105 replies to this topic

[ozboy]

I was surprised to see how sharp Essien looked. He has already exceeded my expectations by getting on the field at all and looking as sharp as he did was a great bonus.

He provides another alternative to Mereles/Lampard with more defensive power than either of them and a historic ability to drive  forward with a good aggressive football brain. If he is near his best, and by that I mean better than at any stage last season, he would start ahead of Mereiles

My new hope is that he will last out the season and tip the balance that keeps us in the top four this season.

[u no it makes sense]

I wonder if Chelsea had been a bit sneaky here and waiting till the African teams had been picked before saying he is fit to play. Maybe he was fit a few weeks ago but Chelsea wanted to keep it under wraps until the weekend.

[evissy]

u no it makes sense, on 17 January 2012 - 10:01 AM, said:

I wonder if Chelsea had been a bit sneaky here and waiting till the African teams had been picked before saying he is fit to play. Maybe he was fit a few weeks ago but Chelsea wanted to keep it under wraps until the weekend.

I thought Essien has retired from team Ghana because of his recurring injuries...maybe I remember wrong.

Anyway he needs to play for us instead of his country who doesn't pay his wages and recovery.

[u no it makes sense]

He had a break but im sure he went back with them before he got injured with us again.

[Fast Eddie]

I'd agree ozboy, I saw him Saturday and was very happy with his performance on and off the ball.  I'm just praying he can maintain the situation long-term given his injury issues...

[undertow]

evissy, on 17 January 2012 - 10:31 AM, said:

I thought Essien has retired from team Ghana because of his recurring injuries...maybe I remember wrong.

Anyway he needs to play for us instead of his country who doesn't pay his wages and recovery.

He did, but he made himself available again just a few weeks before his last injury.