Jose Mourinho was in pragmatic mood following the 3-2 win over Fulham yesterday: “It was almost a repeat of the Blackburn game,” said the Chelsea boss.
“We started well, scored earlier but mistakes let them back in.
“It did well for their self-belief.
“They were motivated and did well in the second-half.
“But it was a good experience for my players.
It showed their character to come back from difficult circumstances at 2-2.
“We had the game under control, then we make the mistake and suddenly we are in trouble.
“Sometimes I have to admit when the opponent’s fight and play well, and this was such a game.
“Crespo’s’ goal was wonderful and it was a pity to take him off at that point but I wanted to adjust my team.
“Joe Cole was excellent. I put him on to the wing, because that is his best position.
“When he came to the club, no one knew his best position, not even him.
He was selfish and not strong enough in central midfield but now he is the best creative player we have.
“I think there were three penalties in the game, John Terry and Cole’s foul for Fulham but we too should have had one when Knight handled.
“But the spirit of the side is important and when I played three defenders at the back I was confident I could trust them to fight for the team.”
Fulham boss Chris Coleman was delighted with his team: “We did not defend the corner for their first goal well,” said the Welshman. “ And then McBride was off the pitch having stitches when they scored their second.
“But we did not fold and got back into the game.
“We deserved the equaliser and then went for the winner.
“But Chelsea probably came out better in the tactical changes that were made.
“The game could have gone either way.
“They caused us problems but we terrorised their defenders.
“But Terry handled in the area, it was a stonewall penalty. The ref is a good one, but he needs the help of modern technology - video evidence would clear things up.
“We approach every game the same and we had a go at Chelsea.
We could have had more goals and their defence were not settled.”