Arteta has been stinking the place out for the past few weeks.

[a9blue]

I've been saying for years he's the most overrated player in my 40 years of going to watch the Blues. His current bad form just cant be ignored even by his worshippers.

 

[Neiler]

Pure quality.

 

[artetas sock]

I've been saying for years he's the most overrated player in my 40 years of going to watch the Blues. His current bad form just cant be ignored even by his worshippers.

Nuff said! b)

 

[Rubin_Carter]

Narked with being partnered with Johnny 'dont give a toss' Heitinga?

 

[bluepete]

More or less the whole team with a couple of exceptions have sucked recently and Arteta has been one of the worst.

 

[pablo315]

From day 1 of the season the fat headed Alardyce identified him as our biggest threat and man marked him out the game (hence the sideways passing). I think all managers who know their team is not as good as ours have followed suit. Its not an excuse but the run we had in the 2nd half of last season hasnt helped us because opposition sides are giving us the respect they offer to the big boys and we arent used to it. Until we find a way around negiative tactics we will struggle, Arsenal were just better than us. Arteta's confidence has suffered as a result. I believe he will turn it round and come May we will see him as our best player again. Class is permanent.

 

[Topblue]

Scored against Man Utd. Scored against the RS.

Hyperbole. He didn't have a good game tonight. Pienaar was [Poor language removed] too.

Blind are we or not watch the game,

Shakes head.

 

[DionDublin]

Narked with being partnered with Johnny 'dont give a toss' Heitinga?

exactly.

hardly the kind of team mate who would inspire you.

 

[Summerskin]

I, as the OP, still firmly believe that Arteta is our best player, without a doubt.

I was merely highlighting how badly gash he's been.

 

[Tubey]

I, as the OP, still firmly believe that Arteta is our best player, without a doubt.

I was merely highlighting how badly gash he's been.

What, not Phil Neville or Tony Hibbert!? :O

 

[Great Dane]

I, as the OP, still firmly believe that Arteta is our best player, without a doubt.

I was merely highlighting how badly gash he's been.

Techinically yes, in terms of value to the team Cahill without a shadow of a doubt.

 

[billycopper]

A three match ban might be a blessing in disguise. Our engine room has been pedestrian recently. Maybe we can move Pienaar inside and try Anichebe on the left. Rodwell and Heitinga has to be worth a try too. Heit-Arteta just isn't working as a partnership.

 

[RFUS]

A three match ban might be a blessing in disguise. Our engine room has been pedestrian recently. Maybe we can move Pienaar inside and try Anichebe on the left. Rodwell and Heitinga has to be worth a try too. Heit-Arteta just isn't working as a partnership.

That's what happens when you play your best player as a menial sweeper, and your most disinterested one at all.

 

[billycopper]

I agree. I'm not in favour of having him as a "deep lying playmaker". The common sense thing would probably be to have Arteta and Cahill close to the lone striker, flanked by Pienaar and Coleman. The anchor would then offer protection.

Mikel's close control and awareness are normally immaculate, but he's been getting caught on the ball time and time again recently. For whatever reason, he's a shadow of his usual self. A few games on the sidelines might help him get over his dip in form.

 

[RFUS]

I agree. I'm not in favour of having him as a "deep lying playmaker". The common sense thing would probably be to have Arteta and Cahill close to the lone striker, flanked by Pienaar and Coleman. The anchor would then offer protection.

Mikel's close control and awareness are normally immaculate, but he's been getting caught on the ball time and time again recently. For whatever reason, he's a shadow of his usual self. A few games on the sidelines might help him get over his dip in form.

It's not even where he plays, as in on the teamsheet.

It's about -- as LCAB himself emphasised -- movement. These past few weeks it's been Heitinga (the CB) advancing further up the pitch, than Mikel -- our most creative player. Last season when he returned he was roaming higher up the pitch, and he was having one of the most productive periods in his career. When he comes back, I pray to God Davey fixes this.