Mikel is not the problem, it's the player who plays with him. Combos that should work in order of preference assuming Oscar does end up becomin a DM as well - Mikel - Ramires Mikel - Oscar Ramires - Oscar Lampard - Ramires Ramires - Romeu Mikel - Romeu Lampard - Romeu
Common sense Varier, we do have options and should start to use them. However a midfield controller who is so good he is always 1st choice would be my call. And you are also right about Mikel, he's not the problem.
problem is you should of kept essien and played him with mikel as in pre season i thought it worked well for u guys. plus lampard should be on the bench not good enough anymore
too bad, must have kept atleast one of them.. Now Mikel will be doing his 'backpass to opposition striker' routine all season long!! Can't wait for African Cup of Nations and hope Nigeria qualifies..!! Thanks Lampard for everything.. Please leave!! 33mins 2-0 up and managed to screw up.. wtf????
As an outsider looking in I don't think either of them are good enough. Until Romeu is ready it really should be Mikel & Ramires with one of Oscar, Moses or Sturridge in the attacking three in Ramires' place. The problem is, if Lampard is dropped, will he kick up a fuss and be a hindrance like he was last year? Not looking to wum, but Lampard might do more harm in the team than out of it until he realises he's not quite up to it any more.
Miereles was the closest we had to fluidity between the defence and attack. He and Mikel looked great. Shame really. Essien I'm not too fussed about he's not the player he was.
Lamps Mikel better today but admittedly only Norwich at home. Ram and may be Rom in for more challenging teams
They done alright but we still got exposed, don't know what Mikel was doing just standing there for their first goal when he should have been pressing holt, and Lamps once again still left us exposed with his forward runs. Better than the QPR game but this was Norwich at home. Against someone of superior quality we could well have been punished. Next four games are massive, Spurs away,Shakthar away, Man U home, Man u home carling cup. Lamps/Mikel can't play together in the two league games, we need 4 points minimum. I'd go Ramires/Mikel. Play Lamps/Romeu for the carling cup game and Shakthar not sure
Holt scored a great goal, that said JT was three yards in front of him but off to the left on the edge of the ten yard area when he should of been standing on his head. Mikel was behind Holt and any challenge would of probably ended in a penalty. Chalobah is playing def mid on loan.
JT had an injury at the time and was struggling to stand, which is how holt got the space. Essien is with Real to get back to full fitness , in nicewarm weather and nice slow tempo footie for most of the time, he will be back next season no worries
