There was a lot of talk about Jose Mourinho coming to the Ethiad Stadium on Monday with negative tactics. But you don’t need to “park the bus” when you have the coach. Mourinho has shown us all once again why he is one of Europe’s best managers. Chelsea beat Manchester City by 1-0, thanks to a 32nd minute strike from defender Branislav Ivanovic. Proving that City is not unbeatable at home. Defensively, City’s full backs looked rattled all night. Joe Hart was saved by his cross bar at least 4 times.
You could say that City might still be slight favorites to win the title, but that performance from Chelsea was a massive statement of intent.
Eyes were opened all around when the pre match team sheets were given out when Jose left Brazilian play maker Oscar out of his starting lineup. He started with Hazard, Eto’o, and Willian as his front attacking three. Its very interesting how in the beginning of the season media members and pundits were questioning the signing of Etoo and Willian, calling them luxury players that Chelsea didn’t need. Now they both are intrical parts of the team. New signing Nemanja Matic was in central midfield alongside David Luiz, where they both acted as a barrier to the back four. Matic was named man of the match for his fantastic display of phasing out arguably the best midfield player in England Ya Ya Toure.
In big games Mourinho likes to flood the middle and force opponents out wide and just let his central defenders handle the crosses that come into the middle. His game plan worked out to perfection. They pressed the City high up the field and when they recovered the ball Chelsea were very aggressive and this gave them confidence. Club captain John terry said after the game that “we spent a couple of days planning and this is where he comes into his own assessing their strengths and their weakness.” When asked the title race John went on to say “after the disappointment of dropping two points to West Ham it was important that they bounce back and pick up some wins at home and hope that teams around us drop points.” The press asked Mourinho a similar question on if this was a three horse race between Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal for the title.
He responded by saying “Its two big horses and a little horse who still needs meals and to learn how to jump”.
You just cant make that up, that’s why he is known as the Special One.