcelona diving school. ?

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,919]

Ya needs to cut the diving out of his game

One month later....

[bluesman2610 1,341]

One month later....

same shit different day for Ivan

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Really need to cut that shit out. It is completely needless and is really not fooling anyone...