Mikel really was dire, jeez. Changed our game completely we looked absolutely terrible. 3 points tho.
Well... yeah! But the 4 sides below us have games in hand . Sorry, not 'getting on the same page' there mate. Yep. Next up the top 4
Well the second half was a throwback to the first half of the season! The good thing is (I think) that Hiddink MAY handle the aftermath better (ie not tear into them or blame the ref / fans / doctor / car park attendant etc.)
His calm and composure has had an incredible effect. Not a wuss either, knows how to deliver fair, stern criticism when it's due.
Which he definitely deserves. Also, while there has been a few hiccups back there, I like Cahill-Ivan. I hope Ivan is considered a CB here on out as he was always intended to be when he was brought to the club from Lokomotiv (for only 9m pounds, I might add). Since we re-signed both Cahill and Ivan recently, having them as depth will be plenty helpful.
Also, is it too silly to "dream" of the Europa League? Considering our newfound ways, here are the remaining run of matches: Stoke (H) Liverpool (A) West Ham (H) Aston Villa (A) Swansea (A) City (H) Bournemouth (A) Spurs (H) Sunderland (A) Leicester (H) We can win: Stoke, Villa, Swansea, Bournemouth, Sunderland We can draw: Liverpool, West Ham, Leicester We can lose: City, Spurs 18 points.
I think, as a pairing, they could develop. Just need to work on the mechanics of who's doing what, is the thing. With JT the other guy will always take their lead from him but with two other guys it needs sorting out. Like that bit the other day when Cesc knocked a ball sideways and they screwed around trying to figure who's ball it was. If JT was there he nearly always attacks the ball coz the other guy will be quicker to recover and, in any event, he nearly comes out of a tackle with the ball anyway. With these two it turned into a bit of a committee meeting.
I want the Europa League. More matches means youth get an opportunity, more money, and more coefficient points.