Branislav Ivanovic

[The_Flash 1,144]

I didnt think he needed to come on last night, but always happy when he does. Would always be on my teamsheet, he is a brick ****house.

[Kieran. 6,317]

I didnt think he needed to come on last night, but always happy when he does. Would always be on my teamsheet, he is a brick ****house.

It was Kalas who came on.

[The_Flash 1,144]

It was Kalas who came on.

You are right, my mistake sorry had like 1 hour sleep, just watched full Rangers game then Chelsea game, getting confused, he was supposed to come on right, for Gary but didn't. My apologises

[ChelseasMessiah 304]

Given that we'll be playing the Newcastle, is there any chance Iva will not start? I know he's been colossal in most games, especially at the back, but as Aspi is also doing fantastic and is better going forward, he could be an extra weapon against what will almost certainly be a parked Geordie bus.

[The_Flash 1,144]

If I has to pick I would say Ivanovoc

[The_Flash 1,144]

We should be happy that we have so many great choices

[The only place to be 11,313]

Given that we'll be playing the Newcastle, is there any chance Iva will not start? I know he's been colossal in most games, especially at the back, but as Aspi is also doing fantastic and is better going forward, he could be an extra weapon against what will almost certainly be a parked Geordie bus.

Ivanovic offers so much in the air from set-pieces that I wonder if people don't overestimate Dani Alves....sorry, Azpi's prowess when going forward.

Especially considering the stick he got for his crossing last season. Makes me think maybe the problem isn't the crossing but the targets for these crosses.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

He's practically started every game bar two and he only has one offside goal from a FK. His aerial threat is not really that big a factor, in fact JT is much better in the air.

[The only place to be 11,313]

He's practically started every game bar two and he only has one offside goal from a FK. His aerial threat is not really that big a factor, in fact JT is much better in the air.

And the near post flick that led to Torres's first goal against Schalke. He's someone opposition coaches have to plan for at set-pieces which creates space for other players in the box, whereas Azpi really doesn't change much in my opinion.

8 goals last season including the one that won us the Europa League.

[Atlas Lion 1,223]

The statement that Azpilicueta offers more forward is entirely irrational given the crucial and big game goals Ivanovic came up with. Liverpool in 2009. Napoli in 2012 and Benfica last season. A threat in set pieces and a brute in the back line. Nothing more we can ask for

[CHOULO19 24,332]

And the near post flick that led to Torres's first goal against Schalke. He's someone opposition coaches have to plan for at set-pieces which creates space for other players in the box, whereas Azpi really doesn't change much in my opinion.

8 goals last season including the one that won us the Europa League.

8 goals are fantastic for a CB, but even with those, I don't think you can say he offers more in attack than someone who is naturally much better on the ball. On any account, I'd still rather Iva starts most of the big games for his experience and physical abilities, but against teams that defend deep, the width that Azpi provides is more important than Iva's aerial threat attacking wise, imo.

[remains of the day 564]

He's practically started every game bar two and he only has one offside goal from a FK. His aerial threat is not really that big a factor.

Umm his aerial threat is a HUGE factor and a big reason why Mourinho has persisted with him. He wins a ridiculous number of aerial duels and there have been instances where that aerial dominance has given us an outlet to bring the ball out of defense particularly when we're being pressed at the back and has also helped us to build attacks. Schurrle's goal against city is probably a good example of that - torres has rightlful recieved all the plaudits but the goal really came about by cech lumping the ball upfield to ivanovic who won it and headed it towards Torres.

In fact JT is much better in the air.

JT has been and is still is (in my opinion) the best defender in the league particularly when it comes to set pieces. Because Ivanovic is not as strong as JT in the air doesn't make iva any less of an asset for us aerially. Also, doesn't JT only have one goal from a free kick as well, while also playing the majority of every game this season?

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Umm his aerial threat is a HUGE factor and a big reason why Mourinho has persisted with him. He wins a ridiculous number of aerial duels and there have been instances where that aerial dominance has given us an outlet to bring the ball out of defense particularly when we're being pressed at the back and has also helped us to build attacks. Schurrle's goal against city is probably a good example of that - torres has rightlful recieved all the plaudits but the goal really came about by cech lumping the ball upfield to ivanovic who won it and headed it towards Torres.

JT has been and is still is (in my opinion) the best defender in the league particularly when it comes to set pieces. Because Ivanovic is not as strong as JT in the air doesn't make iva any less of an asset for us aerially. Also, doesn't JT only have one goal from a free kick as well, while also playing the majority of every game this season?

You're talking about his aerial dominance in defense, which I agree with. But my point is about his attacking threat through set pieces. Despite how good he is at scoring headed goals from set pieces, I very much doubt that plays a big factor in why Jose is picking him.

And yes, JT has one goal as well IIRC but he probably manages to get to the ball first on attacking corners more than the rest of the team combined together.

[The only place to be 11,313]

You're talking about his aerial dominance in defense, which I agree with. But my point is about his attacking threat through set pieces. Despite how good he is at scoring headed goals from set pieces, I very much doubt that plays a big factor in why Jose is picking him.

And yes, JT has one goal as well IIRC but he probably manages to get to the ball first on attacking corners more than the rest of the team combined together.

I think Remains was alluding to the number of headers he wins from Cech's clearances, one of which led to the first goal against City. Mourinho pushes him on to the right-wing and he seems to win a large number of these duels. That's something Azpi simply doesn't have in his locker.

[The_Flash 1,144]

He tragically was tying to score more than the strikers today

[Henrique 9,133]

In games like this one against Newcastle we do miss a full back that really can attack or even cross. Time for him to play as a CB again and give Azi a chance.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Surprised no one mentioned this, but he was supposed to be marking Gouffran on the first goal but let him beat him by a couple of yards. And I could see from before the FK was even taken that the wrong side of him. Needs to do better.

[The_Flash 1,144]

Everyone needs to do better, we all deserve better