Mourinho Masters Saints

Article by Chelsea Correspondent Lee Beevor

When Jose Mourinho signed an improved contract during his first spell at Chelsea, Frank Lampard was interviewed by Sky Sports. At the time, it made Mourinho the highest paid manager in the Premier League. Lamps remarked, tongue only slightly in cheek, that it was a lot of money for someone who doesn’t score any goals. Whilst we are only a few months into his second coming, the magic that commands this level of wages is once again in evidence.

Mourinho did not score against Southampton, but his actions did much to win the match for his club. He has earned a reputation for being decisive with his substitutions and not allowing a match to drift. At half time, with Chelsea trailing but pressing hard for an equaliser, most managers would have sent out an unchanged eleven. Instead, defensive midfielder Michael Essien was replaced by a second striker, Demba Ba.

Ba has seen little game time this season, but has been effective when called upon, in particular with a ‘Drogba-esque’ performance against Norwich. On this occasion, Ba’s pace and power helped to raise the tempo and in the end, overwhelm the Saints. His late goal was deserved reward for a dynamic display and gave the score-line a more accurate reflection of the balance of play.

Another Blue instrumental in this victory has also been short of minutes under Mourinho. Nevertheless, Juan Mata showed his full range of creativity and it was his free kick that led to the equaliser. He also supplied the cross for by John Terry’s headed winner. His clever movement allows him to drift in behind defenders, despite not being blessed with natural pace. It can only be this lack of speed that keeps him out of the side, as opponents do tend to surge past him on the counter. As David Luiz has found to his cost, no amount of talent compensates for defensive fragility in the mind of the special one.

After the limp display in midweek, this was in many ways the perfect response. By going behind so quickly, Chelsea needed to show resilience. This they did, with a comeback that would have yielded goals before the break, but for some fantastic goalkeeping. From the moment they drew level, Mourinho’s undefeated league record at Stamford Bridge was no longer at risk.

Whilst this could yet be another false dawn, the signs are growing that this team is the real deal. In this match, Chelsea showed many of the characteristics of Mourinho’s title winning sides. The familiar belief, will to win, tackling and challenging to earn the right to play were all on show. A packed programme in December was something relished by the champions of the past. The next few weeks will confirm if this Chelsea are fit to join them.

© e-Football 2013 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football