Twitter reacts to Nigeria star John Obi Mikel's for Chelsea in defeat to Newcastle
Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi was called in after suspension to Nemanja Matic for the match against Newcastle and the fans think he did not disappoint.
Chelsea always knew that a trip to Newcastle United was going to be tough. In recent times, especially under Jose Mourinho, they have struggled to defeat The Toon, especially on Tyneside.
The task was made all the more tougher by the absence of Nemanja Matic. The defensive midfielder is an ever present in the side and without his influence from midfield many were concerned Chelsea would not be able to get the desire result.
But Chelsea have an extremely experienced replacement in the form of John Obi Mikel , even if he has not played on a regular basis in recent weeks and months.
It was his first start of the Premier League season and his first since May, so his performance was always going to come under the microscope.
The Nigerian did not have a bad game, in fact, he was one of the least to blame players out on the pitch.
He got stuck in, made some great tackles and toward the end of the game his howitzer passes were causing endless trouble in the Newcastle area.
However he did not influence the game quite like Matic has done for Chelsea this season. The main reason is the speed in his transition. Mikel takes three languid touches when Matic takes two to get Chelsea on the move in a more crisp and ferocious fashion.
The fact is Matic was bought as an upgrade on Mikel because he is simply that, an upgrade. So when Mikel plays something will be taken away from Chelsea's performance.
Here is what the Chelsea fans thought of his performance…
Mikel was fantastic to come in for Matic. Can't blame him.
— TweetChelseaFC (@TweetChelseaFC) December 6, 2014
Matic was a giant miss but John Obi Mikel was absolutely class. No quality in the final third, no end product whatsoever.
— Thibauted (@Thibauted) December 6, 2014
14 game unbeaten streak ended the second Mikel starts a game. And I refuse to believe that's a coincidence.
— Daniel Sloss (@Daniel_Sloss) December 6, 2014
I absolutely hate Mikel…sideways, back ten yards, let's players skip past him.
— l3ahpar (@l3ahpar) December 6, 2014
Hazard flagged offside. Great from Mikel in our half to start that counter attack.
— TweetChelseaFC (@TweetChelseaFC) December 6, 2014
Brilliant game from Mikel so far, looks so calm in possession.
— Frank Lampard UK (@FrankLampardUK) December 6, 2014
Imagine abusing John Obi Mikel. Your player, loyal to this club since 2006, superb for thie club in previous years, bossed it in Munich.
— Adam Wojtkowiak (@AdamWojtkowiak) December 6, 2014
SEE ALSO: He betrayed nobody – Former Arsenal loanee gives backing to Chelsea striker
Tbh if Mikel was so bad I'm sure he'd of been sold long ago, so many managers and they've all chose to keep him. Says a lot.
— Thibauted (@Thibauted) December 6, 2014
Mikel is just so slow. Takes him 5 touches to get the ball from under his feet
— Calum Heseltine (@Calum_Heseltine) December 6, 2014
How did you feel John Mikel Obi performed in Chelsea's defeat at the hands of Newcastle United?