Gyekeb4real

Essien staying can only be positive for us. He is still the most complete midfielder we have in terms of contributions to defense, break up play, ball winning, passing, and contribution to attack. After his injury he may have lost some physicality and speed but he still has experience and stamina and hence a good enough player to have in a team that plays the number of game we play. He need games to even get better. the few times I've seen him play this season, even in the game he practically gifted our opponent a goal, I don't think any of our defensive midfielders have been better than him. When given games he can provide the stability that most of our midfielders cannot provide.

Did I see mou gesturing that the players are asleep? He must be dreaming. He needs to wake up and start working. 90 mins without a shot on goal and mata is on the bench throughout. He needs to swallow his pride for the betterment of chelsea. This is unacceptable.

Now bring mata on for lampard pleassssse

Why is lampard still playing? Why is mata still on the bench?

Jose mourhino is not impressing me this time, same group of players latter half of last season played more entertaining football. Our best creative player still warm the bench whilst we continually churn out uninspiring performances. Looks like we have absolutely no game plan. We are making a meal of Basel.

Some chelsea so called fans are so abrasive that it's a put off. When things are not going well for the team that's when you know the type of fans we have...so immature.

Great game by Ess. Mata needs more games.Willian can only improve. Good win, waiting to hear what Jose will say.

I sincerely hope Jose has sized Mata up well and his open criticism of the player will not dampen him. If Mata lights up and Hazard gains some self confidence this season could be sweet but if Jose's comments hit the wrong nerves it could be too costly for us. Shine Mata...show him.

Getting a bad feeling the way Jose is handling Mata. It's almost as if he is out to justify the player as not being good enough for his system of play than encourage him to adapt. I get the feeling his mind is already made up when it comes to Juan. Jose's comments are way too antagonizing and that cannot be good. Mata is way too creative to be over criticized for his defensive prowess and we stand to lose more creativity when he is not playing than the defensive gain we will get even if he adapts to Jose's philosophy. Jose has mostly been great with his man management but this one stinks.

It's strange the team could not play to its strength; so many creative players but our strikers keep getting no service. Hazards seem to me to be under too much pressure. He cannot handle being the main man. He needs Mata with him. Essien and Ramirez together probably our better midfield pair in terms of protecting the back four, winning balls and mobility. We need a more balanced midfield with clear roles. Jose will surely get the balance right, sooner than later though hopefully.