Comment deleted by Site Moderator

sportingintelligence ‏@sportingintel
Jose Mourinho: "A good decision by Atkinson [to book Oscar]. Oscar deserved the card today."

I agree with everything Don has said the past hour.

I am not convinced.

I also think that there is substance in the view thaat Willian and Oscar are currently playing better.

BUT

I do think a lot of that is down to the poor management of Mata, and the fact he is constantly played out of position and provided no rythm,

But even if that is the case, things are what they are, and teams should be picked on that. Even if it isnt a full meritocracy.

Also it is not Oscar's fault for how Mata has been treated. And although i don't rate Willian that highly, he was good today

comment by Don Mata (U10332)
posted 33 seconds ago
sportingintelligence ‏@sportingintel
Jose Mourinho: "A good decision by Atkinson [to book Oscar]. Oscar deserved the card today."
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Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Mata plays on the right for Spain and left for Valencia. Not exactly out of position. He was on the right at the start of RDM'S reign as well when we were playing well. He needs to step it up HIMSELF

Poor management would be leaving him out of the side and squad all together like KDB. Mata plays a lot, he just doesn't take his chances enough or do anything of note

it is such a joke name considering you dont rate him. it'd like me calling myself 'MikelLover' or MrChelsea the 'RamiresFanboy#1'.

Could say the same for you 'Mr Chelsea'

Agreed. We can't keep playing around Mata. If he's good enough he'll force himself back in the team.

When have I ever written 'I don't rate Mata'. Maybe I shouldn't criticise at all and say he's perfect

Great performance, here's my match ratings:

Cech 7

Cole 6

Terry 7

Cahill 7

Azpilicueta 8

Mikel 7

Ramires 7

Mata 7

Hazard 9

Schurrle 5

Torres 8

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Willian 8

Oscar 8

Essien N/A

Football is and never will be a meritocracy.

If the club is serious about Jose and his project, then it seems Mata's only hope is another club.

However, mulling things over. I will write a final article on Mata at some point over next few days.

And hopefully he does

But you wouldn't be bothered if he was sold.

I will write a final article on Mata at some point over next few days.
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It won't be a final one, let's be honest

It is possible to be critical of your favourite players.

One other thing I will say is Mata has been in a pressure cooker all season.

Every time he plays he clearly feels far more pressure to create or do anything and he knows that even if he does well he is unlikely to have a perfromance extening beyond a sub's cameo, or the first 55 minutes of a match.

You could say if he is a great player he will prove people wrong, and if he is good enough he will find a way back in....

but none of the supposed superiors like Hazard or Oscar have dealt with that pressure. And in fact have benefitted from confidence and game time.

I am not trying to criticise them. I just think the view that if he is good enough he will play is very simplistic indeed. And that you can compare Mata to others so arbitrarily.

In the same way I spent half my time here defending Oscar as he had to play RW last season

It is possible to be critical of your favourite players.

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Same way it is possible to be critical of your club, or your gaffer, or your board