Chelsea must learn to win without Mata.

[KingFemzee]

In 18 Premier League games, Mata has
notched seven goals and seven assists. But his
influence stretches beyond the obvious
numbers. He often plays the pass before the
pass, giving Eden Hazard – joint top of the
assist charts with 11 – the ball in the space
and positions to do maximum damage. He is
also a man for the big occasion, having scored
against Arsenal, Tottenham and United.
.

Were it not for the remarkable feats of Robin
van Persie, Luis Suarez and self-fulfilling
'Signing of the Season' Michu, Mata would
boast perhaps the strongest claim of all to be
clubhouse leader for Player of the Year as we
embark on 2013. If his form continues, he may still find himself in the debate.
.

But it is this 'if' which should be worrying
Benitez. For Chelsea's reliance on Mata for
inspiration is almost total. In the four Premier
League matches he has not started, the Blues
have faced QPR home and away, West Brom at
the Hawthorns and Fulham at Stamford
Bridge, without winning once.