article_snippet.sent: Lacks the ball quality of Marco Verratti and the defensive acumen of Thiago Motta, who were sorely missed in the midfield.
article_snippet.sent: Former Newcastle United star Yohan Cabaye (left) struggled and looked out of Former Newcastle United star Yohan Cabaye (left) depth at times .
article_snippet.sent: Moments of quality few and far between.
article_snippet.sent: - So often leaves you wanting more in these pivotal games.
article_snippet.sent: Denied by a marvellous Mascherano challenge in the first half but lacked the conviction to really take on the opportunity.
article_snippet.sent: To lose Silva so early was a bitter blow, too, .