Written by Anthony Williams
In the aftermath of Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates the so-called experts performed a post-mortem of the game and gave their thoughts on where it all went wrong for the Blues and Jamie Redknapp cited Jon Obi Mikel as a weak link.
Now, I know that Mikel has been short of form recently (as have most of the team/squad), but Redknapp’s comments are as laughable as his self contradictions and constant misuse of the word ‘literally’.
The former Liverpool midfielder said:
“Mikel Obi was taken off at halftime. His deep midfield role should be a dream position.
“You should boss the game, touch the ball 100 times and put out fires whenever there‘s danger. Mikel rarely passes the ball forward and is a weak link.”
Okay, it’s fair to say that Mikel passes sideways and backwards a lot, so fair comment? Well, not after this next one:
“Chelsea have liked a player there since the master, Claude Makelele, had the position named after him. Michael Essien could go there, but it would curb his instincts. They may have to buy in January.”
(The Daily Mail)
The great Maka played more sideways and backward passes than anyone, so what the hell is Redknapp on about?
…Talking out of his arse, as per usual.
Redknapp also commented on Mikel not touching the ball enough, but how would the Nigerian midfielder make 1187 passes with an 89% passing accuracy (leading passer in the Premier League) if he doesn’t hardly touch the ball?
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Most of the damage was done on Monday night after Mikel came off the pitch at half time and former Nigerian forward Daniel Amokachi argues that Carlo Ancelotti made a tactical blunder by taking his countryman off:
“I wouldn‘t know why Mikel was subbed at half time. Carlo Ancelotti made a fatal tactical blunder by pulling out Mikel because he is the one who gives cover to the Chelsea defence, not (Michael) Essien or Ramires, who loves to go forward.”
He also believes the 23-year-old midfielder is integral to the Blues’ team play:
“When Mikel isn‘t there, Chelsea have often struggled to play as a team and that was what happened against Arsenal.”
(Supersport)
What do the fans think, is Jon Obi Mikel a midfield pass master or a disaster?
This article was first published on TheShedEnder.com – follow him HERE on Twitter
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