Monk, I want to see Noble on the ball based on your assertions above, however picking it up from the toes of the back four is 101 in the "not to do as a midfielder" rule book! Ask any defender at that level and they will more than not, say it is not wanted, or needed and in fact detrimental to (i this case) Noble and the team.

Valencia was givena mind blowing whole ten mins while for 80mins we had the half a striker Cole up front on his own. Personally I like the 3/5 at the back, although my preference has always been 4/2/3/1 - Fluid, dynamic formation allowing for "in numbers" defending and attack as well as option to flood midfield if required.