If I may, the frailities of Nolan were frustrating last season, but this, as we have better passers of the ball in Amal, Song, Downing, Kou Zarate, now shows him up as being extremely poor in that department.

Also the knack he had of finding space and nicking a goal, seems to have left him. So the question does beg what does he bring to the team?

I would argue that against certain teams, primarily those in the lower end of the division, he can compete adequately, more so when the oppositions central midfield is not particularly quick nor mobile. the likes of Leicester, West Brom, Palace, QPR, Stoke, Hull etc.

But against teams who have pace and mobility this is where he clearly now is out of his depth and should not start games. Noble, on the other hand although not quick, covers every blade a of grass in games and is a good passer of the ball, both therefore compensates for his lack of speed and warrant his inclusion in the team.