Branislav Ivanovic

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I'm surprised how quiet this thread has been when Ivanovic, yet again, failed to close down a cross which in the end led to West Brom's equalizer. Just stood off Berahino with hands behind his back and no interest in putting pressure on the ball. Utterly pathetic!

To some people, him scoring twice in the last three league games is enough to spare him criticism.

I hate him as a right-back. Feel free to go back through this thread and quote the multiple (at least four occasions) times where I've said so. He just refuses to close the wingers done - that is a cardinal sin for any full back.

[bushman 2,043]

To some people, him scoring twice in the last three league games is enough to spare him criticism.

I hate him as a right-back. Feel free to go back through this thread and quote the multiple (at least four occasions) times where I've said so. He just refuses to close the wingers done - that is a cardinal sin for any full back.

I believe, you are correct here. Iva is still a hoof ball specialist, in my opinion, his flurry decisions to kick the ball are wasted chances, I feel.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I believe, you are correct here. Iva is still a hoof ball specialist, in my opinion, his flurry decisions to kick the ball are wasted chances, I feel.

Well, he is really a centre-back! Besides his athleticism, he lacks the characteristics of a full-back. Square peg for a round hole... while we have Azpilicueta, arguably the best right back in the league, playing on the other side of the defence.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

Anyone can gif the moment? Can't seem to find it.

Has happened before tho..

[bushman 2,043]

Well, he is really a centre-back! Besides his athleticism, he lacks the characteristics of a full-back. Square peg for a round hole... while we have Azpilicueta, arguably the best right back in the league, playing on the other side of the defence.

OK, I agree. However, why is Cole not playing, then ? Should Jose not give him another chance ?

Azpi could easily rotate with Iva, Cole can play on his left, then. Left footed player on the left, right footed on the right or am I mistaken ? Iva has blundered on more chances than I like to see.

[kellzfresh 7,228]

He didn't close the winger like azpi does, it would have made the cross more difficult. At least he scored.

I don't think this is the first time he has had a go at cech, I remember one match with AVB where someone crossed the ball and he didn't hear cech scream to leave it for him to catch and he ended up heading it for holt to score a free goal. He should be more respectful, westbrom got confident after that and our players became flat.

[manpe 10,861]

OK, I agree. However, why is Cole not playing, then ? Should Jose not give him another chance ?

Azpi could easily rotate with Iva, Cole can play on his left, then. Left footed player on the left, right footed on the right or am I mistaken ? Iva has blundered on more chances than I like to see.

There is obviously some kind of breakdown between Jose and Ash. After Ash played against Stoke, he told people in his twitter not to get used to seeing him play. It's a shame because we loaned out Bertrand and now we have basically no options left if Cole's exile continues.

[bushman 2,043]

There is obviously some kind of breakdown between Jose and Ash. After Ash played against Stoke, he told people in his twitter not to get used to seeing him play. It's a shame because we loaned out Bertrand and now we have basically no options left if Cole's exile continues.

Well, then the obvious question. Why Jose ? Another power trip by him ?

[The_Flash 1,144]

I had a terrible view of the game, what happened between Cech and Ivan??

[pWneR 230]

Ivan was pissed at referee, I mean really pissed, Cech tried to calm him down but he didn't, and yelled a little at Cech too.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Ivan was pissed at referee, I mean really pissed, Cech tried to calm him down but he didn't, and yelled a little at Cech too.

Actually, I think was upset that Iva was yelling at the ref and not in position which resulted in Brunt have a free shot inside the area.

[Jase 43,479]

His meltdown at West Brom...

[oman43 45]

I agree with what people are saying: Ivanovic's behaviour certainly didn't help in the lead up to the goal. Also, his defending could have been better, shutting the cross down. But that aside, I do like to see the players show genuine passion for the club. It shows they are desperate to win this title, which we are truly in the mix for. BV could and should have channelled this better but instead of it showing disharmony, maybe it shows how up for it our players actually are? I am not saying this is right at all, let me just clear that up.

[francozola 2,040]

He's become a thug over the last few years. Always despise it when he has one of these outbursts. It's embarrassing and disgraceful. It's one thing to be strong with the officials, the way JT and co. are. It's another to behave in this manner.

[Strike 7,201]

Over a fuckin throw in! He lost his shit over a throw in. Come on. He was out of position too when it happened (Left back spot) and it led to a West Brom chance on the right where he would have normally been. Poor from Branna

and as for the goal, this guy is probably WOAT fullback in closing down crossers. He's always very happy staying very narrow like a 3rd CB

[Mufassir08 2,400]

He's always very happy staying very narrow like a 3rd CB

Can you blame him though as he is a CB playing in the RB spot while our natural and reliable RB is playing on the left side.

[Reddish-Blue 2,325]

Can you blame him though as he is a CB playing in the RB spot while our natural and reliable RB is playing on the left side.

Yes, you can blame him...because he has played RB for a number of seasons...he should have learnt how to close down crosses by now..

All I see him do is quickly put his arms behind his back and then just stand there..

[iceman 329]

today is a birthday of our serbian defender. good wishes!